Airbag control unit with part number 5N0959655

What does the airbag control unit 5N0959655 do?

The airbag control unit 5N0959655 controls the restraint system (SRS) of Volkswagen. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors and decides in an accident within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered. Detected faults are indicated by the airbag warning light.

The unit also monitors the entire system continuously, including during normal driving. After an accident, it stores crash data and locks itself; this lock is lifted only by the repair.

Why does the control unit 5N0959655 fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has been triggered; a normal diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Further causes are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or jump-starting.

Aged components and cold solder joints impair the electrical connections inside the unit. Moisture and corrosion mainly attack the plugs through which the control unit is connected to the wiring harness.

Airbag24 deletes the crash data during the repair. Which of the other causes applies is shown only by the examination.

How can you tell that the 5N0959655 is defective?

A defect shows up at the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, when it lights up permanently or intermittently. In addition, a fault message in the instrument cluster, no connection from the diagnostic tool to the control unit or a fault memory that cannot be cleared may appear.

In such a case, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to deploy in an emergency. The warning light displays the fault, so have the system checked promptly.

Which vehicles is the 5N0959655 fitted in?

The 5N0959655 is fitted in these vehicles: Volkswagen Passat CC 35 (2008-2016); Volkswagen Tiguan 5N Facelift (2011-2018) and 5N (2007-2011). The quickest way to see whether your car is among them is to compare it with the list on this page.

The following vehicles are recorded for this part number in our data:

• Volkswagen Passat CC 35 (2008-2016)
• Volkswagen Tiguan 5N Facelift (2011-2018)
• Volkswagen Tiguan 5N (2007-2011)

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page. This only ensures that it is the right unit. Also have the fault memory read out beforehand, because 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 5N0 959 655 AA, 5N0 959 655 AB 005, 5N0 959 655 AE, 5N0 959 655 J, 5N0 959 655 Q, 5N0 959 655 R.

How does the repair of the 5N0959655 work?

First have the fault memory read out and attach the log, then disconnect the battery. Only after that remove the control unit, create a repair order online and send the unit in well packed. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, repairs defective components and erases stored crash data. A function test follows, and then the unit goes back to you.

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 5N0959655 get to Airbag24?

You send the unit as a parcel, or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 returns it to you by UPS.

Put the printed repair order into the parcel and pack the control unit shock-proof.