Airbag control unit with part number 6RD959655M

What does the airbag control unit 6RD959655M do?

The 6RD959655M is the central control unit of the restraint system for Volkswagen. It processes the signals from the crash sensors, decides within milliseconds in an accident and monitors the system continuously.

If an accident occurs, the unit creates crash data and locks itself. The monitoring runs in the background, and faults end up in the fault memory.

Additionally, the control unit reports faults via the airbag warning light.

Why does the control unit 6RD959655M fail?

The most common cause in the 6RD959655M is crash data from an accident, even without a deployed airbag, and a normal diagnostic tool does not erase it. Also possible are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connectors, and voltage spikes from a weak battery or a jump-start.

These causes can only be narrowed down via the fault memory, because from outside many defects look alike. Aged components and cold solder joints show up as changing faults, while moisture and corrosion attack the plug connectors.

Stored crash data remains in the memory until it is deliberately erased.

How can you tell that the 6RD959655M is defective?

The airbag warning light is the first thing to notice on the 6RD959655M when it lights up in the instrument cluster permanently or intermittently. Fault messages in the instrument cluster, a diagnostic tool without connection and a fault memory that cannot be cleared confirm the suspicion. In that state airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may possibly not deploy in an emergency.

The light is the clearest sign the vehicle gives itself. The course of the light alone is not enough for classification, because only the fault memory shows which area is affected.

If you see the light, have the memory read out promptly.

Which vehicles is the 6RD959655M fitted in?

Only the part number is decisive. The control unit 6RD959655M is fitted in these vehicles: Volkswagen Polo 5 (6C) (2014-2017) and 5 (6R) (2009-2014).

The vehicles follow as a list.

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

The label of the removed unit provides the match with this page, and it proves only the identity of the unit. Reading out the fault memory is the second, more important step, because it shows whether the control unit itself is affected or a plug or cable is.

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 6RD959655M work?

First read out the fault memory and enclose the log. Only then disconnect the battery, remove the control unit 6RD959655M and create the repair order online. Airbag24 checks the unit, replaces defective components and erases stored crash data.

The fault memory is read out first, because the battery may only be disconnected afterwards. Then you remove the unit and pack it well.

At Airbag24 the control unit is checked on the test bench. Stored crash data is erased and a function test is carried out. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

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 6RD959655M get to Airbag24?

For shipping you have two options: you send the 6RD959655M as a parcel, or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. Airbag24 returns it by UPS after the repair. The printed repair order belongs in the parcel, and the unit must be packed shock-resistantly.

Make sure nothing can shift in the parcel. Firm padding helps with this.