Airbag control unit with part number 7E0959655A

What does the airbag control unit 7E0959655A do?

The 7E0959655A is the central control unit for the restraint system (SRS) in Volkswagen. It checks the signals from the crash sensors, decides in a crash within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and monitors the system constantly. After an accident, it stores crash data and locks itself.

The control unit reports faults in the system via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster. This way the driver quickly recognises that the restraint system needs checking.

Crash data records what happened during the event. It stays stored in the unit, and that is exactly what makes the accident traceable for later analysis.

Why does the control unit 7E0959655A fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag was triggered; they cannot be cleared with a normal diagnostic tool. Further causes are aged components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion, as well as voltage spikes.

Crash data remains in the memory even when no airbag was triggered in the accident. The unit records the event and keeps the record until Airbag24 removes it during the repair.

Other factors also play a role:

• aged electronic components on the circuit board
• cold solder joints that interrupt the contact
• moisture and corrosion at plug connections
• voltage spikes, for example with a weak battery or jump-starting

How can you tell that the 7E0959655A is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or intermittently, and an error message appears in the instrument cluster. The diagnostic tool gets no connection to the control unit, and the fault memory cannot be cleared.

The airbag warning light is the most important sign. If it lights up, do not regard the system as unremarkable. The restraint system may then not work reliably.

In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may therefore not be able to deploy. The defect is thus clearly visible, and that is exactly what the warning light is for.

Which vehicles is the 7E0959655A fitted in?

The 7E0959655A is fitted in these Volkswagen vehicles: Volkswagen Multivan T5 Facelift (2009-2015) and T5 (2003-2009); Volkswagen Caravelle T5 (2003-2009) and T5 Facelift (2009-2015); Volkswagen California T5 (2003-2009) and T5 Facelift (2009-2015); Volkswagen Transporter T5 (2003-2009) and T5 Facelift (2009-2015). The fitment applies to exactly the control unit with this part number.

The known models are listed below:

• Volkswagen Multivan T5 Facelift (2009-2015)
• Volkswagen Multivan T5 (2003-2009)
• Volkswagen Caravelle T5 (2003-2009)
• Volkswagen Caravelle T5 Facelift (2009-2015)
• Volkswagen California T5 (2003-2009)
• Volkswagen California T5 Facelift (2009-2015)
• Volkswagen Transporter T5 (2003-2009)
• Volkswagen Transporter T5 Facelift (2009-2015)

Before you send the unit in, compare the part number on the label with this page. That only confirms that it is the right unit. Also have the fault memory read out, because only the result shows whether the control unit itself 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 A, 1C0 909 605 F, 5WK43122, 7E0 959 655 C, 7E0959655, 7E0959655B.

How does the repair of the 7E0959655A work?

First have the fault memory read out and attach the log. Then disconnect the battery and only after that remove the control unit. Next, create an online repair order and send in the well-packed unit. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 checks the control unit on the test bench and replaces defective components. The team then erases the stored crash data and carries out a function test before your own unit is returned.

The steps in this order protect you during removal, because the airbag system can store energy even without the battery. That is why disconnecting it before removal is mandatory.

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 7E0959655A get to Airbag24?

The unit goes to Airbag24 as a parcel, or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, UPS brings your own unit back to you.

Put the printed repair order into the parcel and pack the control unit shock-proof.