Coding Airbag Module?

[reserves]

I'm trying to replace my faulty Airbag Control Module. I replaced it and get the following error:

---------------------------------
Wednesday,04,April,2007,20:07:21:32998
VAG-COM Version: Beta 702.6

Address 15: Airbags
Control Module Part Number: 8D0 959 655 F
Component and/or Version: Airbag Front+Kopf 1001
Software Coding: 00306
Work Shop Code: WSC 06325
2 Faults Found:
01044 - Control Module Incorrectly Coded
35-00 - -
01228 - Airbag Cut-Off Switch for Passenger Side (E224)
35-00 - -

---------------------------------

I realise I have to recode my new module however there doesn't seem to be a suggested Software Coding? If I clear the faults, they do clear, however the air bag light comes straight back on.



My question is, how do i establish which software code to use? My part number is 8D0 959 655 F, however I brought it 2nd hand.

Help!

[Virdee Autos]

Be careful with second hand units, as they can be shot

Also the part number should match with the one in your car.

From the errors, it seems that your airbag module is not suitable for your car.

If you have the old unit, best thing to do is, plug the old unit back in, note the coding, and then code the new one accordingly.

If it doesn't accept it, or keeps on showing those errors, i'd get a "new" unit

[reserves]

Thanks, really appreciate the reply.

I thought about plugging the old one in, didn't know if it was specific to the module or specific to the car.

The part number is exactly the same.

Will try tomorrow, those modules are a pain to change!

[reserves]

Ok, I've found the code for my old module (01306 and not 00306, I think this indicates that I have side airbags)

Now I need to code the module with VAG-COM, I tried it but the code did not change at all, or did it reset to 00000, I'm guessing that I need to Login first? I've never done this as I'm new to VAG-Com.

Anyone know how I login?

2000 S4 Avant (B5)

[Virdee Autos]

AFAIK you don't need to login to code airbag modules.

I'm beginning to think that the new (OLD) unit cannot be "re-coded"

[MarkB]

I've heard that they need to be set to a state that they can then be coded. Once coded they can't be coded again until reset again.

Reset is a factory job. IFAIK

[Sebastian]

Looks like I mixed something up which is why you had the wrong coding chart showing up. However, there is no login needed to recode this module but in several cases control modules can only be coded once but at least in this case it should allow the coding of the shut off switch, so I'm scratching my head here. Where did you get that used module from?

An appropriate coding table is available here:

http://wiki.ross-tech.com/index.php/Aud ... 9_Airbag_8

BTW: Any chance you could send us a control module map (meas. blocks) from this module?

http://wiki.ross-tech.com/index.php/Control_Module_Maps

[reserves]

Thanks for you answer, for sure that coding chart is the wrong one! Makes sense now.

Here are my results from the contol module map (I hope I did this correctly):



My passenger Airbag on/off doesn't seem to do anything (the 'Passenger Airbag Off' light does not come on) but I guess with the module it wouldn't...

I'm also unsure what the workshop code does / should be?

[Sebastian]

The workshop code should not matter in this case...

Shop # identifies the WorkShopCode stored in the scan-tool that last Recoded this Control Module. Note: Some older Control Modules are not "codeable" and you may see a Bosch part number or other information in these fields.

http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/tour/open_screen.html

...but would you mind telling us where you got that module from? The problem is that the manufacturers usually forbid the installation/use of used airbag control modules and personally I'd just get a real new one.

P.S.: Thanks for the map.

[reserves]

Thanks for getting back to me Sebastian.

Was the map of any use?

I bought the Module off good old eBay, I was totally unaware of software coding etc. at the time. I assumed if I had the correct part number then everything would be the same.

Am I correct in thinking that this just isn't going to work? The new Airbag Modules are really expensive, but better to be safe than sorry.

My main worry is that I buy a new one and I still can't code it.... can I be sure I would be able to? Going to Audi with this problem is going to set me back a small fortune.

My other option is to try this tool http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VW-Audi-VAG-Airba ... dZViewItem on the original Airbag module (which had the stated 65535 (Controller Malfunction) error). Though i'd have to be 100% sure it's all fine, with something as important as Airbags.

[Sebastian]

Was the map of any use?

Yep, helped to complete some data.

The new Airbag Modules are really expensive, but better to be safe than sorry.

New airbag control modules are around 300 EUR (excl. VAT) here in Germany - this is quite OK since I remember them being around 600 EUR a couple of years ago.

My main worry is that I buy a new one and I still can't code it.... can I be sure I would be able to?

A new module is supposed to be codeable in any case.

My other option is to try this tool...

Let's get sth. straight here. Tools like this claim to clear error codes and crash data, but they do not repair a control module nor do they actually fix software issues in control modules. VW/Audi explicitly forbid the installation of used airbag parts and the repair of airbag control modules is also not suitable. This tool is not an option unless you can live with the fact that the airbags may deploy without any cause or may not deploy when needed. We had a customer recently who dealt with tools/companies like this and he finally ended up with 2 deployed airbags and another "fried" control module.

I am aware that the opportunity to save money seems to be in range here, but keep in mind you are playing with your life and the life of your passengers, so go the right way unless you are prepared to pay with blood. (Sorry for being pathetic...)

[reserves]

Thanks again.

I've ordered a new airbag module which I know is the right thing to do.

Money did come into the equation a little but mostly I just like to try to fix things myself and my reason or being interested in that tool was that I now have 3 spare Airbag modules, one with the 65535 error (the original one), one with 65535 crash data (not from my car, was refunded) and the one I can't software code. It would have been interesting to see what this tool made of these, stange I know...

Anyways, I hope when my new module arrives that I can code it correctly with no problems, will be so nice not to have to see the Airbag light everytime I drive the car.