Hey all, I'm repairing a '00 A6 which had the wheel and dash airbags, as well as the pass. tensioner fire. I need to replace the controller and I understand that I need to recode it upon install. I have VAG-COM, but am kinda new to it. Should I view/copy some coding off the old one before I remove it? If so, how? Thanks in advance!

i rebuilt an 03 A4. Bags had blown. I was able to use the original controller, replacing only the bags,and one seat belt tensioner. The clockspring and controller worked fine. Had codes from the bags, etc but they cleared ok. Took a couple of scans as I recall but lite went out and all is now well.

...it was done; locked up, if you will. In my A6, the two bags and the pass. tensioner fired, but i'm also getting a code for the driverside tensioner (00655? - Resistance to high).
I will def try reseting/reusing the original module...there isn't any risk of it blowing my new bags is there? That would be quite horendous. Thanks for the help!

Before I tried it I talked to a good mechanic at the dealer. He told me that the controller was good for at least 2 bag firings. Assured me that bags would not blow. Tensioner must be replaced. I can offer no guarantee but it worked for me. All codes cleared, dash lite is out. No codes have reset. I do get a code on occasion that says airbags activated. Try it with the pass airbag disconnected. Then try both with the pass airbag out of dash. That way if it does fire the $800 dash will not be ruined.

Most VW/Audi airbag controllers do indeed need to be replaced after deploying bags. The contain electromechanical sensors which are not reliable after having experienced enough G-forces to trigger them.

-Uwe-

Straight from the Bentely repair manual...

Airbag control module must be replaced:

After driver's side/passenger side airbag deployment.
If housing is damaged.
If there is a deformation at channel, in a circumference of 200 mm around control module.
After three airbag deployments.


Soo, looks like I need a new one...just to be safe and thorough. Thanks for the input! :)