What is a Volkswagen Golf Mk7 airbag control unit?
The Volkswagen Golf Mk7 airbag control unit is the central safety unit that activates all occupant restraint systems, such as airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, as needed in the event of an accident. It precisely monitors all connected sensors, stores relevant crash data, and thus ensures the proper functioning of the entire restraint system in the vehicle.
This control unit is a crucial component of the passive safety system in your Volkswagen Golf Mk7. It continuously processes signals from peripheral crash sensors and initiates the necessary actions.
It controls the firing circuits of the airbags and other restraint systems to minimize the risk of injury to the occupants in the event of a collision. Communication with other vehicle control units always takes place via the CAN bus.
Why is the Volkswagen Golf Mk7 airbag control unit defective?
A Volkswagen Golf Mk7 airbag control unit is often reported as defective after an accident because it permanently stores crash data and causes a system lockup. Internal hardware or software errors, voltage spikes, or communication problems via the CAN bus can also lead to failure and severely compromise safety.
After a collision, the control unit stores indelible crash data, which activates the airbag warning light and prevents re-deployment. This is an important safety measure that requires professional repair.
Other causes include internal component defects or corruption of the internal software, which lead to the typical error codes B2000 or 16712469. Disrupted communication with the control unit, often caused by cable breaks or connector problems, can also simulate a defect.
Common error codes for Volkswagen Golf Mk7 airbag control unit repair
When repairing the Volkswagen Golf Mk7 airbag control unit, specific error codes indicate internal defects or communication problems, allowing for a precise diagnosis. These codes signal whether the control unit itself is damaged or whether there is a data transmission problem, which is crucial for targeted troubleshooting.
- **B2000:** Internal error in the airbag control unit → Indicates a hardware or software defect in the module.
- **16712469:** Internal error in the airbag control unit (crash data stored) → Indicates that crash data is permanently stored in the control unit after an accident.
- **15712469:** Airbag control module internal error → This is a general internal module error code that requires inspection.
- **U0151 00:** No communication with airbag control unit → Indicates a faulty connection or a failure of the control unit itself.
- **U1123 00:** Received error message (Airbag control unit data bus problems) → Signals problems in the data bus that affect the control unit's communication.
What part numbers are available for the Volkswagen Golf Mk7 airbag control unit repair?
The primary and 100% verified OEM part number for the Volkswagen Golf Mk7 airbag control unit is 5Q0 959 655 BH, manufactured by Bosch under the part number A2C12701404. This part number is standard for the model and has been confirmed multiple times by official repair and parts sources.
The number provided identifies the original airbag control unit used by Volkswagen for the Golf Mk7 (Type AU). This is the most common and best-documented variant, and is also reported as defective.
After careful research, alternative OEM numbers for this specific component are not 100% verified. Therefore, the number 5Q0 959 655 BH is the most reliable reference for Volkswagen Golf Mk7 airbag control unit repair and replacement.
Compatibility and technical features of the Volkswagen Golf Mk7 airbag control unit
The Volkswagen Golf Mk7 airbag control unit is specifically designed for the 5G1, BQ1, BE1, and BE2 model variants produced between June 2012 and June 2019. It is scalable to control up to 32 ignition circuits and multiple PSI5 sensor interfaces, allowing adaptation to various vehicle configurations.
This control unit is compatible with all Volkswagen Golf Mk7 engines of these models, from the 1.2L petrol to the 1.6 TDI diesel engines. It is a vehicle-specific coded unit that must be a perfect fit for the vehicle.
After an accident, crash data is stored in the device, which requires reprogramming or a reset. Communication for diagnostic purposes takes place via the CAN bus, allowing for verification with common diagnostic tools such as VCDS.
Installation, repair and reset of the Volkswagen Golf Mk7 airbag control unit
The Volkswagen Golf Mk7 airbag control unit is typically located in the center console and is connected to specific yellow airbag connectors that ensure maximum safety. A repair allows for the erasure of crash data and error codes, often through data transfer or cloning, restoring the module to full functionality.
When removing and installing the control unit, it is imperative to disconnect the vehicle battery to prevent accidental airbag deployment. Installation should always be performed by qualified specialist workshops, as this is a safety-relevant component.
Services such as resetting or deleting crash data make the control unit operational again after an accident without the need for an expensive new one. The vehicle-specific software is retained, allowing for plug-and-play installation after the Volkswagen Golf Mk7 airbag control unit repair.