Airbag control unit with part number 85E 959 655 AM

What does the airbag control unit 85E 959 655 AM do?

The airbag control unit 85E 959 655 AM is responsible for evaluation within the restraint system (SRS) of Audi. It evaluates the crash sensors, decides in an accident which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and checks the system continuously.

The unit works in the background and responds to measurement values without you noticing anything.

If a fault is detected, the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster shows it. After an accident, the unit also stores crash data and locks itself; only the repair lifts the lock.

Why does the control unit 85E 959 655 AM fail?

Crash data from an earlier accident is considered the most common cause, even if no airbag has deployed. Other causes are aged components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connectors, and voltage spikes, for example during a jump start. Which of these applies to the 85E 959 655 AM is shown only by the test.

This entry cannot be removed with common diagnostic tools. Airbag24 clears it during the repair.

Over time, electronic components age, solder joints can go cold, and moisture attacks plug connectors. Fluctuations in the vehicle electrical system are a further cause.

How can you tell that the 85E 959 655 AM is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up constantly or intermittently and is therefore the first sign of a defect in the 85E 959 655 AM. A fault message may also appear, as may a diagnostic tool that cannot connect.

In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to deploy. You should therefore not ignore such signs.

A fault memory that cannot be cleared is another sign that the system needs to be checked.

Which vehicles is the 85E 959 655 AM fitted in?

The 85E 959 655 AM is fitted in these vehicles: Audi Q6 e-tron 1st generation (from 2024) and 1st generation Sportback (from 2025); Audi SQ6 e-tron FZ (from 2024) and FZ Sportback (from 2025).

The vehicles known to us for this part number are listed here:

• Audi Q6 e-tron 1st generation (from 2024)
• Audi Q6 e-tron 1st generation Sportback (from 2025)
• Audi SQ6 e-tron FZ (from 2024)
• Audi SQ6 e-tron FZ Sportback (from 2025)

Comparing the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page only confirms that it is the correct unit. Please have the fault memory read out beforehand; only then does it become clear whether the control unit is defective or whether a plug or cable is the cause.

How does the repair of the 85E 959 655 AM work?

First the fault memory, then the battery: have the log read out, disconnect the battery and then remove the 85E 959 655 AM. Afterwards, create the repair order online and send the well-packed unit. Testing, repair and function test at Airbag24 usually take 3–4 working days.

On the test bench, Airbag24 examines your unit, repairs defective components and deletes the crash data. A function test follows before the 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 85E 959 655 AM get to Airbag24?

Your route to Airbag24 is by parcel or by a UPS collection booked for an extra charge. The 85E 959 655 AM comes back to you by UPS after the repair.

The printed repair order is enclosed with the parcel, and the unit is packed shock-proof.