Airbag control unit with part number 8L0959655M

What does the airbag control unit 8L0959655M do?

The airbag control unit 8L0959655M is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) for Audi. It evaluates the crash sensors and decides in an emergency, within milliseconds, which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered.

During operation the unit monitors the entire system. If it detects a fault, it reports this via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

After an accident, it stores crash data and locks itself.

Why does the control unit 8L0959655M fail?

Most often the cause is stored crash data after an accident, even without an airbag deployment. These cannot be erased with a normal diagnostic tool. Aged electronic components, moisture, corrosion and voltage spikes are also considered.

Crash data remains in the unit, even when the vehicle is long back in use. Airbag24 erases it during the repair.

Electronic components age, solder joints can go cold, and moisture and corrosion attack plug connections. Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start, put additional strain on the unit.

How can you tell that the 8L0959655M is defective?

A defect on the 8L0959655M shows up as the airbag warning light, as fault messages in the instrument cluster, as a diagnostic tool without connection and as a fault memory that cannot be cleared.

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster stays on permanently or intermittently and thereby indicates that a fault is present. A fault message in the instrument cluster and a missing connection to the diagnostic tool reinforce this indication.

In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to trigger while the fault persists. Therefore have the system checked promptly.

Which vehicles is the 8L0959655M fitted in?

The control unit 8L0959655M is fitted in these vehicles: Audi A3 8L Facelift (2000-2003) and 8L (1996-2000).

The following vehicles belong to this part number:

• Audi A3 8L Facelift (2000-2003)
• Audi A3 8L (1996-2000)

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page. This only confirms that it is the correct unit. Also have the fault memory read out beforehand, because only this log shows whether the control unit is faulty or whether a plug or cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 0285001223, 0285001352, 1J0 909 601 A, 8D0959655E, 8L0 959 655, 8L0 959 655 A.

How does the repair of the 8L0959655M work?

Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days. Beforehand you read out the fault memory, enclose the log and disconnect the battery. Only then do you remove the control unit and create a repair order online.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, deletes stored crash data and carries out a function test. Afterwards, your own unit is returned to you.

This time applies only to checking, repairing and testing at Airbag24.

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 8L0959655M get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit 8L0959655M as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 sends it back to you by UPS.

Place the printed repair order in the parcel and pack the unit shockproof.