Airbag control unit with part number 5WA959655AF

What does the airbag control unit 5WA959655AF do?

The airbag control unit 5WA959655AF is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) for Volkswagen. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors and decides in an accident within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

Even outside an accident it monitors the entire system continuously. It indicates faults via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

Why does the control unit 5WA959655AF fail?

Stored crash data is the most common cause with the control unit 5WA959655AF, even if no airbag has deployed after an accident. Other causes are ageing electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes. With this control unit, deleting the crash data is often not possible; if you would like it deleted, get in touch with Airbag24 briefly before sending it in, and Airbag24 will then check the number.

The entry remains in the memory even if the vehicle then drives without any irregularities.

The other causes develop over a longer period and mainly affect plug connections and electronic components.

How can you tell that the 5WA959655AF is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or intermittently in the event of a defect in the control unit 5WA959655AF. In addition, an error message appears in the instrument cluster, and the fault memory cannot be cleared.

A diagnostic tool that cannot establish a connection to the control unit also points to the fault. In the event of a defect, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not deploy in an emergency. The warning light shows that the system has detected a fault; only reading out the fault memory shows which cause lies behind it.

Which vehicles is the 5WA959655AF fitted in?

This list lets you check whether the control unit 5WA959655AF belongs to your vehicle. The control unit 5WA959655AF is fitted in these vehicles: Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8; Volkswagen Golf Variant 8.

The vehicles for this number are listed here:

• Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8
• Volkswagen Golf Variant 8

You make the label comparison on the removed unit: if the part number on the label matches this page, it is the correct unit. Only the fault memory, read out beforehand, shows 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 5WA959655AF work?

You have the fault memory read out and enclose the log. Then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit 5WA959655AF. Finally, create the repair order online and send in the well-packed unit.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components and carries out a functional test. Processing usually takes 3–4 working days, after which your own unit is returned to you.

If you would like the crash data deleted, get in touch with Airbag24 briefly before sending the unit in.

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 5WA959655AF get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit 5WA959655AF as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 returns it to you by UPS.

Put the printed repair order into the parcel and pack the unit shock-proof. Make sure that it does not shift in the carton and that the packaging is completely closed.