Chrysler Delta 844 airbag control unit repair

What is a Chrysler Delta 844 airbag control unit?

The airbag control unit is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) in the Chrysler Delta 844. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors and, in an accident, decides within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners deploy. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

How can you tell that this unit is involved? Usually the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster stays on permanently, or the fault memory contains entries from the restraint system. The control unit continuously monitors the whole system and reports every detected fault via this light.

The control unit is installed in the Chrysler Delta 844 (2011 to 2014). It comes from Continental. It controls not only the airbags but also the seatbelt pretensioners, and for this it evaluates the data from several sensors at the same time.

Why is the Chrysler Delta 844 airbag control unit defective?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag deployed. Other reasons are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture at connectors and voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or jump-starting.

The stored crash data cannot be erased with a normal diagnostic tool. The control unit therefore stays in a fault state, even if the vehicle damage has long since been repaired and all airbag modules are intact again.

Electronic components age over the years, and solder joints can crack through temperature changes and vibration. If moisture gets in, the contacts at the connectors corrode. A voltage spike when starting with outside help or with a weak battery can also damage the electronics.

Typical signs are a permanently lit airbag warning light, a fault memory that cannot be cleared, or a diagnostic tool that cannot connect to the control unit.

Common error codes for Chrysler Delta 844 airbag control unit repair

The error codes on the Chrysler Delta 844 indicate different kinds of faults: internal faults of the control unit, lost communication, interrupted firing circuits of airbags and sensor faults. Which code appears depends on which part of the restraint system reports the fault.

The following list shows codes that can occur on this vehicle:

• B2208 → Internal fault in the airbag control unit
• B2207 → Second internal fault in the airbag control unit
• U0151 → Communication with the airbag control unit lost
• B1B02 → Driver airbag firing circuit 1 interrupted
• B1B06 → Passenger airbag firing circuit 1 interrupted
• B1BA6 → Internal fault in the front impact sensor

Error codes are read out with a diagnostic tool. A code alone does not reliably show that the control unit is defective, because connectors, wiring or an airbag module can also be the cause. Only the inspection clarifies where the fault actually lies.

What part numbers are available for the Chrysler Delta 844 airbag control unit repair?

The part number is printed on the label of the control unit. It determines the exact version, because within a model series there are different numbers depending on equipment and year of manufacture.

These part numbers are known for the Chrysler Delta 844; the list makes no claim to completeness:

• 51808041 (Continental)
• 53284389 (Continental)

Compare the number on your unit with this list. This only confirms that it is the right unit. Whether it is defective is shown only by reading out the fault memory or by the inspection.

This is how you get to the repair: have the fault memory read out, disconnect the battery and remove the control unit. Then create a repair order online and send in the unit. Processing at Airbag24, including inspecting, repairing and testing, usually takes 3–4 working days. 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.