Airbag control unit with part number P68185860AC

What does the airbag control unit P68185860AC do?

The airbag control unit P68185860AC is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) for Jeep. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors and decides within milliseconds in the event of an accident which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered; it reports faults via the airbag warning light. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

Monitoring runs constantly in the background, not only in the event of an accident. To do this, the control unit continuously checks the connected components for faults.

Because every decision must be correct in an emergency, take every indication of a fault seriously. The restraint function of the vehicle depends directly on this device.

Why does the control unit P68185860AC fail?

For the P68185860AC, the most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag was deployed; a normal diagnostic tool cannot erase them. Other causes are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes.

In addition to the crash data, the following causes also come into consideration:

• aged electronic components
• cold solder joints
• moisture and corrosion at plug connections
• voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or jump-starting

Anyone looking for the cause quickly encounters several possibilities at once. Aging, moisture and voltage fluctuations can act together, which makes it hard to narrow down the cause without testing.

How can you tell that the P68185860AC is defective?

Signs of a fault on the P68185860AC are the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, which stays on permanently or intermittently, an error message in the instrument cluster, a diagnostic tool with no connection to the control unit, and a fault memory that cannot be cleared. In these cases the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not be able to deploy in an emergency.

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster is the sign you are most likely to notice. If it stays on after switching on or comes back while driving, a check is due.

A missing connection to the diagnostic tool does not necessarily mean the control unit is at fault. Wires and plugs can be the cause too. Only the read-out shows which area is affected.

Which vehicles is the P68185860AC fitted in?

The control unit P68185860AC is fitted in these vehicles: Jeep Wrangler JK (2007-2018).

These vehicles are listed in detail:

• Jeep Wrangler JK (2007-2018)

Before removal, two steps help you. Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page; this only confirms that you have the right unit and does not clarify any cause. Also have the fault memory read out beforehand, because only this log shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a plug or cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 68398609AB, P68003421AB.

How does the repair of the P68185860AC work?

For safety reasons, a fixed sequence applies to the P68185860AC: have the fault memory read out and the log attached, disconnect the battery, and only then remove the control unit. Then create a repair order online and send the unit well packed.

Airbag24 checks the unit that was sent in on the test bench, repairs defective components and carries out a function test. Stored crash data are also erased. Checking, repairing and testing at Airbag24 usually take 3–4 working days.

Your own, repaired unit is then returned to you.

Our repairs come with 2 years' statutory liability for defects. The repaired control unit comes back with all vehicle data and is ready for use as soon as it is refitted — no coding or programming is required.

How does the control unit P68185860AC get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit P68185860AC as a parcel or arrange a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 returns it to you by UPS.

Put the printed repair order in the parcel and pack the unit so that it is shock-proof.