Airbag control unit with part number 8R0959655E

What does the airbag control unit 8R0959655E do?

The airbag control unit 8R0959655E is the restraint system (SRS) control unit for Audi. It evaluates the crash sensors, decides on airbags and seatbelt pretensioners within milliseconds in a crash, and monitors the system continuously. Faults are reported via the airbag warning light.

The electronics are built for fast, unambiguous decisions. In everyday use nothing of this is visible, but in an emergency everything depends on it.

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

Why does the control unit 8R0959655E fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag was triggered. A normal diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Other causes are aged electronics, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connectors, and voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start.

Crash data is also created by lighter impacts in which no airbag responds. It stays in the memory until it is removed in a targeted way.

Aged electronics, cold solder joints and moisture at plugs lead to changing faults. Corrosion on contacts makes the picture even less clear.

Voltage spikes from the vehicle electrical system strain the electronics. The battery and plugs are therefore part of every fault search.

How can you tell that the 8R0959655E is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or intermittently, and a fault message also appears in the instrument cluster. The diagnostic tool receives no connection to the control unit, and the fault memory cannot be cleared. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not trigger.

The warning light is the clearest indication and stays on for as long as the fault exists. It reliably shows the defect.

A fault message in the instrument cluster and a fault memory that cannot be cleared confirm the finding. If there is no connection to the diagnostic tool, that is a further sign.

Which vehicles is the 8R0959655E fitted in?

The control unit 8R0959655E is fitted in these vehicles: Audi Q5 8R Facelift (2012-2017) and 8R (2008-2012). The list below shows exactly which models are affected.

The vehicles at a glance:

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

A comparison of the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page only confirms that it is the right unit. Whether the control unit is defective, or whether a plug or cable is the cause, is clarified only by the fault memory that has been read out.

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 8R0959655E work?

First have the fault memory read out and attach the log. Then disconnect the battery and only after that remove the control unit. Next, create a repair order online and send the well-packed unit in. Airbag24 usually processes it within 3–4 working days.

The sequence is binding for safety reasons and not negotiable.

At Airbag24 the unit goes on the test bench. Defective components are replaced, stored crash data is erased and a function test is carried out. Your own unit then 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 8R0959655E 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 in the parcel. Pack the control unit shock-proof.