Airbag control unit with part number P68204438AC

What does the airbag control unit P68204438AC do?

The unit controls the restraint system (SRS) of the Jeep. It evaluates the crash sensors, decides within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners to trigger, and monitors the system continuously. It reports detected faults via the airbag warning light.

Monitoring is not a one-off process but accompanies the vehicle throughout its operation. This includes the ongoing comparison of measured values with the target values.

In an accident, the unit writes crash data, after which it is locked.

Why does the control unit P68204438AC fail?

Stored crash data is the most frequent cause, even if no airbag was triggered in the accident. A normal diagnostic tool cannot erase it; Airbag24 takes care of this during the repair. Other causes include ageing electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or jump-starting.

The data results from the event itself. It therefore shows that something happened, but not which component was affected.

The other causes act through time and environment. Ageing and damp attack solder joints, and voltage fluctuations put strain on the components.

How can you tell that the P68204438AC is defective?

A defect is indicated by the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster staying on permanently or intermittently. Likewise, an error message, a missing connection to the diagnostic tool and a fault memory that cannot be cleared point to the defect.

Typical signs at a glance:

• Airbag warning light stays on permanently or intermittently
• Error message in the instrument cluster
• Diagnostic tool gets no access to the control unit
• Fault memory cannot be cleared

In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to deploy. This needs to be taken seriously.

Which vehicles is the P68204438AC fitted in?

The stored vehicle data is decisive, which may differ depending on equipment. The P68204438AC is fitted in these vehicles: Jeep Compass MK (2007-2010) and MK Facelift (2011-2016).

Below you will find the list of vehicles for which this number is on record.

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

Comparing the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page ensures that you have the right unit in front of you. Having the fault memory read out is the next step, because only that 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 P68204438AC work?

The fault memory is read out first and the log is enclosed; then you disconnect the battery and remove the control unit. Airbag24 needs 3–4 working days as a rule for testing, repairing and checking.

After that, you create a repair order online and send the unit in well packed.

Airbag24 places it on the test bench, repairs defective components, erases the stored crash data and carries out a function test. Afterwards, your own unit is returned.

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 P68204438AC get to Airbag24?

You send the unit to Airbag24 as a parcel, or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. Airbag24 returns the repaired unit to you by UPS.

The printed repair order goes into the parcel, and the unit is packed shockproof.