Airbag Error 65535: A3 8L Fix (up to 8LYA078299) (Solution)

The airbag warning light is illuminated. The airbag control unit displays the following error code: "65535 Control unit defective, intermittent error." The error cannot be cleared. This issue only affects control units that identify themselves as "Airbag Front and Side" in the self-diagnosis (part number 8L0 959 655 G).

Affected vehicle identification numbers:
Until 8LYA078299.

Cause:
Due to conceptual errors within the control unit, the control unit detects a closed micro-mechanical switch during system startup. However, because this is recognized as incorrect during the test procedure, the control unit stores the following error code: "65535 Control unit defective, intermittent error." This error cannot be cleared.

Solution:
Replacement of the control unit. The new control units have a data version from 2008.