Airbag control unit with part number P68186646AC

What does the airbag control unit P68186646AC do?

The airbag control unit P68186646AC runs the restraint system (SRS) of Jeep. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors and decides in a crash which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners trigger within milliseconds. It reports faults via the airbag warning light.

Monitoring runs constantly, both while the vehicle is standing and while it is driving. Faults are stored in the unit's memory.

After an accident the control unit stores crash data and locks itself. It is therefore a central component for occupant safety in the vehicle.

Why does the control unit P68186646AC fail?

Crash data stored after an accident is the most common cause with the P68186646AC, even if no airbag has triggered. Aged electronics, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion on plugs, and voltage spikes are among the other causes.

Crash data of this kind cannot be erased with a normal diagnostic tool. The fault in the unit therefore remains, even if the vehicle looks unremarkable from outside.

The other causes include ageing signs in components and cold solder joints inside the unit. Moisture and corrosion at plug connections are added to these. Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or jump-starting, put additional strain on the electronics.

How can you tell that the P68186646AC is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or intermittently when the P68186646AC is defective, and an error message appears in the instrument cluster. Added to this are a missing connection to the diagnostic tool and a fault memory that cannot be erased.

In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not trigger. Such a finding therefore requires a check, even if the vehicle otherwise drives without any noticeable problem.

Which vehicles is the P68186646AC fitted in?

The airbag control unit P68186646AC is fitted in these vehicles: Jeep Patriot MK (2007-2010) and MK Facelift (2010-2016).

The following overview lists the vehicles individually.

• Jeep Patriot MK (2007-2010)
• Jeep Patriot MK Facelift (2010-2016)

The label comparison of the removed unit with this page shows that the unit matches the number, and nothing more. The cause is clarified by the fault memory: it shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a plug or cable is affected. Have it read out before removal.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 68232710AD, P68148039AB, P68186646AA, P68232716AC, P68232716AD.

How does the repair of the P68186646AC work?

First have the fault memory read out and enclose the log. Second, disconnect the battery, and only then remove the control unit P68186646AC. Finally, create a repair order online and send in the well-packed unit.

The sequence is for safety and cannot be changed.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, erases stored crash data and carries out a function test. Afterwards your own unit is returned to you.

Checking, repairing and testing take 3–4 working days at Airbag24 as a rule. 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 P68186646AC get to Airbag24?

Shipping is done as a parcel, or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. The return after the repair is handled by Airbag24 via UPS.

The printed repair order belongs in the parcel, and the unit must be packed shock-proof.