Airbag control unit with part number 5WA959655AD

What does the airbag control unit 5WA959655AD do?

The airbag control unit 5WA959655AD coordinates the restraint system (SRS) of Volkswagen. In a crash it analyses the signals from the crash sensors and decides within milliseconds on triggering airbags and seatbelt pretensioners.

During operation it is constantly active and reports faults via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

In a crash it stores crash data and is then locked.

Why does the control unit 5WA959655AD fail?

Most often the 5WA959655AD fails because crash data was stored after a crash, even if no airbag has triggered. Other causes are aging electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at connectors, and voltage spikes. Crash data often cannot be deleted on this control unit; if you want it deleted, contact Airbag24 briefly before sending the unit in.

A standard diagnostic tool does not remove these entries.

Cold solder joints and corrosion on connectors affect the contact. Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or jump-starting, put additional strain on the electronics, and moisture intensifies the problem.

How can you tell that the 5WA959655AD is defective?

A defect in the 5WA959655AD can be recognised by several signs that appear in the instrument cluster. The airbag warning light may light up constantly or intermittently, and the diagnostic tool cannot find the control unit.

These include:

• airbag warning light lights up constantly or intermittently
• fault message in the instrument cluster
• no connection between the diagnostic tool and the control unit
• fault memory cannot be cleared

In this case, the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to trigger in an emergency. A quick check of the system is therefore advisable.

Which vehicles is the 5WA959655AD fitted in?

The 5WA959655AD is installed in these vehicles from Volkswagen: Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8; Volkswagen Golf Variant 8. The assignment applies to the control unit with exactly this part number.

The following vehicles are assigned:

• Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8
• Volkswagen Golf Variant 8

Comparing the part number on the label with this page only ensures that you have the right unit in front of you. Have the fault memory read beforehand, because only this result shows whether the control unit itself is defective or whether a connector or cable 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 5WA959655AD work?

Checking, repairing and testing at Airbag24 usually take 3–4 working days. You begin by reading out the fault memory with the log. Then disconnect the battery, remove the 5WA959655AD and create the repair order online.

Airbag24 checks the control unit on the test bench, replaces defective components and carries out a functional test. If you want the crash data deleted, contact 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 5WA959655AD get to Airbag24?

Send the 5WA959655AD control unit in as a parcel, or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. The return after the repair is made by UPS.

Put the printed repair order into the parcel and pack the unit shockproof.