Programming ACM to VIN??

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May 27, 2018 | 10:11 AM

98XJSavages

Thread Starter

Newbie

Joined: May 2018

Posts: 2

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Year: 1998

Model: Cherokee (XJ)

Engine: 4.0 i6

Programming ACM to VIN??

Hello all, I’m having an issue with my airbag light in my 98 XJ. My horn, cruise control etc. work just fine. I installed a new clock spring, the light went out for a while, then came back on. The airbag control module recall has already been taken care of, and relocated to under the center console years ago. Fuses are good. I’m thinking the next thing I’d like to try to replace the airbag control module. I found a good replacement on eBay, but in the listing it says that it has to be installed by a certified tech or someone who can program the module to the Vin number? Can someone please clarify this? I was hoping this was a plug-and-play part. Does anyone else here have any experience with replacing the airbag control module with a new one?

May 27, 2018 | 12:22 PM

fb97xj1

CF Veteran

Joined: Dec 2015

Posts: 3,038

Likes: 338

From: PA

Year: 1997

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0L

Take it to the dealer so they can read the airbag codes before throwing parts at it. You dont know if the airbag control module is bad or not, right? Put the parts cannon away. The dealer can check the circuit to make sure all is well, and reset the light. If anything needs programming, they can do that as well. I wasnt aware the airbag control module in the XJ needed programming, but i have never had to replace one yet.

Depending on the part, some sellers will tell you that it must be installed by a certified technician. The dealers do the same thing. For a majority of consumers, the airbags are at top of that list. They are an explosive, and if not handled properly and treated with resepect, they can injure or even kill you.

May 27, 2018 | 05:41 PM

BlueRidgeMark

CF Veteran

Joined: May 2012

Posts: 7,965

Likes: 964

From: Lost in the wilds of Virginia

Year: 1998 Classic (I'll get it running soon....) and 02 Grand

Model: Cherokee (XJ)

Engine: 4.0

Quote:

Originally Posted by fb97xj1

They are an explosive, and if not handled properly and treated with resepect, they can injure or even kill you.

Bingo.

Have you ever heard the saying, "If you have to ask, you can't afford it." ?

This is sort of that way. "If you have to ask, you shouldn't mess with it."

Airbags can kill you, or airbags can fail when you need them. I'm currently in physical therapy for a fractured (now healed) kneecap. It's a lot of pain.

If my airbag had failed, I might be still in the hospital, or I might be 6 feet under.

Don't mess with it.