Airbag control unit with part number 5WA959655AB

What does the airbag control unit 5WA959655AB do?

In an emergency, the airbag control unit 5WA959655AB evaluates the crash sensors and determines which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners fire on Volkswagen. It monitors the entire system continuously, and faults appear on the airbag warning light. After an accident, it stores crash data and locks itself.

The system can only be viewed as a whole, because sensors, seatbelt pretensioners and airbags all depend on the control unit. It checks the connections and the function of the components and records any irregularities.

A failure therefore affects the protection concept as a whole, not just a single function.

Why does the control unit 5WA959655AB fail?

With 5WA959655AB, stored crash data are the most common cause, even without an airbag being triggered, and a normal diagnostic tool cannot delete them. With this control unit, deleting the crash data is often not possible; if you want it deleted, get in touch with Airbag24 briefly before sending the unit in, and Airbag24 will then check the part number. Other causes include aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion on plug connections, and voltage spikes.

Crash data show that the unit has registered an incident. They do not reveal whether the unit itself is damaged.

Solder joints and components lie inside the unit, while moisture and corrosion tend to affect the connectors. Reading out the fault memory shows where the problem lies.

How can you tell that the 5WA959655AB is defective?

A defect in the 5WA959655AB shows up as an airbag warning light that stays on permanently or intermittently, and as a fault message in the instrument cluster. Even if the diagnostic tool cannot connect to the control unit, or the fault memory cannot be cleared, this indicates a malfunction. In that case, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may possibly not deploy in an emergency.

The warning light alone does not reveal which component is affected, but it reliably indicates that a malfunction is present. Therefore, have the vehicle checked promptly.

Only reading out the fault memory with a diagnostic tool shows which entries are stored and where the malfunction lies.

Which vehicles is the 5WA959655AB fitted in?

The airbag control unit 5WA959655AB is fitted in these vehicles: Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8; Volkswagen Golf Variant 8. Compare this information with your car and you will see whether the unit suits you.

The following vehicles belong to this part number:

• Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8
• Volkswagen Golf Variant 8

Comparing the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page only confirms that you have the correct unit. However, have the fault memory read out beforehand, as only this result shows whether the control unit is defective or a cable or plug is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 5WA959655A, 5WA959655H, 5WA959655J, A3C1066800.

How does the repair of the 5WA959655AB work?

The first step is reading out the fault memory with a log, then you disconnect the battery. Only then do you remove the control unit 5WA959655AB; afterwards, create a repair order online and send in the unit, well packed. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

On the test bench, Airbag24 examines the unit, replaces damaged components and runs a functional test. If you want the crash data deleted, get in touch with Airbag24 briefly before sending the unit in.

Afterwards, your own unit is returned 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 5WA959655AB get to Airbag24?

The control unit 5WA959655AB reaches Airbag24 by parcel or via a UPS collection, which you book for an extra charge. The return to you after the repair is made by UPS.

You place the printed repair order in the parcel, and the unit must be packed shock-resistant.