Airbag control unit with part number 8P7 959 655

What does the airbag control unit 8P7 959 655 do?

The airbag control unit 8P7 959 655 is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) for Audi. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors and decides in the event of a crash, within milliseconds, which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered.

The system monitors itself continuously. If it detects a fault, it reports this via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

After an accident, the control unit stores crash data and locks itself.

Why does the control unit 8P7 959 655 fail?

With the 8P7 959 655, the most common cause after an accident is stored crash data, even if no airbag has been triggered; a normal diagnostic tool does not clear it. Other causes include aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes.

Crash data is created after an accident and remains stored in the control unit. Airbag24 removes it during the repair.

The other causes lie in the electronics and their connections. Over the years components age, solder joints can go cold, and moisture or corrosion in the connector disrupts the contact.

Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or when jump-starting the vehicle, put additional strain on the electronics.

How can you tell that the 8P7 959 655 is defective?

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

• Airbag warning light stays on permanently
• Airbag warning light only comes on intermittently
• Fault message in the instrument cluster
• Diagnostic tool gets no connection to the control unit
• Fault memory cannot be cleared

If any of these signs are present, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not be able to trigger in an emergency.

The warning light therefore shows the defect, which is exactly why it must be taken seriously.

Which vehicles is the 8P7 959 655 fitted in?

This page lists the vehicles in which the control unit was fitted. The control unit 8P7 959 655 is fitted in these vehicles: Audi A3 8P7 Convertible (2008-2013).

The vehicles at a glance:

• Audi A3 8P7 Convertible (2008-2013)

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 the result shows whether the control unit is defective or a connector or cable is the cause.

How does the repair of the 8P7 959 655 work?

With the 8P7 959 655, first have the fault memory read out and attach the log, then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit. Online, you create a repair order and send in the carefully packed unit. At Airbag24, testing, repair and function test usually take 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, clears stored crash data and carries out a function test.

Afterwards, your own repaired 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 8P7 959 655 get to Airbag24?

You send the 8P7 959 655 as a parcel to Airbag24, or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 returns your own unit by UPS.

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