What is a Chrysler Town & Country RT airbag control module?
The Chrysler Town & Country RT airbag control unit, also known as the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC), is the central safety unit in the vehicle. It continuously monitors all restraint system sensors, stores critical crash data, and deploys the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners within milliseconds in the event of an accident to provide optimal occupant protection.
This module ensures the proper functioning of the entire restraint system and is essential for vehicle safety. After a triggering event, it can usually be repaired and reset.
A professional repair and reset service will return the module to its factory condition. This is often a cost-effective alternative to purchasing a new one, usually with a satisfaction guarantee.
Why is the Chrysler Town & Country RT airbag control module defective?
A Chrysler Town & Country RT airbag control module is often defective because it permanently stores crash data after an accident, requiring reprogramming or a reset. Internal electronic failures, corrosion, or manufacturing defects can also cause malfunctions that prevent the airbag systems from activating and activate the airbag warning light.
The most common cause of a defect is the storage of so-called "crash data" after an airbag deployment. This prevents the module from being reused without a specialized reset.
In addition, internal components of the control unit can be damaged by aging, moisture, or overvoltage. Certain models of the Chrysler Town & Country RT were also subject to safety recalls due to corrosion problems in the ORC module.
Such defects usually result in the activation of the airbag warning light in the dashboard and compromise the safety of the vehicle.
Common error codes for Chrysler Town & Country RT airbag control unit repair
When diagnosing a faulty Chrysler Town & Country RT airbag control module, specific trouble codes will occur that indicate communication issues within the module, open circuits, or internal defects. These codes are critical for performing a precise repair or reset of the control module and restoring full functionality to the safety system.
Accurate interpretation of these error codes helps pinpoint the exact cause of the problem. A professional diagnosis is the first step toward a successful repair.
- B1000: Control unit communication error – Cause: Internal module malfunction or faulty connection.
- B1C27-13: Left Thorax Squib 1 Circuit Open – Cause: Circuit problem in the side airbag control module.
- U1213-00: Loss of communication with control unit or submodule – Cause: Problem in the data connection to the airbag control unit.
- U11EA-00: Communication error with airbag control unit (body control module communication) – Cause: Communication malfunction between airbag and body control unit.
What part numbers are available for Chrysler Town & Country RT airbag control unit repair?
When repairing or replacing a Chrysler Town & Country RT airbag control module, specific OEM part numbers are critical to ensure proper compatibility and system functionality. These numbers identify the exact modules for model years from 2002 to 2010 and ensure that the replaced or repaired control module is the optimal fit for your vehicle.
Verifying the exact part number is essential, as there are different versions of the control unit that may differ in features and year of manufacture. This is key to a successful Chrysler Town & Country RT airbag control unit repair.
The following OEM part numbers are confirmed and relevant for the airbag control unit of the Chrysler Town & Country RT (model year approximately 2002-2010):
- 4686602AJ: Genuine Mopar part number, compatible with 2002-2009 models (3.3L, 3.8L, 4.0L engines, AWD/FWD).
- 68148353AA: Official replacement for 4686602AJ, also for 2002-2009 models.
- 56054223AB: Fits 2010 Town & Country models.
- 56054223AA: Predecessor of 56054223AB, suitable for 2010 models.
- 4686602AE: An older but confirmed original part number for early 2000s models.
It is important to note that these numbers only refer to airbag control units and should not be confused with sensors or other modules.