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im-111
Joined: 07/09/2006 Posts: 10 Karma: +0 / -4
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20-07-2006, 21:39 Subject: VAG COM: Read Airbag Electronics Issues |
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Hello...
My question is actually quite simple: my airbag warning light is on after an accident where the airbag and seatbelt pretensioners were deployed. I sent the control unit in for repair, and the crash data was erased.
Now that I have new belts and airbags installed, I would like to clear the error code that is causing the warning light to illuminate.
When connecting (using VAG COM) to the airbag system, it repeatedly indicates that VAG COM is not "compatible" with the airbag system. In certain models from the year 2000 onwards, I can still proceed (although it warns that this could cause damage)
The airbag control unit was also read and the error codes were cleared using VAG COM (VAG/VAS emulator 303.2).
Could I have done that myself?
Can I log in despite the warning? Control unit number: 6Q0 909 605 A.
Translated on 01-10-2026, 16:54.
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Ross-Tech-Support Profi-Schrauber

Joined: 05/30/2005 Posts: 646 Karma: +8 / -0
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20-07-2006, 21:55 Subject: VAG COM: Read Airbag Electronics - Troubleshooting |
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Basically, you have 3 problems.
You have exactly one of the problematic airbag control units (6Q0 909 605 A) in your possession.
2) You seem not to have read the relevant instructions.
3) You are using a VAG-COM version that should not be used by legitimate customers.
So, what you should do now is...
1) Please read the corresponding instructions!
2) Update your VAG-COM version to at least 409, or preferably 607 (which may require a hardware upgrade).
3) Replace the control unit with a NEW one (directly from VW) because...
3a) ...it has stored 100% crash data that cannot and must not be deleted.
3b) ...it is one of those with faulty firmware.
3c) ...if you value your life or the lives of the occupants more than saving a few euros.
Translated on 01-10-2026, 16:57.
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im-111
Joined: 07/09/2006 Posts: 10 Karma: +0 / -4
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20-07-2006, 22:12 Subject: VAG COM: Read Airbag Electronics Issues |
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The control unit was sent in and was not processed by me.
I think he means that someone did it.
I only stopped when I received the signal.
I'm just wondering how "jennige" managed to read that with 302.
If it works with 409, I'll just use that.
Pair Mark is good  .
Unfortunately, English is not my thing  .
Translated on 01-10-2026, 16:59.
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Ross-Tech-Support Profi-Schrauber

Joined: 05/30/2005 Posts: 646 Karma: +8 / -0
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20-07-2006, 22:28 Subject: VAG COM: Read Airbag Electronics Issues |
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im-111 wrote: | | The control unit was sent in and not processed by me........ |
Submitted/edited? That means someone deleted the crash data or otherwise tampered with the firmware?
im-111 wrote: | | Someone thinks that something was done with it. |
Sure, he wants to make money.
im-111 wrote: | | I'm just wondering how jennige managed to read that with 302. |
You can read data from it, but you shouldn't. However, it doesn't matter because the control unit is junk anyway, regardless of whether someone has tampered with it to make it look "new" or not.
im-111 wrote: | Pair Mark is good  |
Okay, this supposed repair probably cost you between 80 and 150 EUR, while a new control unit from VW costs around 300 EUR. But hey, it's your life. VW replaced this series of control units for a reason, and they didn't equip the replacement control units with new firmware without a reason.
im-111 wrote: | Unfortunately, English is not my strong suit.  |
Okay, I'll summarize it briefly...
The 6Q0-909-605-A control units have a known firmware bug that can cause an internal error in the control unit when used with diagnostic devices. Therefore, when using a diagnostic device or corresponding software, it is important to use the latest versions (VAG-COM 404.0 and higher), as these versions detect the error and provide corresponding warning messages. If you want to be absolutely sure, you should either install a new control unit (which I STRONGLY recommend) and/or use a smart VAG-COM interface (HEX series).
In that sense, you have made pretty much all the mistakes that one can make.
You get what you paid for. 
Translated on 01-10-2026, 17:04.
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im-111
Joined: 07/09/2006 Posts: 10 Karma: +0 / -4
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20-07-2006, 22:39 Subject: VAG COM: Read Airbag Electronics Issues |
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No, he deleted the crash data, and he did so after taking a printout of it beforehand.
Yes, it cost 99.00 euros.
At VW, they suggested sending it in for repair, as they believed that would be the most cost-effective option.
Why should the control unit be scrap? Surely, that person knows what they're doing?
I believe it's a company, and legally, a guarantee must be provided for everything. It's not right for someone to collect money for a service that wasn't actually provided.
Unfortunately, I can't verify what was actually done.
I just downloaded the latest version, let's see if anything changes.
Maybe I'll get the 99 euros back; the control unit only costs me 200 euros, still  .
Everyone has to pay their dues sometimes, but now I need to make the best of it.
Airbags are a tricky thing; you only realize if they deploy when it's too late. 
Translated on 01-10-2026, 17:11.
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Ross-Tech-Support Profi-Schrauber

