Airbag control unit with part number 5Z0 959 655 D

What does the airbag control unit 5Z0 959 655 D do?

The airbag control unit 5Z0 959 655 D controls the restraint system (SRS) in Volkswagen. It measures the impact via the crash sensors, decides within milliseconds whether airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and checks the system constantly. It reports faults via the airbag warning light.

After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

The electronics are therefore both the control centre and the data store of the system.

Why does the control unit 5Z0 959 655 D fail?

The most common cause: crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed. Also involved are ageing electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion on plug connectors, and voltage spikes.

• Ageing electronic components lose their function.
• Cold solder joints can lose contact.
• Moisture and corrosion attack plug connectors.
• Voltage spikes occur, for example, with a weak battery or jump-starting.

A standard diagnostic tool cannot erase the crash data. The causes listed tend to act over a longer period.

How can you tell that the 5Z0 959 655 D is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster stays on permanently or comes on intermittently, and a fault message appears in the instrument cluster as well. In addition, the diagnostic tool finds no connection to the control unit, and the fault memory cannot be cleared. In an emergency, the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to deploy.

The warning light is the visible signal that the control unit gives. The finding is therefore not hidden, and a check is the right next step.

Which vehicles is the 5Z0 959 655 D fitted in?

The 5Z0 959 655 D is fitted in these vehicles: Volkswagen Fox 5Z (2005-2011).

These vehicles are listed for this part number:

• Volkswagen Fox 5Z (2005-2011)

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page. This shows whether it is the right unit. Also have the fault memory read out before removing anything, because only the result shows whether the control unit itself is defective or whether a plug or cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 1C0 909 605, 1C0 909 605 K.

How does the repair of the 5Z0 959 655 D work?

First read out the fault memory and attach the log, then disconnect the battery and remove the control unit. Next, create the repair order online and send in the well-packed unit. Airbag24 usually processes it within 3–4 working days: it tests, repairs and tests the unit, and then your own unit is returned.

The sequence protects you during removal and must not be reversed.

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 5Z0 959 655 D get to Airbag24?

You send the unit in as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 returns your own unit to you by UPS.

The printed repair order goes into the parcel; pack the unit shock-proof.