Airbag control unit with part number 5K0 959 655 H

What does the airbag control unit 5K0 959 655 H do?

In the Volkswagen, the airbag control unit 5K0 959 655 H is the evaluation point of the restraint system (SRS). It reads the crash sensors, decides within milliseconds whether airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are fired, and keeps an eye on the system. After a crash, it stores crash data and locks itself.

In everyday use the unit remains inconspicuous. It runs self-tests, monitors the lines to the triggers, and records every detected fault in the fault memory.

The system reports a detected fault via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

Why does the control unit 5K0 959 655 H fail?

The most common cause lies in crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed. A normal diagnostic tool does not make it disappear. Aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes, for example with a weak battery or jump-starting, are added to this.

It is important that the crash data is held in the unit even if the accident had no visible consequences for you. An undamaged-looking airbag therefore does not prove that nothing is stored in the control unit.

The other causes relate to the electronics and their connections. They affect components that age, solder joints that can go cold, and plug contacts that moisture can reach.

How can you tell that the 5K0 959 655 H is defective?

A defect shows itself through the airbag warning light, through an error message in the instrument cluster, through a diagnostic tool that makes no connection, or through a fault memory that cannot be erased. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then possibly fail to trigger.

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster can light up permanently or only now and then. Both are a reason to have the system examined promptly.

An error message in the instrument cluster together with a fault memory that cannot be erased shows that the control unit itself may be affected.

Which vehicles is the 5K0 959 655 H fitted in?

The control unit 5K0 959 655 H is fitted in these vehicles: Volkswagen Golf 6 (5K1); Volkswagen Golf Variant 6; Volkswagen Golf Plus 5 (2004-2008).

Here you can see which vehicles are recorded for this part number:

• Volkswagen Golf 6 (5K1)
• Volkswagen Golf Variant 6
• Volkswagen Golf Plus 5 (2004-2008)

Comparing the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page confirms the identity of the unit. Whether the control unit is defective or a plug or cable is the cause is decided by the fault memory once read out. Have it read out before removal.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 1K0 909 605 T, 1K0909605C, 5C0 959 655 A, 5C0 959 655C, 5C0959655B, 5C0959655D.

How does the repair of the 5K0 959 655 H work?

Have the fault memory read out and attach the log to the unit. Then disconnect the battery, and afterwards remove the control unit. Finally, create a repair order online and send the unit in well packed.

At Airbag24 the unit goes onto the test bench. Defective components are repaired, the stored crash data is erased, and the function test follows. You then get your own unit back. For processing at Airbag24, 3–4 working days are planned as a rule.

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 5K0 959 655 H get to Airbag24?

You send the unit as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. Airbag24 sends the unit back to you by UPS after the repair.

The printed repair order belongs in the parcel, and the control unit must be packed shock-resistant.