Expert: Douglas Gan - 6/12/2010

Question
Air bag light on. Computer diagnosis code:01224-Control module does not match vehicle intermittent. Mechanic at a loss to explain. Car has never had any accidents or repairs since new. Code cleared, light out for 10 minutes and then on continuously again. Appears computer does not recognize control module. Faulty module? Mechanic can only suggest installing new module but not sure that will correct problem.  He has never come across this before. Any suggestions. Thank you.

Answer
Hi Jeff:
Your mechanic is correct.  The Airbag Control Module keeps losing it's memory and will not communicate with the rest of the car.  Since these modules are vehicle (and VIN) specific, you will need to replace it with a new one for your vehicle and have it configured to your VIN.
that should cure the problem.
The only other thing I would check for before I replace the module is any water or moisture accumulating near either the Airbag Control or the Body control module causing this communication fault

Good luck
Doug