[Alltime]

Hi everyone, I've been referencing this site for a while and now finally a member. I hope I'll be able to give back!

My daughter's '03 2.0 failed inspection due to no ABS or airbag lights at startup. I pulled the cluster and yep, discovered tape. Disgusting. Fortunately, the ABS light now comes on at startup and goes away so no worries there. The airbag light remains on.
My scan tool shows two faults, driver side sensor, and module.
My local salvage yard has 5 beetles, I'm certain I can get a module from one of them. My understanding is that if I replace it the dealer will need to program it.
Her car also has an airbag recall, no doubt the Takata caper.
My question is..
Is there any chance the dealer can do anything through software with the existing module?
If not, I will likely grab a salvage module and crash sensor from the yard, install, and then have the dealer flash it.. does that sound correct?
Sorry for the long windedness and thanks in advance for any help

 

[billymade]

What are the trouble codes and what scan tool, are you using?


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[Alltime]

Hi,
It's just an Ancel, but does allow me to go into various specific systems. It's showing:
00003 control module, and
01221 side airbag crash sensor driver side

 

[billymade]

00003 - Ross-Tech Wiki

wiki.ross-tech.com

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[billymade]

01221 - Ross-Tech Wiki

wiki.ross-tech.com

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[billymade]

Has the car been a accident or airbags ever been deployed? Sometimes there are wiring issues, a software issue or the sensors need to be rebuilt or replaced.

Recently, my airbag light came on and after inspection, i found some of my wires were broken under the seat. I repaired the wires and cleared the codes with vcds, problem fixed.


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[billymade]

What model Ancel scanner are you using? A vw factory level scan tool; like vcds by ross tech, maybe needed to-test the airbag or do the needed coding, perform basic settings?


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[Alltime]

Well, it's a VD500. It will allow me to access systems but I don't think coding.
If I replace the crash sensor and there's still a fault, I know I'll have more exploring to do.
I'm not sure what VW will charge to flash the module, was wondering if they should be able to do anything with the one with the fault, or if I'd be better off getting one from salvage?

 

[Alltime]

 

[billymade]

Well, it looks like your scanner is a code reader with some limited extra features:

Limited-time deal: ANCEL VD500 OBD II Diagnostic Scanner for Volkswagen VW Audi Skoda Seat Diagnosis Check Engine Light EPB ABS SRS Code Reader Oil Throttle Position Adaption Brake Pad Reset Tool Amazon.com

From a cost effectiveness point of view; you might compare the cost of vcds @ $199 to do output testing, basic settings, coding, vw sending out the sensors for rebuilding (possibly plug/play; no programming required), flashing or have a vw dealer handle things?

VCDS HEX-V2 Enthusiast
- USB Interface -

VCDS with HEX-V2 Enthusiast | Ross-Tech

Have you done any research on the sensor, airbag location (s); confirm if the car was in a accident and do further testing?


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[Alltime]

Thanks for the links.. I don't believe there has been any accidents. The faulty crash sensor is behind the back seat quarter panel.

 

[Alltime]

Just got back from the yard with a salvage module. Looks like I should have pulled ours first as I thought the same car would have the same module.
The original is 6Q0 909 605E
The salvage one is 6Q0 909 605AF
Would I be correct in assuming the one I bought will not work?

 

[billymade]

What you might do, is look at the vw parts site; input your vin #, then search with your original vw part #. The site, should bring up the last or latest version if the vw part #, compare that to your new/used module, see if they are the same. The part should have the production date, on the part number id sticker; its preferable, to have the date be close or later then your cars date.

www.parts.vw.com

Are the doner parts car and your car the same model and year?

Otherwise, you could install the new part; clear codes and see if the codes, airbag light goes away?


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[Alltime]

I think because of the age, the module isn't listed at VW. I reinstalled old module and made a diagnostic appointment along with the recall. I'll post what I find out

 

[billymade]

If the module is bad, I doubt they will be able to get new parts; the diagnostic fees, may end up costing you without a completed repair. Depending on the VW dealership policies, they may not want to attempt repairs with used parts, for liability reasons and would still charge you labor for diagnostics, hooking up the scan tool, attempted coding, basic settings, etc. I would take the money the diagnostic labor time, will cost you and put it towards the purchase of vcds by ross tech and do the diagnostics, repairs, possible coding yourself.

Bad modules, typically can be rebuilt or repaired; by shipping it out to a specialist or find a good used correct module.

Taking a 20 + year old VW to a dealership for repairs; Is generally not cost effective, they may not have solid diagnostic capability or sometimes, end up being a viable repair solution.

 

[Alltime]

I'm giving it serious thought. I saw a bunch of companies that do rebuild and reprogram.. is there one you would recommend? The pricing looks to be under $75. I'm nervous about a new learning curve right now, spread super thin on time

 

[billymade]

Well, right now, a solid diag is still a open question; this, is where vcds could help with that vs throwing parts at the problem? We have had members get modules repaired in the past, but I do not have a current recommendation that I can remember at this time.

Maybe others can chime in and share their experiences, repair specialists recommendations?


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[billymade]

Searching online, there DO seem; to be quite a few shops, offering vw specific airbag module repair services?

vw airbag module repair service - Google Search

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[Alltime]

This is odd.. I did install a crash sensor and that fault went away.. however now there's a new fault. 01761 Rollover protection solenoid, driver side.
The only thing I changed was the crash sensor.. with same part number lol..
Sometimes I wonder if this car is haunted!

 

[Alltime]

Does anyone know about this one? I'm having a tough time finding anything.. anywhere!