While scratching my head what to do to the transmission, I want to start attacking the other issues with the car.

VAGcom scan shows the following Airbag codes (below). Any suggestions how/where to start?

Address 15: Airbags Labels: 8A0-959-655.lbl
Part No: 8A0 959 655 D
Component: Airbag V AUDI D00
Coding: 00127
Shop #: WSC 06334
VCID: 3469E80D2EBD

4 Faults Found:
65535 - Internal Control Module Memory Error
00-10 - - - Intermittent
00532 - Supply Voltage B+
07-10 - Signal too Low - Intermittent
00588 - Airbag Igniter; Driver Side (N95)
32-10 - Resistance too High - Intermittent
01025 - Trigger for On Board Diagnostic Lamp; Malfunction
31-00 - Open or Short to Ground

 

You need to start by replacing your airbag computer. The 65535 is a "hard" fault that is not resettable. Some send there computer in to be rebuilt, but they often come back with the same errors or soon get the same error. My bet is you have a model 2000 or above, I believe its more common with these models. Search 65535 audi on google and you can find more information. Once you get the new computer you can fix the wire underneath the drivers seat which is likely causing the resistance error, the B+ code is probably because the battery was disconnected at some point.

 

Doesn't sound good. Is 'airbag computer' the official term (when I want to search for the part, look up location in Bentley, etc.)?

 

From Rosstech Wiki:

Internal Control Module Memory Error

Possible Causes

• Control Module housing leaky > Control Module wet
• Wiring from/to Control Module faulty
• Control Module faulty

Possible Solutions

• Check/Clean Wiring from/to Control Module
• Replace Control Module

May since it is "intermittent", there is still hope to fix instead of replace the airbag module?

 

Looks like airbag control module is a common term (not sure yet what Bentley calls it).

My part no is (does the last letter matter?)
8A0 959 655 D

Seems like Bosch part no

0 285 001 039

 

That sounds like the right one. Funny thing, I've got that exact module sitting right next to my hand... The Ebay seller I got it from was supposed to send me 8D0 959 655 D (paid $200), so I have to send this one back. However, you can pick up the 8A0 959 655 D pretty cheap on Ebay, just make sure the auction says that all airbags were intact and hopefully it should be okay (if not, send it back to the seller for a refund).

 

Even though it says intermittent, it still isnt resettable, even if you clear out any water or fix the bad connection. You would want to check for these problems before you replace it however, as both of those problems can cause a problem and give you that code. The code itself means the module has decided it has a problem internally. If you read further down on the page you took that quote from, it says that your only option is to replace the module.