Airbag control unit with part number 5N0959655C

What does the airbag control unit 5N0959655C do?

The airbag control unit 5N0959655C controls the restraint system (SRS) for Volkswagen. In the event of an accident, it evaluates the crash sensors and determines within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered. It also monitors the system constantly and reports faults via the airbag warning light.

The unit is active throughout operation. After an accident, it stores crash data and locks itself.

The control unit works closely with the sensors and triggers installed in the system.

Why does the control unit 5N0959655C fail?

The most common cause of a failure of the 5N0959655C is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag was triggered. Other causes are generally ageing of the electronics, cold solder joints and moisture, as well as voltage spikes from the vehicle electrical system.

A standard diagnostic tool does not remove the crash data.

The other causes at a glance:

• aged electronic components
• cold solder joints on the circuit board
• moisture and corrosion at plug connections
• voltage spikes, for example with a weak battery or jump-starting

How can you tell that the 5N0959655C is defective?

A defect in the 5N0959655C shows up through the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, which lights up permanently or intermittently. Other signs include an error message in the instrument cluster, no connection between the diagnostic tool and the control unit, and a fault memory that cannot be cleared. In that case, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not trigger in an emergency.

The warning light is the most obvious sign; the other symptoms appear in the diagnostic tool.

If the warning light cannot be missed, you have already taken the first step: the readout.

Which vehicles is the 5N0959655C fitted in?

The 5N0959655C belongs to Volkswagen. It is fitted in these vehicles: Volkswagen Tiguan 5N Facelift (2011-2018) and 5N (2007-2011).

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

• Volkswagen Tiguan 5N Facelift (2011-2018)
• Volkswagen Tiguan 5N (2007-2011)

Comparing the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page confirms that it is the correct unit. It says nothing more. Whether the control unit is defective or a plug or cable is the cause is determined by reading out the fault memory, which you should have carried out beforehand.

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 5N0959655C work?

First have the fault memory read out and attach the log, then disconnect the battery, remove the control unit 5N0959655C, create a repair order online and send in the well-packed unit. Airbag24 checks it on the test bench, repairs defective components, deletes stored crash data and carries out a function test; afterwards your own unit is returned. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

The battery stays connected until removal, until that step is prepared. This sequence protects you when working on the airbag system.

During the inspection, the condition of the unit is established before any repair takes place.

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 5N0959655C get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit 5N0959655C as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 sends it back to you by UPS.

The printed repair order goes into the parcel, and you pack the unit shock-proof.