Airbag Control Module Defective

Airbag light came on my '03 Beetle. Ran VCDS scan and came up with the following results:
Friday,23,March,2018,16:51:38:32225
VCDS -- Windows Based VAG/VAS Emulator Running on Windows 7 x86
VCDS Version: 17.8.1.0
Data version: 20171130 DS276.6
www.Ross-Tech.com


VIN: 3VWCD21Y63M321993 License Plate:



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Chassis Type: 1Y (1C - VW New Beetle (1998 > 2010))
Scan: 01 02 03 08 15 17 19 25 29 35 37 39 46 54 56 65 75

VIN: 3VWCD21Y63M321993 Mileage: 227090km-141107miles
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Address 01: Engine Labels: 06A-906-032-AWV.lbl
Part No: 06A 906 032 KT
Component: 1.8l 5VT NB AG6 G 4926
Coding: 00004
Shop #: WSC 00066
VCID: 7AF1FDCA66A2B896DF-515A
3VWCD21Y63M321993 VWZ5Z0C2252217

No fault code found.
Readiness: 0110 1101

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Address 02: Auto Trans Labels: 09G-927-750.clb
Part No: 09G 927 750 P
Component: AQ 250 6F 0324
Coding: 0000008
Shop #: WSC 00000 000 00000
VCID: 3E7931DA6A0A54B6A3-513C

No fault code found.

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Address 03: ABS Brakes Labels: 1C0-907-37x-ESP-F.lbl
Part No: 1C0 907 379 M
Component: ESP FRONT MK60 0102
Coding: 0019970
Shop #: WSC 00066 000 00000
VCID: 346D13F254468EE645-515A

No fault code found.

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Address 15: Airbags Labels: 1T0-909-605.lbl
Part No: 6Q0 909 605 E
Component: 08 AIRBAG VW7 0517
Coding: 0012344
Shop #: WSC 00066 000 00000
VCID: 397322C67324738E96-513C

1 Fault Found:
00003 - Control Module
014 - Defective

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Address 17: Instruments Labels: 1C0-920-x4x.lbl
Part No: 1C0 920 941 N
Component: KOMBI+WEGFAHRS. M73 V03
Coding: 03234
Shop #: WSC 00000
VCID: 2B5F088ED978D11E14-4B18
3VWCD21Y63M321993 VWZ5Z0C2252217

No fault code found.

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Address 19: CAN Gateway Labels: 6N0-909-901-19.lbl
Part No: 6N0 909 901
Component: Gateway K<->CAN V032
Coding: 00006
Shop #: WSC 00066
VCID: 70E5DFE230DEF2C661-4B18

No fault code found.

All connectors have been checked. Battery voltage is 12.74vdc at rest...14.15 running. Unable to reset airbag controller. Currently performing the Sunday afternoon battery cable clamped reset to see if that works. If that doesn't work, what's my next step?

Do a visual inspection of the wiring harness for the airbag control module. Look for discolored terminals or rot, something that could imply a voltage drop issue. If things looks good then the airbag module is in fact defective and should be replaced with a new unit from the dealer.

And as a caution - the replacement may not be compatible with the crash sensors in your car. I have dealt with body shops on this.

Jason

Thinking this may be worth the approximate $50 US...
https://www.crashdata.co.uk/VW-6q0-909-605-e-airbag-module-repair-p/3852.htm
Worse case I'm out $50. Car has never been wrecked....just forgot to fully untwist the battery disconnect during the winter...

RUGsux72 said:

Thinking this may be worth the approximate $50 US...
https://www.crashdata.co.uk/VW-6q0-909-605-e-airbag-module-repair-p/3852.htm
Worse case I'm out $50. Car has never been wrecked....just forgot to fully untwist the battery disconnect during the winter...

Click to expand...

I know this is an old thread but this is exactly what I have going on. Did you have to replace the module to correct this code. I also had a low battery voltage code with the airbag module defective code. How is it a dead battery is taking out the airbag control module?

Generally speaking, it doesn't. I've seem many cases of weak batteries for one reason or another without any issues for the airbag system. If low voltage alone was the cause of an airbag module going defective, I'd would of installed a lot of airbag modules over the years.



I would say it is possible a module was starting to fail and low voltage didn't help it... the straw the broke the camel's back.



I'll also toss onto the table here... if you get [XYZ] module reporting as defective, make sure the powers/grounds are to factory design. I've seen a lot of cases of people tossing [XYZ] modules at the car and be defective as well. Later they find out there was a loose ground, a deformed terminal at the fuse, rotted wiring, ect... voltage drop under load can confuse modules and cause them to flag as defective when in fact they are just fine. Note... only visual inspection allow on airbag harnesses due to safety concerns.

The pins and sockets were spotless on the connector. Do you know where the power originates from? Is there a fuse for the air bag controller. I have checked all the fuses with a meter. I have heard you have to be careful with testing the airbag circuit. I would like to check the power and ground with a multi meter but even that seems to be a risk

Generally an Airbag Module is powered directly from the Terminal 15 (ignition on). And it is grounded because it is bolted to the body of the vehicle. If your terminals look clean and good, then odds are you have a bad airbag module.


When it comes to the Airbag System wiring harness, poking it with meters or test lights can become an explosive event which isn't as fun as it sounds.

Haha I hear you that is the last thing I need with the ongoing issues with this car.

was there any resolution to this?
I am experiencing same fault 00003, airbag module defective.
part 6Q0 909 605 AM 002
Dealer says no longer available and he can't find anything listed as a replacement part ?!!!

mike said:

was there any resolution to this?
I am experiencing same fault 00003, airbag module defective.
part 6Q0 909 605 AM 002
Dealer says no longer available and he can't find anything listed as a replacement part ?!!!

Click to expand...

I did send the module to the crash data folks in the UK. Reinstalled and she worked flawlessly. Cannot speak to longevity because I no longer own the car.