CODING AIRBAG MODULE
There are NO clever tweaks or changes for airbag module coding. The coding is either correct or it isn’t.
If the coding isn’t correct the module won’t accept it or the fault light will stay on.
You may need to set your VCDS with a workshop code such as 12345 before trying to code an airbag module. (By default VCDS workshop code is set as 00000)
SAFETY FIRST. IGNORE THIS AT YOUR PERIL
IF THE AIRBAG SYSTEM FAILS YOU MAY NOT LIVE TO TELL THE TALE.
BACKGROUND.
Cars are great places to be in a thunderstorm. Thanks to the tyres, you are sitting in an INSULATED box, so can’t be hurt by lightning.
Thanks to modern upholstery and modern clothes you generate a lot of static electricity just sitting in a car.
This builds up because the car is INSULATED from the ground (Earth).
SO…NEVER WORK ON THE AIRBAG SYSTEM WITHOUT EARTHING YOURSELF.
Electronic shops sell earth wrist bands for this. It is worth buying one for your safety and the safety of the airbag modules. The wrist band must attach to a metal object outside of the car which is earthed. (An old copper pipe banged into the ground is ideal)
CAN I, SHOULD I.
Let’s assume the car airbag module is faulty or the car has had a minor shunt setting off an airbag.
You have two choices.
1. Replace airbags/pre-tensioners etc and REPAIR airbag control module.
Some people are not happy with the idea of repairing an airbag control module and a dealer won’t do it.
A repair does have many advantages. A qualified repairer can remove the airbag module data and recode (flash) with new data. In theory this leaves the airbag control module as good as new. It should be returned to you, pre-coded and ready to fit. No extra coding needed.
2. Replace airbags/pre-tensioners etc and REPLACE airbag control module.
VW recommend you fit a new airbag control module.
This will probably have a different index/colour code, so will need coding on the car.
It may not interface with the old airbags etc in the car. You may have to change all of them to match the new airbag controller.
CODING.
IS IT EASY.
Use the VIN and old airbag control module part number to buy a new airbag control module from Dealer.
VIN is on your LOG book. The control module part number is on a sticker on the module and looks like this; 1C0 123 456 AA / 01E
Use VCDS to read the coding from the OLD airbag control module (5 Digit number).
Fit a new airbag control module.
(New module has factory set coding of 00000)
Code the new control module with old code.
DONE
In an ideal world that would work.
BUT
Coding depends on the index (colour) code of the airbag control module
This is part of the Part Number.
PART No: 1C0 123 456 AA / 01E
The “/ 01E” bit is the index or colour code.
If this NEW colour code matches the OLD colour code you are OK and putting the old code in the new module will work.
BUT.
What if the new module part number is: 1C0 123 456 AA / 01G and the dealer says the “01E” is no longer available.
WHAT IS THE NEW CODE ?????
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