Airbag control unit with part number 6N0909601E

What does the airbag control unit 6N0909601E do?

The airbag control unit 6N0909601E is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) of Volkswagen. It checks the signals from the crash sensors and decides in the event of an accident which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered.

The unit monitors the entire system continuously and reports faults via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster. The manufacturer number Continental 5WK4104E is also printed on the housing.

After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself. The following sections explain the consequences for the repair.

Why does the control unit 6N0909601E fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag was triggered. Other causes include aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes.

Crash data cannot be removed with a standard diagnostic tool. It is therefore the obvious starting point when the system reports faults.

Aged components and cold solder joints affect the electronics themselves. Moisture, corrosion and voltage spikes attack the connections and the power supply.

Voltage spikes occur, for example, with a weak battery or when jump-starting the vehicle.

How can you tell that the 6N0909601E is defective?

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

These signs can occur individually or together:

• Airbag warning light that stays on permanently or intermittently
• Error message in the instrument cluster
• No connection to the diagnostic tool
• Fault memory that cannot be cleared

The light indicates the defect. If any of these signs appears, have the fault memory read out.

Which vehicles is the 6N0909601E fitted in?

The control unit 6N0909601E is fitted in these vehicles: Volkswagen Polo 3 (6N) (1994-1999) and III 6N2 (1999-2001).

The assignment covers the following models:

• Volkswagen Polo 3 (6N) (1994-1999)
• Volkswagen Polo III 6N2 (1999-2001)

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page. The comparison only shows that you have the correct unit. Have the fault memory read out beforehand. Only the report clarifies whether the control unit is defective or whether a connector or a cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 1C0 909 605 A, 1J0 909 603, 6N0 909 601, 6N0 909 603, 6N0909603E, 6Q0 909 601.

How does the repair of the 6N0909601E work?

First have the fault memory read out and enclose the report, then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit. Next, create a repair order online and send in the well-packed unit. Airbag24 checks it, replaces defective components, deletes stored crash data and carries out a function test.

Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days. The order of steps before sending is fixed for safety reasons.

Afterwards your own unit is sent back.

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 6N0909601E get to Airbag24?

The unit is sent to Airbag24 as a parcel, or you can book a UPS collection for an extra charge. Airbag24 returns it to you via UPS after the repair.

The package must contain the printed repair order, and the unit must be packed shock-proof.