Airbag control unit with part number P68186641AA

What does the airbag control unit P68186641AA do?

The airbag control unit P68186641AA is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) of Jeep. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors, decides within milliseconds in the event of an accident which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and monitors the system continuously. It reports faults via the airbag warning light.

In everyday driving the unit works unnoticed in the background. It checks voltage, connections and connected components, and stores detected faults in the fault memory so that a workshop can read them out.

After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

Why does the control unit P68186641AA fail?

On the P68186641AA, stored crash data from an accident are the most common cause, even if no airbag has deployed; a standard diagnostic tool cannot erase them. Other causes are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at connectors, and voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start.

An airbag deployment is not required for crash data to be stored. That is exactly why they come first when looking for the fault.

An older unit with aged components can develop faults at some point. Connectors also deserve a look, because moisture and corrosion change the contact over time.

How can you tell that the P68186641AA is defective?

With a defect on the P68186641AA, the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or intermittently. Add to that a fault message in the instrument cluster, a diagnostic tool that cannot reach the control unit, and a fault memory that cannot be cleared. In that case, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to deploy in an emergency.

Take the warning seriously, even if the vehicle drives normally. Have the fault read out promptly, because only then does the cause become visible.

Which vehicles is the P68186641AA fitted in?

The control unit P68186641AA is fitted in these vehicles: Jeep Compass MK (2007-2010) and MK Facelift (2011-2016). Whether your car is among them can be seen in the vehicle registration document.

The vehicles in detail:

• Jeep Compass MK (2007-2010)
• Jeep Compass MK Facelift (2011-2016)

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page; that only confirms that it is the right unit. Also have the fault memory read out beforehand, because only that result shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a connector or cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers P68186642AD.

How does the repair of the P68186641AA work?

First have the fault memory of the P68186641AA read out and enclose the log, then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit. Next create a repair order online and send in the well-packed unit. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

At Airbag24 the team checks the unit on the test bench and replaces defective components. Stored crash data are erased in the process, followed by a functional test. Afterwards your own unit is returned to you.

The order of the first steps is mandatory for safety reasons. 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 P68186641AA get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit P68186641AA in as a parcel, or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 sends it back to you by UPS.

Put the printed repair order into the parcel and pack the unit shockproof.