Airbag control unit with part number 971 959 655 F

What does the airbag control unit 971 959 655 F do?

The airbag control unit 971 959 655 F forms the control centre of the restraint system (SRS) of Porsche. It processes the data from the crash sensors, decides in an accident whether airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and monitors the entire system continuously. After an accident it locks itself; the lock ends only with the repair.

The control unit also checks the wiring and power supply of the triggers and stores deviations in the fault memory.

System messages appear via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster. This device therefore determines whether the restraint system works fully in an emergency.

Why does the control unit 971 959 655 F fail?

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

Crash data remain stored in the control unit after an accident. A normal diagnostic tool cannot reach them for erasing. Only the repair removes these entries.

The other causes build up gradually. Electronics age, solder joints become brittle, and moisture or corrosion attacks the plug connections. Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or after a jump start, additionally stress the electronics.

How can you tell that the 971 959 655 F is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster stays on permanently or intermittently, an error message appears in the instrument cluster, the diagnostic tool has no connection to the control unit, and the fault memory cannot be cleared.

Anyone who knows this warning light recognises a defect by the following features:

• airbag warning light that stays on permanently or intermittently
• error message in the instrument cluster
• no connection between the diagnostic tool and the control unit
• fault memory that cannot be cleared

Airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to deploy in an emergency as long as the defect persists. The warning light shows it, so a prompt check is advisable.

Which vehicles is the 971 959 655 F fitted in?

The control unit 971 959 655 F is fitted in these vehicles: Porsche Panamera 971 (2016-2020) and 971 Facelift (2020-2023).

The affected vehicles are listed below.

• Porsche Panamera 971 (2016-2020)
• Porsche Panamera 971 Facelift (2020-2023)

Comparing the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page only shows whether the unit fits. Have the fault memory read out before you remove it: only the log shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a connector or cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 971 959 655 C, 971 959 655 D, 971 959 655 G, 971 959 655 H, 971 959 655 J, 971959655E.

How does the repair of the 971 959 655 F work?

You first read out the fault memory and enclose the log, then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit 971 959 655 F. Afterwards create the repair order online and send the unit in well packed. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

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

Afterwards your own unit 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 971 959 655 F get to Airbag24?

You send the unit as a parcel to Airbag24 or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. The return after the repair is by UPS.

Enclose the printed repair order and pack the control unit shock-proof.