Joined: 05/30/2005 Posts: 646 Karma: +8 / -0
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20-07-2006, 22:45 Subject: VAG COM: Read Airbag Electronics Issues |
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im-111 wrote: | | No, he deleted the crash data, and he did that with a printout showing before and after. |
Okay, then the control unit is still junk, and I bet you that they didn't give you any guarantees or warranties.
im-111 wrote: | | Yes, it cost 99.00 Euros. |
So, you would have saved 1/3... or 200 euros. That wouldn't be worth my life.
im-111 wrote: | | At VW, some people suggested sending it in for repair, as that would be the most cost-effective option. |
Sure, okay... I also believe in Santa Claus. VW guidelines explicitly state that the control unit should be replaced with a NEW one.
im-111 wrote: | | Surely, that person knows what they are doing? |
Do you really think so? Would you bet your life on it?
im-111 wrote: | | I mean, it's a company, and legally, a guarantee must be provided for everything, because someone can't just collect money for a service that wasn't actually provided. |
Look at where the company is based; I bet it's a LTD with its headquarters in the UK. 
Translated on 01-10-2026, 17:17.
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mullemaus Guest
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20-07-2006, 23:48 Subject: VAG COM: Read Airbag Electronics Issues |
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Ouch, ouch, here, people are handling things that can very quickly and extremely easily end up in the eyes, and that's almost bordering on criminal. Work on the airbag system must only be carried out by qualified professionals. This includes the control unit  . And in my opinion, this company with its 'repairs' does not belong to the reputable providers on this earth.
I strongly disapprove of this kind of behavior and the way it treats oneself and the lives of others. 
Translated on 01-10-2026, 17:23.
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Dj Ninja Blaumann

Joined: 06/06/2006 Posts: 53 Karma: +1 / -1
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23-07-2006, 4:11 Subject: VAG COM: Read Airbag Electronics Issues |
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Hmm, thankfully my T3 doesn't have airbags. (Except for the four black round ones you drive on.)
I seem to recall reading somewhere that after a crash involving deployed airbags, the control unit and the affected sensors must be replaced. So, there's nothing you can do by simply tinkering with it or soldering something; it won't just be okay again.
Furthermore, I would also feel some respect for the fact that a balloon might suddenly jump into my face during the next wave... 
Translated on 01-10-2026, 17:26.
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im-111
Joined: 07/09/2006 Posts: 10 Karma: +0 / -4
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23-07-2006, 16:48 Subject: VAG COM: Read Airbag Electronics Issues |
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It would be a cost-effective alternative if it were possible, but it would need to be tried out to see if it works (unfortunately, it's difficult to implement, and you only realize it's too late).
There will always be differing opinions on the matter.
Translated on 01-10-2026, 17:28.
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mullemaus Guest
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23-07-2006, 16:59 Subject: VAG COM: Read Airbag Electronics Issues |
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It would be a cost-effective alternative if it were possible, but you would have to try it out to see if it works (unfortunately, it's difficult to implement, and you only realize it's too late).
There will always be differing opinions about it.
Since when have there been differing opinions regarding safety? Safety is of utmost importance. Moreover, not only is one's own safety at risk, but also the safety of others  (e.g., endangering other drivers, triggering events while driving that lead to accidents involving others, etc.). And those who take such a risk for cost reasons should not advertise it. Therefore, here -> Lock.
EDIT:
It would be a cost-effective alternative if it were possible, but you would have to try it to see if it works (unfortunately, it's difficult to implement, and you only realize it's too late).
There will always be differing opinions about it.
Since when have there been differing opinions regarding safety? Safety is of utmost importance. Moreover, not only is one's own safety at risk, but also the safety of others  (e.g., endangering other drivers, triggering events while driving that lead to accidents involving others, etc.). And those who take such a risk for cost reasons should not advertise it. Therefore, here -> Lock.
This whole thing is allowed; it is publicly advertised, otherwise those involved would be committing a crime. Most only offer replacement control units where nothing else is done except deleting the data.
Das ganze ist nicht erlaubt. Arbeiten am Airbagsystem dürfen nur vom Qualifizierten FACHPERSONAL vorgenommen werden. Dazu gehörst Du sicher nicht. Allein das eigenmächtige Demontieren eines Airbags oder dessen Komponeten ist für eine Privatperson ohne Qualifizierte Ausbildung untersagt. Ebenso das Reparieren von Airbagkomponenten durch 3. Der Tausch/Wechsel der Komponenten muss und wird bei VW festgehalten. Ein Reparieren ist nicht einmal ansatzweise vorgesehen. Why only?
Topic: Advertising publicly. Just because I can offer everything on the internet, it doesn't mean that using such offers is free from legal consequences or legally permissible. There are also various other parts for passenger cars that are offered and distributed, but which are not allowed to be installed on the vehicle according to the STVZO (German Road Traffic Regulations). Well, does he understand anything?
Just because something is offered doesn't mean it's legally permissible. The legal gray area begins even with the independent disassembly of the engine control unit in the car  .
Of course, it's tricky because they are not 100% reliable, and only the person who built it has to take responsibility if something goes wrong.
The manufacturer of the control units will certainly not be responsible for the shoddy work of 3 people. The company that did the shoddy work certainly won't be either.  So please don't spread such things around. And please stop sending me private messages about this. If you want to treat your safety like that, okay. But this topic will not be discussed further here. It could create the impression that everyone in the forum supports or even approves of this approach.
Translated on 01-10-2026, 17:32.
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