5DoorS4

A few months ago my mechanic took my control module out, sent it out for repair, reinstalled it, and the airbag light didn't come back on. Then within the past few weeks, after one of the 15 degree nights, the light came back on. I found the notorious 65535 control module memory error, so it's unfortunately not just one of the connectors. My mechanic said the alternator could be the problem, sending a dirty electrical current to the module. I find it easier to believe that the cold makes it more difficult for the memory to retain it's code, as I believe has been said here at some point.

I suppose I would be willing to buy OEM new if the light would stay off for a more reasonable length of time, but I'd obviously rather not. Has anyone had this problem before with a repaired module?

DAP@EPL

I doubt its related to the alternator.

DocWyte

if it's stored crash data. Learned that the hard way.

DAP@EPL

Once crash data is stored, the airbag module is unuseable though normal means.

wolfwagon

Been living w/ the Airbag light for over two years now. Airbag module says memory error 65535. Didn't wanna fork out $1K for replacement. Found a shop in TX that repairs them. Shipped it to them Friday 1-11-08. Hope to have it back by this Friday. Hopefully the light will stay out for a few years. If it shows up in months, I'll be pissed. Mine used to flicker when I started the car in cold weather back in 2003. Then it started staying on longer. Audi should've recalled that airbag module as they knew it was a POS...

s4sleeper

so, wolfwagon, how much did you end up paying to get it replaced? parts and labor?

wolfwagon

I pulled it out myself. The shop states that it will cost less than $50 to repair if my chips don't need replacement. No more than $100 if parts are needed. And it will be recoded for my Audi. They swear it will be plug & play upon return to me. So no more than $100 + shipping. I'll let you know...

s4sleeper

hmm.. how hard was it to get out yourself? (where is it located?)

DAP@EPL

The airbag module is tucked behind the climate control unit and radio. Its a real PITA to get to.

wolfwagon

Under the radio, climate control module, & ashtray. Not too hard to get out. U definitely need the radio removal tools...