Airbag control unit with part number P8635A288

What does the airbag control unit P8635A288 do?

The airbag control unit P8635A288 is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) for Mitsubishi. It evaluates the crash sensors, decides within milliseconds in a crash whether airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and monitors the system continuously. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

Monitoring takes place without interruption for as long as the system is switched on. The sensors, the wiring and the unit's own circuits are checked in the process.

The unit reports deviations via the airbag warning light. This lets the driver see that the restraint system needs to be checked.

Why does the control unit P8635A288 fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed; a normal diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Airbag24 deletes it during the repair. Other causes are ageing electronics, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion, and voltage spikes.

The other causes in brief:

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

Crash data, on the other hand, is the cause that occurs most often. It remains stored after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed.

How can you tell that the P8635A288 is defective?

If the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster stays on permanently or intermittently, a defect is likely. An error message, a diagnostic tool with no connection, or a fault memory that cannot be cleared confirms this. In that case the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not deploy in an emergency.

The airbag warning light is the first sign you are likely to notice. As soon as it comes on, you should have the vehicle checked promptly.

If several signs appear at the same time, such as an error message and a missing connection, a check is needed without delay.

Which vehicles is the P8635A288 fitted in?

To find out whether your vehicle is included, check the model list. The P8635A288 is fitted in these vehicles for Mitsubishi: Mitsubishi Outlander GF (2012-2015), GF 2nd Facelift (from 2018) and GF 1st Facelift (2015-2018).

The list shows the vehicles in which the control unit has been recorded:

• Mitsubishi Outlander GF (2012-2015)
• Mitsubishi Outlander GF 2nd Facelift (from 2018)
• Mitsubishi Outlander GF 1st Facelift (2015-2018)

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page, so you know it is the right unit. The comparison says nothing about a defect. Therefore have the fault memory read out beforehand, because only that result 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 8635A215, 8635A221, 8635A282, 8635A283, 8635A304, 8635A305.

How does the repair of the P8635A288 work?

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

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, repairs defective components, deletes the crash data and carries out a function test. The 3–4 working days apply only to this work.

Afterwards your own unit goes back 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 P8635A288 get to Airbag24?

You send the unit as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair Airbag24 returns it by UPS.

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