Airbag control unit with part number 5QS959655E

What does the airbag control unit 5QS959655E do?

The airbag control unit 5QS959655E is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) for Volkswagen. It checks the signals from the crash sensors, decides within milliseconds in an accident which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners to trigger, and monitors the system continuously. After an accident, it stores crash data and locks itself.

The unit reports faults in the system via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster. This lets you, as the driver, recognise that something is wrong with the restraint system. The safety of the occupants therefore depends largely on this control unit.

Why does the control unit 5QS959655E fail?

The most common cause is that, after an accident, crash data was stored in the 5QS959655E that a standard diagnostic tool does not erase. With this control unit, erasing the crash data is often not possible; if you want it erased, contact Airbag24 briefly before sending the unit in, and Airbag24 will then check the part number. Other causes are ageing of the electronics, moisture and corrosion, and voltage spikes.

An accident without airbag deployment can also leave such data behind.

Over time, electronic components age, and cold solder joints can cause intermittent faults.

At plug connections, moisture and corrosion lead to contact problems. Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or jump-starting, put additional strain on the unit.

How can you tell that the 5QS959655E is defective?

A fault in the 5QS959655E shows up as the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lighting up permanently or intermittently. This may be accompanied by a fault message in the instrument cluster, a lack of connection between the diagnostic tool and the control unit, or a fault memory that cannot be cleared.

In an emergency, the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to deploy. Therefore, have the symptoms checked promptly. The underlying cause cannot be determined from these signs alone. Signs of this kind should not be ignored.

Which vehicles is the 5QS959655E fitted in?

The 5QS959655E is fitted in these vehicles: Volkswagen Multivan T7 (from 2021); Volkswagen Crafter SZ (from 2017). To check whether your car is one of them, look at the list on this page.

These vehicles are listed for this part number:

• Volkswagen Multivan T7 (from 2021)
• Volkswagen Crafter SZ (from 2017)

Comparing the part number on the label of your removed unit with this page ensures that it is the correct unit. Whether the control unit is faulty or a connector or cable is the cause is only shown by the fault memory read out beforehand.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 5QS 959 655 D, A9064461442.

How does the repair of the 5QS959655E work?

First have the fault memory read out and enclose the log. Then disconnect the battery and only afterwards remove the 5QS959655E. Next, create a repair order online and send in the well-packed unit.

At Airbag24, the unit is checked on the test bench, defective components are repaired, and a functional test follows. The functional test checks the unit before it is sent back. Afterwards it goes back to you. If you want the crash data erased, contact Airbag24 briefly before sending the unit in.

Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days. 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 5QS959655E get to Airbag24?

You send the 5QS959655E in as a parcel; alternatively, you can book a UPS collection for an extra charge. Airbag24 then sends the repaired unit back to you by UPS.

The printed repair order belongs in the parcel, and the unit should be packed shock-resistant. Make sure the parcel is securely sealed.