Airbag control unit with part number 5ND 959 655 A

What does the airbag control unit 5ND 959 655 A do?

The airbag control unit 5ND 959 655 A is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) in Volkswagen. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors and, in an accident, decides within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered.

The unit keeps the entire restraint system under observation and continuously checks the connected components.

If the system detects a fault, the airbag warning light symbol appears in the instrument cluster. After an accident the control unit stores crash data and locks itself, which concerns the unit itself.

Why does the control unit 5ND 959 655 A fail?

Stored crash data is the most common cause, even if no airbag was triggered in the accident. A normal diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Other causes include ageing electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion on plug connections, and voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start.

Airbag24 removes the crash data during the repair, so that the control unit can then be tested without this stored content.

Ageing electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion on plug connections, and voltage spikes are among the general causes of electronic failures. Which of these applies here is only shown by the test.

How can you tell that the 5ND 959 655 A is defective?

A defect in the airbag control unit 5ND 959 655 A shows up as the airbag warning light, as a fault message in the instrument cluster, as a missing contact between the diagnostic tool and the control unit, and as a fault memory that cannot be cleared.

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster stays on permanently or intermittently. A fault in the instrument cluster may be displayed at the same time, and the diagnostic tool does not get a connection to the control unit.

In an emergency, the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to trigger. The warning light is therefore a clear indication that you should have the system checked promptly.

Which vehicles is the 5ND 959 655 A fitted in?

The control unit 5ND 959 655 A is fitted in these vehicles: Volkswagen Tiguan 5N (2007-2011) and 5N Facelift (2011-2018).

The following vehicles are assigned to this part number:

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

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page. That only ensures that it is the correct unit. Have the fault memory read out before removal, because only this log shows whether the control unit itself is defective or 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 655N.

How does the repair of the 5ND 959 655 A work?

First read out the fault memory and enclose the log. Then disconnect the battery, remove the control unit 5ND 959 655 A and create a repair order online. Pack the unit well and send it in. Processing at Airbag24 generally takes 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, erases the crash data and carries out a functional test.

The 3–4 working days cover exclusively testing, repairing and testing at Airbag24. Your own unit is then returned.

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 5ND 959 655 A get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit 5ND 959 655 A in as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 sends your own unit back by UPS.

Put the printed repair order into the parcel; pack the unit shock-resistant.