Airbag control unit with part number 3D0909601C

What does the airbag control unit 3D0909601C do?

The airbag control unit 3D0909601C acts as the central unit controlling the restraint system (SRS) of Volkswagen. It continuously evaluates the crash sensors and decides in an accident which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered; this decision is made within milliseconds.

The manufacturer's number Bosch 0285001542 is additionally stated on the housing. The unit reports faults in the system via the airbag warning light.

After an accident the unit stores crash data and locks itself, and this lock ends only with the repair.

Why does the control unit 3D0909601C fail?

Crash data from an accident is the most common cause, even if no airbag has deployed; an ordinary diagnostic tool cannot erase it. In addition, ageing electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections and voltage spikes come into question.

The control unit creates crash data regardless of whether an airbag has deployed. Where such entries exist, the fault search is therefore not confined to the electronics alone.

Electronic components age, and cold solder joints can lose contact. Moisture and corrosion attack plug connections, while voltage spikes, for example from a jump start or a weak battery, additionally strain the electronics.

How can you tell that the 3D0909601C is defective?

A defect on the 3D0909601C shows itself in that the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights permanently or at times, that a fault message appears, that the diagnostic tool cannot establish contact with the control unit, or that the fault memory cannot be cleared. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then not trigger.

The warning light is the clearest sign of a fault, and it shows the fault as soon as the system detects it.

A diagnostic tool that cannot establish a connection despite being attached points to a fault. Do not leave such signs unchecked, because airbags and seatbelt pretensioners rely on a system that works without faults.

Which vehicles is the 3D0909601C fitted in?

The information relates to exactly this part number. The control unit 3D0909601C is fitted in these vehicles: Volkswagen Touareg 7L Facelift (2006-2010) and 7L (2002-2006).

The list of vehicles follows in this form:

• Volkswagen Touareg 7L Facelift (2006-2010)
• Volkswagen Touareg 7L (2002-2006)

Check the part number on the label of the removed unit against this page. This only ensures that it is the correct unit. Before you remove it, have the fault memory read out: only this result shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a plug or cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 0 285 001 733, 0285001472, 3D0 909 601 D, 3D0 909 601 E, 3D0909601B, 3D0909601F.

How does the repair of the 3D0909601C work?

First have the fault memory read out and attach the log to the unit. Then disconnect the battery, remove the control unit 3D0909601C and create a repair order online. After that, send the unit in well packed.

At Airbag24 the unit is checked on the test bench, and defective components are replaced. The processing time is usually 3–4 working days. Airbag24 erases the stored crash data, and a function test concludes the repair before your own unit is returned.

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 3D0909601C get to Airbag24?

You can send the control unit 3D0909601C as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After repair Airbag24 sends it back by UPS.

Pack the unit shock-proof and put the printed repair order into the parcel.