Airbag control unit with part number 6RD959655B

What does the airbag control unit 6RD959655B do?

The airbag control unit 6RD959655B is the central control unit of the restraint system in the Skoda. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors, determines in an accident within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners trigger, and monitors the system continuously. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

The unit works throughout the whole journey and checks wiring, power supply and the ignition circuits. A fault it finds is stored in the memory and shown via a display in the instrument cluster.

The lock after an accident is not noticeable in everyday life. It only shows when someone wants to address the control unit with a diagnostic tool.

Why does the control unit 6RD959655B fail?

Most often the cause is stored crash data that remain in the unit after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed. A normal diagnostic tool cannot remove them. In addition, aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes come into consideration.

Crash data is stored regardless of whether a seatbelt pretensioner or an airbag has actually deployed. That is why this point comes first in fault finding.

The other causes work over time or through the environment. Solder joints on the circuit board can lose contact, moisture and corrosion impair plug connections, and voltage spikes from a weak battery or a jump start put strain on the electronics.

How can you tell that the 6RD959655B is defective?

A defect shows itself through the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, which lights up permanently or intermittently, through a fault message in the instrument cluster, through a missing connection between the diagnostic tool and the control unit, or through a fault memory that cannot be cleared.

The airbag warning light is the most important signal. It lights up permanently or intermittently, and some vehicles also show a message in the instrument cluster. If the diagnostic tool stays without a connection, or the fault memory cannot be emptied despite an attempt to clear it, there is a fault in the system.

As long as these signs persist, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may in an emergency not deploy. Therefore have the system checked promptly.

Which vehicles is the 6RD959655B fitted in?

The control unit 6RD959655B is fitted in these vehicles: Skoda Fabia 2 [5J] (2007-2010) and 2 [5J] Facelift (2010-2014). The details refer to this part number and are ordered by model.

The list of vehicles looks like this:

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

First compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page, so that you can be sure you have the right unit. Also have the fault memory read out beforehand. Only this result shows whether the control unit itself is defective or whether a plug or a 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 6RD959655B work?

First have the fault memory read out, enclose the log, and only then disconnect the battery before the control unit is removed. Then create the repair order online and pack the unit well. At Airbag24 the processing usually takes 3–4 working days.

The sequence protects you when working on the vehicle. A control unit is only removed once the battery has been disconnected.

At Airbag24 the unit is first checked on the test bench, then defective components are replaced, stored crash data is deleted and a function test is carried out. Afterwards your own unit goes back 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 6RD959655B get to Airbag24?

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

Put the printed repair order into the parcel and pack the unit shockproof before you hand it in.