Airbag control unit with part number 8P0 959 655 M

What does the airbag control unit 8P0 959 655 M do?

The airbag control unit 8P0 959 655 M is the control unit of the restraint system (SRS) in Audi vehicles. It evaluates crash sensors and, in a crash, decides within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered.

The unit monitors the system permanently and reports faults via the airbag warning light. After a crash it stores crash data and locks itself; only the repair lifts this lock.

Why does the control unit 8P0 959 655 M fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed; a standard diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Further causes are aged electronics, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at connectors, and voltage spikes.

Crash data is created in the unit itself and stays stored there until Airbag24 removes it during the repair. Standard diagnostic equipment cannot clear it beforehand, which is why the fault persists.

Aged components, cold solder joints, and moisture and corrosion on plugs are among the other causes. Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump-start, also stress the electronics.

Whether crash data is present in your unit is shown only by the readout of the fault memory.

How can you tell that the 8P0 959 655 M is defective?

A defect in the 8P0 959 655 M shows when the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster stays on permanently or intermittently. Fault messages accompany it, the diagnostic tool cannot reach the control unit, and the fault memory remains.

These signs stand out in particular:

• airbag warning light in the instrument cluster
• fault messages in the instrument cluster
• no connection to the diagnostic tool
• fault memory cannot be cleared

In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not deploy. Therefore check the vehicle promptly, even if the car otherwise seems inconspicuous.

Which vehicles is the 8P0 959 655 M fitted in?

The control unit 8P0 959 655 M is fitted in vehicles of Audi: Audi S3 8P (2006-2008) and 8P Facelift (2008-2012); Audi A3 8P (2003-2005), 8PA Sportback (2003-2008), 8P Facelift (2005-2008), 8P Facelift (2008-2013) and 8PA Sportback Facelift (2008-2013); Audi RS3 8PA (2011-2012). Whether your car is included, the list on this page shows.

For this part number the following models are recorded. The list shows the vehicles for which Airbag24 has entered it:

• Audi S3 8P (2006-2008)
• Audi S3 8P Facelift (2008-2012)
• Audi A3 8P (2003-2005)
• Audi A3 8PA Sportback (2003-2008)
• Audi A3 8P Facelift (2005-2008)
• Audi A3 8P Facelift (2008-2013)
• Audi A3 8PA Sportback Facelift (2008-2013)
• Audi RS3 8PA (2011-2012)

Compare the number on the label of the removed unit with this page. That only shows whether the unit fits. Whether the control unit is defective or a plug or cable is the cause is shown only by the fault memory, which you have read out beforehand.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 285001666, 285001700, 285001857, 285010680, 285010917, 8P0 959 655 L.

How does the repair of the 8P0 959 655 M work?

You have the fault memory read out and attach the log, then you disconnect the battery. Only after that do you remove the control unit 8P0 959 655 M and create the repair order online. Then you pack the unit well and send it in.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components and erases stored crash data. A functional test completes the work; afterwards your own unit goes back to you.

Checking, repairing and testing with Airbag24 usually take 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 8P0 959 655 M get to Airbag24?

You send the unit 8P0 959 655 M as a parcel, or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 sends your own unit back by UPS.

The printed repair order is included in the parcel, and the unit is packed shock-proof.