Airbag control unit with part number 6RD959655E

What does the airbag control unit 6RD959655E do?

The airbag control unit 6RD959655E forms the central control of the restraint system (SRS) in Volkswagen. It processes the signals from the crash sensors, decides within milliseconds in an accident which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and monitors the entire system. Faults appear on the airbag warning light.

Monitoring runs for as long as the ignition is switched on. In doing so, the unit checks the connections to the sensors and the trigger circuits, without you having to adjust anything.

After an accident the control unit stores crash data and locks itself.

Why does the control unit 6RD959655E fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed. A standard diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Aged components, moisture at plug connectors and voltage spikes also play a part.

Stored crash data remains in the unit until it is erased during the repair.

Electronics age over time. Solder joints can go cold, and moisture attacks contacts, which promotes corrosion. Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start, add further strain on the unit.

How can you tell that the 6RD959655E is defective?

A defect shows up on the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, in error messages there, in a missing connection to the diagnostic tool, or in a fault memory that cannot be cleared. In such cases, the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not be able to deploy in an emergency.

These signs occur individually or together:

• the airbag warning light is on permanently or intermittently,
• an error message appears in the instrument cluster,
• the diagnostic tool cannot establish a connection to the control unit,
• the fault memory cannot be cleared.

If you notice any of these signs, have the cause checked promptly. The light tells you that there is a problem, but not yet where it lies.

Which vehicles is the 6RD959655E fitted in?

The airbag control unit 6RD959655E is fitted in these vehicles: Volkswagen Polo 5 (6C) (2014-2017) and 5 (6R) (2009-2014).

The assignment to vehicles is shown in the following list:

• Volkswagen Polo 5 (6C) (2014-2017)
• Volkswagen Polo 5 (6R) (2009-2014)

Before removing the unit, take a look at the label. Compare the part number there with this page, and then you have the correct unit in front of you. Also have the fault memory read out beforehand, because only this log 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 285010527, 6C0 959 655 A, 6C0 959 655 AE, 6C0 959 655 AF, 6C0 959 655 AJ, 6C0 959 655 AK.

How does the repair of the 6RD959655E work?

First have the fault memory read out and attach the log. Then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit. Next, create a repair order online and send the unit in well packed.

At the test bench, Airbag24 examines the unit. Afterwards, defective components are repaired, stored crash data is erased and a functional test is carried out. For these steps at Airbag24, 3–4 working days are usually allowed. The unit is then returned 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 6RD959655E get to Airbag24?

You send the unit in as a parcel, or arrange a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, the unit reaches you again by UPS.

Pack the printed repair order into the parcel and pack the unit shockproof.