Airbag Coding

The following Tech Tip demonstrates the basic steps for Index based Airbag Coding. Ross-Tech is not responsible for any damage or problems that may result from following these instructions. They are to be used at your own risk. As always, you should refer to a Factory Repair Manual for your vehicle!

Make sure to download and install the latest version of VCDS before performing this procedure while using a HEX+CAN series Interface. The Suggested Coding and Manual Index will only work with these professional-grade Interfaces.

When airbags have deployed and there is permanent crash data stored, which cannot be cleared conventionally by clicking [Clear Codes-05], the airbag controller must be replaced. They have an electro-mechanical switch that deploys the airbags, somewhat like the hammer and trigger on a gun, it cannot be "recocked" and you should stay far away from any people or companies who claim to be able to "reset" a used airbag controller. The following procedure details how to code a NEW Airbag (SRS) Controller after it has been installed in a vehicle.

New Airbag Controllers in many VW/Audi vehicles contain a Soft Coding of all zeros from the factory and must be coded once they have been installed in the vehicle.

• Always save a complete [Auto-Scan] prior to removing the original Airbag controller.
• Any problems with crash sensors, airbags or igniters should be repaired before trying to install and code a new controller.
• The Airbag module must be bolted properly to the floor with sufficient battery voltage present before attempting to communicate with or code a new module.
  

Vehicles that typically use Index based Airbag Coding include:

• Audi
  • Audi A6/S6/RS6/allroad (4F)
  • Audi Q7 (4L)
    • If Component Protection fault codes are stored the Factory Scan Tool in Combination with a direct online connection to Audi headquarters will be necessary. Every Audi Dealer/Service Center should be able to perform this Procedure.
• Bentley
  • Continental (3W)

• VW
  • New Beetle/Cabriolet (1C/1Y/9C)
  • Eos (1F/AH )
  • Golf/Jetta/Bora (1J/9M)
  • Golf, GTI, Rabbit, Jetta, Jetta Sportwagen (1K/5M)
  • W Golf/Golf Plus/Jetta Wagon (JSW)/Golf Variant (5K/52/AJ)
  • VW Jetta (16/AJ)
  • Passat (3B)
  • Passat (3C/AN)
  • Passat (NMS/A3)
  • Passat Coupe (35)
  • Phaeton (3D)
  • Tiguan (5N/AX)
  • Touareg (7L)

---

Suggested Coding

When connected to an applicable New Airbag controller VCDS can "Suggest" an appropriate Coding value. This feature is available only when VCDS is used with one of our Professional Grade interfaces. Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee that the coding which VCDS may suggest will be correct, but there should be no harm in trying it. If it's not correct, the control module should simply refuse to accept it and the coding will remain at all zero coding.

Suggested Short Coding

In the above example, you would enter a Software Coding of 12342 then click [Do It!]. After you exit out of the Airbag Controller then get back into it, the Soft. Coding field should show 12342. If the existing WorkShop Code is all zeros, you may need to enter a WorkShop Code before the module will accept the new coding - anything non-zero like 12345 should work for the WorkShop Code.

---

Manual Index Entry

In cases where VCDS would offer Airbag module coding suggestions but cannot determine the Index automatically, VCDS will give you the ability to manually enter an Index to get the suggested coding. To find the coding, you'll need the "complete" part number for the new Airbag module, which can be found on:

1. The invoice/order form for the Airbag module (preferred).
2. The box which the new Airbag module came in.
3. The labels on the Airbag module as shown to the right.

• Using the label example, note that on the upper right, it says INDEX [03], this is NOT the index/color code!
• The Index is shown immediately following the part number and consists of a slash ( / ) followed by 3 characters. The last two characters are what's needed, so if the Index is /16A, you would enter 6A. If the Index was /01E, you would enter 1E.
• On the label at the bottom, the part number is followed by a slash then the Index/color code with a leading zero: 1C0-909-605-F /01E
  

In that case the Index/color code is 01E so the Manual Index Input you use is 1E, which you enter into the Manual Index Input field.

The example below is a 5H Index code module:

==

Single indent

Double indent

---

This page has replaced the original "Airbag Controller Coding" page which was revised on April 3rd, 2008.