Airbag control unit with part number 7N0959655

What does the airbag control unit 7N0959655 do?

The airbag control unit 7N0959655 is the central control unit of the SRS restraint system for Volkswagen. It detects an accident via the crash sensors and decides within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

The unit monitors the entire system without interruption, that is sensors, wiring and firing circuits. If it detects a fault, it reports it via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

Because the system must work in an emergency, every fault must be taken seriously.

Why does the control unit 7N0959655 fail?

Stored crash data is the most common cause, even if no airbag has deployed; a normal diagnostic tool cannot delete it. Other causes include aged components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connectors, and voltage spikes.

The data remains in the memory of the control unit and does not disappear by itself, regardless of how the accident went.

The other causes lie in the electronics. Components age, solder joints on the circuit board can become cold, and moisture or corrosion affect the contacts at the plug connectors.

Voltage spikes from the vehicle electrical system also affect the unit, for example with a weak battery or after a jump start.

How can you tell that the 7N0959655 is defective?

A defect shows itself through the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, which lights up permanently or only intermittently, and through an error message there. The diagnostic tool then receives no connection to the control unit, and the fault memory cannot be cleared. Airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may possibly not trigger in an emergency.

The light is the clearest signal the vehicle has for this, and it is a reason for a prompt check. An error message in the instrument cluster concerns the restraint system itself, not just a secondary area.

These indications belong together, so it is worth looking at them together. A light without any noticeable change in driving behaviour does not mean that everything is in order.

Which vehicles is the 7N0959655 fitted in?

There is a vehicle list for part number 7N0959655. The control unit 7N0959655 is fitted in these vehicles: Volkswagen Sharan 7N (2010-2015) and 7N Facelift (2015-2022).

The vehicles for this number are in the list:

• Volkswagen Sharan 7N (2010-2015)
• Volkswagen Sharan 7N Facelift (2015-2022)

Compare the number on the label of the removed unit with this page, so that you can be sure you have the right unit in front of you. Have the fault memory read out beforehand, because only that 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 7N0 959 655 B, 7N0 959 655 D, 7N0959655C.

How does the repair of the 7N0959655 work?

First have the fault memory read out and attach the log, then disconnect the battery and remove the control unit. Then create a repair order online and send in the well-packed unit. Testing, repair and function test at Airbag24 take 3–4 working days as a rule.

Airbag24 then checks the unit on the test bench, repairs defective components, deletes stored crash data and carries out a function test. Afterwards your own unit is 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 7N0959655 get to Airbag24?

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

The printed repair order goes into the parcel, and the control unit must be packed shock-resistant.