Airbag control unit with part number 6RD959655

What does the airbag control unit 6RD959655 do?

The airbag control unit 6RD959655 is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) of Skoda. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors, decides in an accident within a very short time which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners trigger, and monitors the system continuously. It reports detected faults via the airbag warning light.

The evaluation runs in the background while you drive and normally goes unnoticed. The unit is therefore the point where all information from the system comes together.

After an accident the control unit stores crash data and locks itself. The following sections explain what this means for diagnosis and repair.

Why does the control unit 6RD959655 fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has triggered; a normal diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Aged components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage peaks are also possible causes.

The crash data stays stored in the unit even if the accident was minor. That is why an accident is a likely explanation, even when the bodywork hardly shows any damage.

• aged electronic components
• cold solder joints on the circuit board
• moisture and corrosion at plug connections
• voltage peaks, for example from a weak battery or a jump start

Which of these causes applies is shown only by the test on the test bench.

How can you tell that the 6RD959655 is defective?

A defect shows first on the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, which lights up permanently or intermittently. Add to this a fault message on the instrument cluster, no connection between the diagnostic tool and the control unit, and a fault memory that cannot be cleared. In that case, the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not trigger in an emergency.

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster is the most important sign. It lights up as soon as the system has detected a fault and goes out only when the fault has been fixed. A brief light-up when starting is part of the normal self-test; if the light stays on afterwards, there is a fault.

If the diagnostic tool cannot establish a connection or the fault memory cannot be emptied, that is a further reason to have the system checked.

Which vehicles is the 6RD959655 fitted in?

The airbag control unit 6RD959655 is fitted in these vehicles: Skoda Fabia 2 [5J] (2007-2010) and 2 [5J] Facelift (2010-2014).

The list names the vehicles that are on record in our data for this part number. Compare your vehicle with it.

• Skoda Fabia 2 [5J] (2007-2010)
• Skoda Fabia 2 [5J] Facelift (2010-2014)

Two steps will help. First, compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page; this only ensures that you have the right unit in front of you. Second, have the fault memory read beforehand. Only this log shows whether the control unit 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 F, 1C0 909 605 K, 5WK43125, 5WK43131, 6R0 959 655 K.

How does the repair of the 6RD959655 work?

First read the fault memory and attach the log, then disconnect the battery and remove the unit. Then create a repair order online and send the unit in well packed. Airbag24 checks it, replaces defective components, erases stored crash data and carries out a function test; afterwards your own unit is returned to you.

The order is mandatory for safety reasons. The control unit is removed only once the log is available and the battery is disconnected.

Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days. This time covers only checking, repairing and testing at Airbag24.

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 6RD959655 get to Airbag24?

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

Put the printed repair order in the parcel and pack the airbag control unit shockproof.