Airbag Replacement: Questions & Answers

Good evening everyone! I have a few questions. After a minor accident, both front airbags were deployed in my Touareg 7L. I'd like to repair it (until a potential engine failure prevents it), as the actual sheet metal damage isn't that severe. Now, my actual question is: Is it possible to use used airbags with the same part number? The same applies to a used control unit. My question specifically concerns the coding of a used control unit. I could potentially get one from a friend who works in the automotive recycling business. I'm not really an expert when it comes to coding, even though I use VCDS. I want to be honest about that.

I've had my certificate for a few years, but mostly just to disable the airbags in our old vehicles. I haven't had anything to do with the installation or coding process so far. Here's the scan from the airbag system:

Address 15: Airbag label file: DRV\3D0-909-601.lbl
Part number: 3D0 909 601 E.
Part number: 0B Airbag 8.4E+ H10 0951.
Encoding: 0012354
Operating number: WSC 31414 000 00000
VCID: 25464E25EF17D769B0-517C

2 error codes found:
00003 - Control unit.
014 - Defective - Warning light ON.
00595 - Crash data saved.
000 - - - Intermittent - Warning light ON.

Thank you in advance!

If the parts are identical to the ones that are already installed, I don't see any reason not to use identical parts.

Please note: Work on the airbag system is, according to German law, ONLY permitted for qualified professionals with the appropriate certification according to the Explosives Act. The forum cannot and does not assume any liability for such work; everyone acts at their own risk in this case.

Hallo Dieselschrauber! Danke für Deine Antwort. Hatte nur im Netz gelesen, daß einige Leute Probleme beim Codieren hatten. Aber irgendwie wird im Netz nie ein Beitrag bzw. Thema bis zum Ende geschrieben, sprich eine erfolgreiche (oder auch nicht erfolgreiche) Lösung gepostet. Ich werde mir wohl mal ein gebrauchtes STG besorgen und einfach die Codierung meines Alten probieren. In einigen Fällen ist es wohl nötig, den Index manuell einzugeben. Allerings finde ich auf meinem STG keinen Solchen. HmUgh...

I had previously inquired about the prices for both airbags at my local VW dealership. They informed me that the airbags were also "vehicle-specific" components. Of course, the parts advisor couldn't tell me whether any coding would be required or possible.

For those who are interested. Both front airbags + control unit cost over €2700 at VW! ^^

Just a side note: "Der Freundliche" (a common nickname for a car dealership) definitely doesn't install used airbags.

Safety-critical components must always be replaced with new ones.
I asked about this recently.
He'll install it himself and then have it activated.

Best regards,

Driver123 wrote:

Just a side note: the friendly mechanic definitely doesn't install used airbags.

That also makes sense, because most airbag control units can only be coded once.

Consequently, for the used part to be functional, both the part number and the coding must be identical to the original.

I spoke with our former electrician yesterday. The control unit (ECU) is ordered based on the vehicle's VIN and is pre-programmed/coded accordingly. According to him, it still needs to be coded to the vehicle. HOWEVER: Contrary to my previous understanding, it seems that depending on the software version, etc., a coding list needs to be consulted. Apparently, my old coding, which is revealed by the car scan, may not necessarily work with the new ECU. I have no idea if all of this is correct! It would be interesting to get a second or third opinion from a VW expert on this.

Everything is correct, the new ECU probably already has a different part number, and therefore, a different coding might apply, even for the same equipment.