Airbag control unit with part number 5QF959655AN

What does the airbag control unit 5QF959655AN do?

The airbag control unit 5QF959655AN acts as the central element of the restraint system (SRS) for Volkswagen. It checks the signals from the crash sensors and, in an accident, decides within fractions of a second which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered. Self-monitoring reports faults via the airbag warning light.

Under normal conditions the system remains inconspicuous, but it is checked for faults continuously. If a value deviates, the unit creates an entry in the fault memory.

After an accident, the control unit stores crash data and locks itself.

Why does the control unit 5QF959655AN fail?

The most common cause is crash data from an earlier accident, even if no airbag was triggered in it. A standard diagnostic tool cannot remove it. Aged components, cold solder joints, corrosion and voltage spikes are also suspected.

The unit keeps this data in its own memory until the entry is dealt with.

The second group of causes concerns the electronics themselves. Over time, components age, solder joints can go cold, and moisture and corrosion attack plug connections.

Voltage spikes arise, for example, from a weak battery or a jump-start, and act directly on the unit's power supply.

How can you tell that the 5QF959655AN is defective?

A defect shows itself through the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, which lights up permanently or intermittently, and through a fault message. It is also a sign if the diagnostic tool cannot connect to the control unit or the fault memory cannot be erased. In an emergency, the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to deploy.

Typical signs at a glance:

• Airbag warning light on permanently
• Airbag warning light on intermittently
• Fault message in the instrument cluster
• Diagnostic tool without connection to the control unit
• Fault memory cannot be erased

If the warning light is on, have the restraint system checked promptly. Do not rely on the problem resolving itself.

Which vehicles is the 5QF959655AN fitted in?

The control unit 5QF959655AN is fitted in these vehicles: Volkswagen Arteon 3H (2017-2024); Volkswagen Passat B8 3G (2014-2023). The list below makes it easier to compare with your own vehicle.

The list shows the vehicles for which this part number is known to us.

• Volkswagen Arteon 3H (2017-2024)
• Volkswagen Passat B8 3G (2014-2023)

Before removal, two checks complement each other. Comparing the number on the label with this page only confirms that the correct unit is in front of you. Whether the control unit itself is defective, however, only becomes clear from the read-out fault memory, because a plug or a cable can be the cause just as well.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 3Q0 959 655 AE, 3Q0 959 655 AF, 3Q0 959 655 AP, 3Q0 959 655 BB, 3Q0 959 655 BK, 3Q0 959 655 CN.

How does the repair of the 5QF959655AN work?

Have the fault memory read out, attach the log and disconnect the battery before removing the control unit. Afterwards, create a repair order online and send the properly packed unit in. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 examines the unit on the test bench, repairs defective components, erases the stored crash data and carries out a function test. Afterwards, the unit is returned to you.

The steps before removal serve to keep the restraint system safe to handle.

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 5QF959655AN get to Airbag24?

The unit is sent to Airbag24 as a parcel, or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, the unit reaches you again by UPS.

Put a printed repair order in the parcel. Pack the unit so that it withstands transport and is shock-proof.