Airbag control unit with part number 5WA959655AE

What does the airbag control unit 5WA959655AE do?

The airbag control unit 5WA959655AE forms the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) for Volkswagen. It analyses the crash sensors, decides within milliseconds in a crash on airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, and monitors the system continuously.

Detected faults are reported via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster. After a crash it stores crash data and locks itself.

Why does the control unit 5WA959655AE fail?

The crash data stored after an accident is the most common cause of failures of the 5WA959655AE, even if no airbag has triggered. Other causes are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at connectors, and voltage spikes. On this control unit, deleting the crash data is often not possible; if you want it deleted, contact Airbag24 briefly before sending the unit in.

A standard diagnostic tool cannot delete the crash data on this unit. The other causes relate to electronics, connectors and the power supply.

How can you tell that the 5WA959655AE is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up constantly or intermittently whenever there is a defect in the 5WA959655AE. In addition, the instrument cluster displays a fault message, the diagnostic tool finds no connection to the control unit, and the fault memory cannot be cleared.

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

Which vehicles is the 5WA959655AE fitted in?

The 5WA959655AE is installed in these vehicles from Volkswagen: Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8; Volkswagen Golf Variant 8. The assignment applies only to this control unit.

The vehicle assignment in detail:

• Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8
• Volkswagen Golf Variant 8

Comparing the part number on the label with this page only ensures that it is the right unit. Have the fault memory read beforehand; only then does it show whether the control unit 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 5WA959655AE work?

At Airbag24, checking, repairing and testing usually take 3–4 working days. First read out the fault memory of the 5WA959655AE and attach the log, then disconnect the battery and remove the unit. Then create a repair order online.

Airbag24 checks the 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 5WA959655AE get to Airbag24?

Send the control unit 5WA959655AE 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.