U015100 - Audi A3 Airbag Control Module Fault

Do you have an Audi A3 with an illuminated airbag warning light and a stored U015100 DTC? This issue is surprisingly common and it’s frequently caused by a defective airbag control module. Fortunately though, we’re the experts at restoring functionality to these safety-critical ECUs in just 2-3 working days with a lifetime warranty included.

Shop Now – Audi A3 Airbag Control Module Repair

These control units are becoming a frequent point of failure in third-generation A3 models (2012-2018). Unfortunately, Audi fitted two separate control units to this generation of A3, which is partly why airbag module faults have become such a common occurrence for owners.

You’ll find the first commonly-failing airbag control module fitted to the pre-facelift third-generation A3 (2012-2016), and the second unit fitted to post-facelift models (2016-2018). Inevitably, when either control module malfunctions, they’ll trigger the Audi A3’s airbag warning light. 

An illuminated airbag light in your Audi A3 should always be investigated, so whether you’ve also got U015100 stored or not, you can still send your airbag control module to us for testing – just fill out this short form.

Audi A3 airbag control module fault explained
As you’ll know already, the Audi A3’s airbag ECU is the sophisticated control module responsible for deploying critical safety mechanisms in the event of a crash. Therefore, you’d expect the brains of the system to be robust and durable. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. 

The third-generation Audi A3 contains an airbag control module that is particularly vulnerable to internal degradation. This is typically due to the inclusion of components which wear out sooner than you’d expect them to. Inevitably, this leads to a complete unit failure, restricting functionality and causing the airbag warning light to come on. 

Like many other control units, the airbag module communicates over the CAN bus. However, when the airbag ECU malfunctions and stops communicating, other modules can’t be sure that the airbag system is fully functional. In some cases, this causes other useful features to be disabled, such as adaptive cruise control and front assist. 

This breakdown in communication is indicated by other units storing a U015100 code for “Lost Communication With Restraints Control Module”. In addition to this, you might be unable to access the defective airbag ECU’s memory with a compatible diagnostic tool.

While a loss of some driver assistance features and an illuminated warning light on the dash might only be annoying, a non-functional airbag module is a very serious issue. With the airbag warning light illuminated, it can’t be guaranteed that your Audi A3’s airbags will deploy effectively in the event of a crash. Therefore it’s incredibly important to have the module looked at professionally.

We’re the industry experts at remanufacturing airbag control modules like the Audi A3’s. Our defect rate is as low as 0.49% and we cover all of our work with an unlimited-mileage lifetime warranty. If you have the slightest suspicion your module is defective, send it to us and have it tested to know for sure. 

Audi A3 airbag control module: rebuild or replace?
When met with a U015100 DTC, many Audi owners choose to replace their defective airbag module with a brand-new one. While this might seem like a logical decision, many don’t understand that these units fail due to a recurring internal malfunction. Therefore, owners risk forking out for an expensive replacement only to suffer the very same fate later down the line. 

This is why we’d always recommend having your Audi A3’s airbag control module remanufactured to resolve your warning lights and DTCs properly.

Our solution
We’ve developed our own hardware-in-the-loop testing rigs for these ECUs, which allow us to examine the unit under realistic operating conditions. This process is incredibly effective at highlighting hard-to-find and intermittent faults within the unit.

Once we’ve pinpointed the root cause of unit failure, our expert techs will rebuild your control unit with the very latest techniques and equipment. We even utilise higher-than-OEM-standard components to further enhance unit durability.

Our remanufacturing process not only seeks to restore unit functionality, but to strengthen any areas of potential weakness so that it remains fully-functional for many years to come. As such, we provide an unlimited-mileage lifetime warranty to keep you covered for good.

Better still, our process takes just 2-3 working days and you won’t need to recode the rebuilt ECU back to your vehicle. Complete our test form and begin the process in just a few minutes.

Common failure symptoms:

• Airbag/SRS light on
• No communication with airbag module
• Parking brake light on
• ACC fault message
• Front assist and hill start unavailable

Common fault codes: 

• U015100 – Lost Communication With Restraints Control Module
• U112100 – Data bus Missing Message
• B200000 – Control Module Faulty

Location on the vehicle:
The third-generation Audi A3’s airbag control module is located beneath the air-conditioning unit within the centre console.

Test and rebuild:
We develop our own control module testing facilities which are able to examine each unique ECU under realistic operating conditions. We always use high-quality components and the very latest equipment during our remanufacturing process. 
 
Programming:
Thankfully, our process preserves all programming information and immobiliser integrity, meaning you can simply refit the rebuilt ECU as soon as you receive it back from us. 
 
Quality:
Our proud defect rate of just 0.49% demonstrates our commitment to providing an excellent service.

Warranty:

Lifetime unlimited mileage*

How do I get my unit rebuilt?

To pay for the rebuild click the Shop Now link above, select your part number and click: Get yours rebuilt.

Print the payment/booking confirmation email.

Package the airbag control module inside a sturdy box with plenty of packaging material and make sure you include your confirmation email in the box.

Send us your package by tracked courier (the shipping instructions are on the confirmation email).

Once received we will test, rebuild and return your ECU with an unlimited mileage lifetime warranty. If your unit turns out not to be faulty then we will refund your payment less a small testing fee and return shipping.

What if I don’t want to pay up front?

This is not a problem, if you prefer this option then follow these steps:

Fill in and submit this test form.

Print the booking confirmation email.

Package the control unit inside a sturdy box with plenty of packaging material and make sure you include your confirmation email in the box.

Send us your package by tracked courier (the shipping instructions are on the confirmation email).

Once received, we will test your airbag ECU and call to inform you of the outcome of testing. If your unit is faulty and you choose to go ahead with the rebuild, then we will take payment over the phone using a debit/credit card.

We will then rebuild your module and return it to you with an unlimited mileage warranty.

If you require further information regarding this Audi A3 airbag control module fault then please contact us.