What is a Dodge Caravan Airbag Control Module (ORC)?
The Dodge Caravan airbag control unit (ORC) is the central safety unit (Occupant Restraint Controller) that precisely activates all occupant restraint systems, such as airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, in the event of an accident. It continuously monitors sensors, stores important crash data, and ensures the proper functioning of all safety-relevant components in the vehicle.
This module is an essential component of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), which is responsible for the passive safety of your vehicle's occupants. It processes signals from crash and seat occupancy sensors to respond quickly and reliably in an emergency.
A correctly functioning control unit is essential because it is the heart of the airbag system and determines whether life-saving safety mechanisms are activated.
Why is the Dodge Caravan AS airbag control unit defective?
A Dodge Caravan AS airbag control unit is often classified as defective after an accident because it stores crash data that prevents reactivation. This is a safety measure that requires replacement or a special repair, a factory reset, to restore full functionality.
Even without an accident, the control unit can fail due to internal electronic errors or aging processes. Such defects often cause the airbag warning light in the dashboard to stay illuminated, indicating a problem with the SRS.
Faulty wiring or a lack of power can also lead to communication problems with the control unit. Professional Dodge Caravan AS airbag control unit repair resets the module and usually resolves these issues.
Common error codes for Dodge Caravan AS airbag control unit repair
During Dodge Caravan AS airbag control module repair, specific error codes occur that directly relate to the module itself or its communication. These codes are crucial for diagnosis and successful restoration of the systems after a failure.
- B1000 → Control unit communication error → Signal loss or internal malfunction of the airbag control unit.
- B1C27-13 → Left Thorax Airbag Squib 1 Circuit Open → Left seat airbag wiring or deployment circuit problem detected by control module.
- U0151 → Loss of communication with Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) → The airbag control module is not communicating properly with other vehicle modules via the CAN bus.
What part numbers are available for the Dodge Caravan AS airbag control unit repair?
For a successful Dodge Caravan AS airbag control unit repair, knowing the exact OEM part number is essential to ensure compatibility. These numbers identify the specific module for your vehicle and ensure proper function after a reset or replacement of the control unit.
- 04686939AF → Mopar → Original airbag control unit (used, tested).
- 5094019AK → Mopar → Original Occupant Restraint Module.
- 56054223AA → Mopar → Original module (often replaced by 56054911AE).
- 56054911AE → Mopar → Original replacement module.
- 4686602AJ → Mopar → Airbag control unit (replaces older numbers like 4686602AH, 4686602AG).