Airbag control unit with part number 8R0959655A

What does the airbag control unit 8R0959655A do?

The airbag control unit 8R0959655A is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) for Audi. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors, decides in an accident within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners fire, and monitors the system continuously.

If the unit detects a fault, it reports it via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster. After an accident, it stores crash data and locks itself.

The continuous monitoring is meant to make faults visible before the system is needed in an emergency. This is why the control unit is one of the components whose condition should be kept in view.

Why does the control unit 8R0959655A fail?

Most often the cause lies in crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed. A normal diagnostic tool cannot delete these entries. Other causes are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes.

Stored crash data remains in the unit until it is specifically deleted. Airbag24 deletes it during the repair.

The other causes lie in the electronics themselves or in their connections. Voltage spikes arise, for example, from a weak battery or a jump-start and can stress the unit.

How can you tell that the 8R0959655A is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or at times, an error message appears in the instrument cluster, the diagnostic tool gets no connection to the control unit, and the fault memory cannot be cleared.

With these signs, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not fire in an emergency. Therefore have the finding checked promptly.

The light shows the fault as soon as the system detects it. If the connection to the unit is in order, a diagnostic tool reads out the fault memory.

Which vehicles is the 8R0959655A fitted in?

The airbag control unit 8R0959655A is fitted in these vehicles: Audi Q5 8R Facelift (2012-2017) and 8R (2008-2012).

The list below shows the vehicles assigned to this part number.

• Audi Q5 8R Facelift (2012-2017)
• Audi Q5 8R (2008-2012)

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page. This only confirms that it is the right unit. Have the fault memory read out beforehand as well, 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 8R0 959 655 B, 8R0 959 655 G, 8R0959655F, 8R0959655H.

How does the repair of the 8R0959655A work?

Read out the fault memory first and enclose the log. Then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit. Next, create a repair order online and send the unit in well packed.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, repairs defective components, deletes stored crash data and carries out a function test. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 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 8R0959655A get to Airbag24?

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

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