Audi S3 8V7 Convertible airbag control unit repair

What is an Audi S3 8V7 Convertible airbag control unit?

The SRS control unit is the central control unit of the restraint system in the Audi S3 8V7 Convertible. It evaluates the crash sensors, deploys the appropriate airbags and seatbelt pretensioners within milliseconds in an accident, and reports faults via the airbag warning light.

The control unit monitors the system continuously. It is installed in the Audi S3 8V7 Convertible (2014 to 2020) and comes from Continental. If it detects a fault, the airbag warning light comes on.

After an accident, the control unit stores crash data and locks itself. The airbag system of the Audi is then no longer ready for operation.

Airbag24 repairs your own control unit through its send-in service and returns it to you. To do this, you remove the unit, create a repair order online and send it in.

Why is the Audi S3 8V7 Convertible airbag control unit defective?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag deployed. Other causes are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture, corrosion on connectors and voltage spikes.

This data cannot be erased with an ordinary diagnostic tool. The electronics age, solder joints turn cold, and moisture and corrosion attack the connectors. Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start, damage the components further.

Typical signs are a permanently lit airbag warning light, a fault memory that cannot be cleared and a diagnostic tool with no connection to the control unit.

In such cases a diagnostic tool often only shows that a fault exists, but not where exactly it lies. That is why testing the removed unit is the reliable way.

Common error codes for Audi S3 8V7 Convertible airbag control unit repair

On the Audi S3 8V7 Convertible, the error codes report internal control unit faults, supply voltage problems and faults in the firing circuits of the front and side airbags. To see them, you need a diagnostic tool.

First read out the fault memory, then each code can be classified. Frequently occurring codes on the Audi S3 8V7 Convertible:

• 65535 → Internal control unit fault
• 00532 → Supply voltage too low, sporadic
• 00588 → Firing circuit driver airbag, resistance fault
• 00590 → Firing circuit passenger airbag, fault
• 01217 → Firing circuit side airbag driver side, resistance fault
• 01218 → Firing circuit side airbag passenger side, resistance fault

A code alone does not show with certainty that the control unit is defective. Connectors, wiring or an airbag module can also be the cause. Only testing clarifies it.

What part numbers are available for the Audi S3 8V7 Convertible airbag control unit repair?

The part number is on the label of the control unit. It determines the exact version, because within the Audi S3 8V7 Convertible model series there are different numbers depending on equipment and year of manufacture.

Here are known part numbers for the Audi S3 8V7 Convertible. The list is not complete:

• 5Q0959655N (Continental)

Compare the number on your control unit with the list. This way you know it is the right unit. Whether it is defective is only shown by reading out the fault memory or by testing.

The process is simple: have the fault memory read out, disconnect the battery, remove the control unit, create a repair order online and send the unit in. Testing, repairing and checking usually take 3–4 working days at Airbag24. 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.