Airbag control unit with part number 1H0 959 650 B

What does the airbag control unit 1H0 959 650 B do?

The airbag control unit 1H0 959 650 B is the control unit of the restraint system (SRS) for Volkswagen. It processes the readings from the crash sensors, selects the appropriate airbags and seatbelt pretensioners within milliseconds of an impact, and monitors the system at all times. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

It checks the system for faults continuously. Detected faults are logged in the fault memory and appear via the airbag warning light.

Without a working control unit, the restraint system may not respond as intended in an emergency.

Why does the control unit 1H0 959 650 B fail?

With the 1H0 959 650 B, the most common cause is a crash data record stored after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed; a normal diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Ageing electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes such as those from a weak battery or jump-starting also play a role.

Crash data is held in the memory of the control unit, not in the airbag. Whether an airbag has deployed does not necessarily follow from it.

Loose or damp plugs can trigger messages similar to an internal problem. That is why only the fault memory read-out clarifies the cause.

How can you tell that the 1H0 959 650 B is defective?

A defect in the 1H0 959 650 B shows itself through the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, which lights up permanently or intermittently, and through fault messages there. A diagnostic tool with no connection to the control unit and a fault memory that cannot be cleared also point to it.

• Airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, on permanently or intermittently
• Fault message in the instrument cluster
• No connection between the diagnostic tool and the control unit
• Fault memory cannot be cleared

With such a finding, the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not deploy in an emergency. Checking the system is therefore the next step.

Which vehicles is the 1H0 959 650 B fitted in?

The 1H0 959 650 B is fitted in these vehicles: Volkswagen Golf Cabrio 1E (1993-1998) and 1E Facelift (1998-2002). The list is based on the entries for this part number.

Here are the models assigned to this part number:

• Volkswagen Golf Cabrio 1E (1993-1998)
• Volkswagen Golf Cabrio 1E Facelift (1998-2002)

Comparing the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page only confirms that it is the right unit. Having the fault memory read out, on the other hand, shows whether the control unit itself is defective or whether a plug or cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 1J0 909 608 BA, 1J0 909 609.

How does the repair of the 1H0 959 650 B work?

First read out the fault memory and enclose the log, then disconnect the battery and only then remove the 1H0 959 650 B. Next, create a repair order online and send the well-packed unit in.

Airbag24 checks the unit, repairs defective components, erases the stored crash data and carries out a function test. Your own unit then goes back to you.

Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days. 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 1H0 959 650 B get to Airbag24?

You send the 1H0 959 650 B in as a parcel, or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 returns the unit to you by UPS.

Put the printed repair order into the parcel and pack the control unit so that it is shock-resistant.