Airbag control unit with part number 5N0959655E

What does the airbag control unit 5N0959655E do?

In Volkswagen vehicles, the airbag control unit 5N0959655E controls the restraint system (SRS). It measures the position via the crash sensors, calculates within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners to trigger, and checks all components during operation. Detected faults are reported via the airbag warning light.

The test routines run in the background, and deviations are noticed during them.

After an accident, the unit writes crash data and locks itself. These entries remain in the memory and are taken into account in every diagnosis.

Why does the control unit 5N0959655E fail?

The most common cause is crash data left in the memory after an accident, even if no airbag fired. Added to this are ageing electronic components, dry solder joints, moisture and corrosion on plug connections, and voltage spikes such as those from a weak battery or a jump start.

Such entries do not disappear on their own, and an ordinary diagnostic tool changes nothing about them.

The other causes tend to develop gradually. Components age, solder joints give way, and plug connections corrode once moisture gets in.

How can you tell that the 5N0959655E is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or intermittently as soon as the control unit detects a defect. In addition, the instrument cluster shows a fault message, the diagnostic tool cannot reach the control unit, and the fault memory cannot be cleared. As long as this persists, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to deploy in an emergency.

This light is unambiguous, so do not ignore it.

The diagnostic tool then finds the fault, not the cause. Only the further check shows where the fault lies.

Which vehicles is the 5N0959655E fitted in?

The control unit 5N0959655E is fitted in these vehicles: Volkswagen Tiguan 5N Facelift (2011-2018) and 5N (2007-2011). The details are based on the stored assignment to the part number.

Here follows the list of vehicles:

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

Check whether the removed unit belongs to this part number by comparing the label with this page. Whether the control unit itself is defective, or whether a connector or cable is the cause, is shown only by the fault memory read out in advance.

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 5N0959655E work?

First have the fault memory read out, enclose the log and then disconnect the battery; only then remove the control unit. Next, create a repair order online and send the well-packed unit in. Airbag24 checks the unit, repairs defective components, clears crash data and carries out a function test; for this Airbag24 usually allows 3–4 working days.

The sequence protects you when working on the airbag system.

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 5N0959655E get to Airbag24?

Whether you send the control unit as a parcel or have it collected by UPS for an extra charge is up to you. After the repair, Airbag24 sends it back to you by UPS.

The printed repair order belongs in the parcel. Pack the unit so that it withstands impact.