Airbag control unit with part number 5N0959655S

What does the airbag control unit 5N0959655S do?

The airbag control unit 5N0959655S controls the restraint system (SRS) at Volkswagen. It continuously checks the signals from the crash sensors and determines in an accident which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners fire. After an accident, it stores crash data and locks itself.

The unit shows detected faults via the airbag warning light. A diagnostic tool can read out the fault memory, provided it can communicate with the control unit.

Why does the control unit 5N0959655S fail?

The most frequent cause with the control unit 5N0959655S is crash data that remained in the memory after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed. Other causes are ageing components, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes.

A normal diagnostic tool cannot remove this crash data. Simply reading it out changes nothing about that.

The other causes concern the electronics themselves. Components age over time, cold solder joints can form on the circuit board, and moisture attacks the contacts. Voltage spikes arise, for example, from a weak battery or a jump start.

How can you tell that the 5N0959655S is defective?

The airbag warning light lights up permanently or intermittently, an error message appears in the instrument cluster, or the diagnostic tool finds no connection to the control unit 5N0959655S. A fault memory that cannot be cleared also points to a fault. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to deploy.

These signs indicate a fault:

• Airbag warning light on
• Message in the instrument cluster
• Connection to the diagnostic tool breaks off
• Fault memory cannot be reset

These signs deserve attention. Reading out the fault memory therefore comes before all further steps.

Which vehicles is the 5N0959655S fitted in?

The control unit 5N0959655S is fitted in these vehicles: Volkswagen Tiguan 5N Facelift (2011-2018) and 5N (2007-2011).

The vehicles in detail:

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

Compare the number on the label of the removed unit with this page. That only establishes that it is the correct unit. Whether the control unit is defective or whether a connector or cable is the cause is shown only by the fault memory, which you have read out before removal.

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 5N0959655S work?

First have the fault memory read out and enclose the log with the unit. Then disconnect the battery, and only then remove the control unit 5N0959655S. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

You create the repair order online, then pack the unit well and send it in. Airbag24 checks it on the test bench, repairs defective components, deletes stored crash data and carries out a functional test. Afterwards your own 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 5N0959655S get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit 5N0959655S as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. Airbag24 returns it by UPS after the repair.

Put the printed repair order into the parcel. Pack the unit shockproof.