2002 1.8 turbo airbag controller

[CathyDad]

I recently bought a 2002 1.8 Turbo from a local Pontiac dealer for a really good price since it had an airbag light on. I hoped it might be a DTC set due to a disconnected wire somewhere. Not that lucky. I hooked up my OBD scanner with VAG.com software and the code was 65535-internal control module memory error.

Controller number is 1 C0 909 605A, soft code 12853, component 25 AIRBAG VW51 0E 01. shop # 00066

Apparently this will require replacement of the control module. Any ideas out there on cost of the module or parts and labor from a dealer? Recommended sources for parts?

Any help at all is appreciated. I'm in no big hurry, this is a "spare" car.

[veedubmechanic]

New module will run you about 550.00. You can search ebay or www.vwvortex.com forums for used good modules for 50-100.00.

[CathyDad]

Thanks--I have already found some in the $250 range, several sites have a reset service with warranty for around $125. I am waiting for further info (Bentley manual) to size up the job before I jump. It appears to be fairly starightforward, but don't know how difficult it will be to reset all the other system to make the car driveable, with radio and keys, etc following battery disconnect, etc--sounds challenging--could an aux 12 volt memory holder work, or would that still be a problem with the airbags??? Any advice?