A3 TDI: Airbag Error 65535 - Troubleshooting

Hello,

After routine maintenance was performed on my Audi A3 8L, manufactured in 1997, I suddenly encountered the following problem after the usual noises following the diesel filter replacement:

- Airbag light is on.
- Error code 65535: Internal Control Module Memory Error 00-00.
- Control unit number: 1J0 909 601 A / Version: Airbag VW 3.
- The error cannot be deleted.

Okay, here are my questions (I have already read Michael II's article, but the chassis number of my vehicle doesn't match the ones mentioned there).
Is the control unit definitely broken and do I need to replace it?
2. Do the "transverse acceleration sensors" also need to be replaced, and where are they located?
Can I simply replace it myself without damaging the airbag system in any way?
Thank you in advance for your efforts and assistance!

My questions have probably been answered after reading various articles and online forums.
The airbag control unit probably "misunderstood" something due to the prolonged operation; progress through technology, after all .

Since the error occurred due to the minor issue I described (which is the first time in 10 years), perhaps the control unit can be reset to its original state by reinstalling the software. This is often offered online. What is your opinion on this?
Rainer, is something like that possible for you too?
Thank you in advance for your opinions.

Regards,
Michael.

Disconnect the battery for a while and turn on the ignition. This will clear the error memory.

Thanks for the tip. I'll try it out right away. I'll let you know how it goes.

Regards,
Michael.

Hello,

The error memory cannot be cleared by disconnecting the battery. However, there was once a series with unusual firmware that, under certain conditions, would self-destruct during diagnostics. What is the part number of the control unit (ECU)?

Best regards, Rainer.

Xanthippe wrote:

- Error code 65535: Internal Control Module Memory Error 00-00. - Control unit number: 1J0 909 601 A / Version Airbag VW 3

Were they only installed in some VW Boras around the year 2000?

I found two documentaries in the forum.

Doku A3 8L, Error 65535 in the airbag control unit
Doku A3 8L, Error 65535 in the airbag control unit

Hello again,

The airbag light did not come on during the diagnostic check. This happened after I had to "crank" the engine for a longer time after replacing the diesel filter (until the fuel supply was restored); after that, the airbag light turned on.
I then read the error codes, and they indicated the following error:
Saturday, November 3, 2007, 4:55:32 PM

VAG-COM Version: Release 409.1-S
Control Module Part Number: 1J0 909 601 A
Component and/or Version: AIRBAG VW3 V01
Software Coding: 00065
Workshop Code: WSC 06313
1 Fault Found:
65535 - Internal Control Module Memory Error.

00-00 - -

The error cannot be cleared. As mentioned, I currently have the battery disconnected and the ignition turned on. If that doesn't help, I will probably have to use one of the internet providers for cost reasons, unless Rainer has a solution.

Regards,
Michael.

Hello,

To the best of my knowledge, part number 1J0 909 601 A is not affected. For liability reasons, I do not work on airbag control units.
Theoretically, such an error entry is possible if the engine control unit (ECU) is operating "barely" under low voltage conditions and there is no functioning internal voltage monitoring system.

To prevent this from happening in the future: Fill the diesel filter with fuel before installation.

Best regards, Rainer.

Thanks for the quick reply, Rainer. It's a shame you're not able to help with this; I would have preferred to entrust it to you. I'll have to see what can be done without any assistance.
"In the future, I will be pre-filling the diesel filter before installation."

Regards,
Michael.