Every control module on the 2021-2026 Audi A3 — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Transmission Control Module (TCM / Mechatronic) 4.5 hr R&R security gateway +1.2 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Inside transmission (DQ250/DQ381 DSG) or external on valve body
🔧 ODIS-E/ODIS-S with online Security Gateway authorization
⚠️ SGW 3.0 protected. DSG mechatronic requires transmission oil change, adaptation, online unlock. Very expensive.
Infotainment Control Module / MMI (MMI / MIB3) 2.0 hr R&R security gateway +0.8 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Dashboard, center stack behind touchscreen
🔧 ODIS-E/ODIS-S with online Security Gateway authorization
⚠️ SGW 3.0 protected on MIB3 units. Navigation data separate. Bluetooth pairing lost on replacement.
ABS/ESP Control Module (ABS) 1.5 hr R&R security gateway +0.8 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Engine bay, left front near brake master cylinder
🔧 ODIS-E/ODIS-S with online Security Gateway authorization
⚠️ SGW 3.0 protected. Brake bleed required. Component protection active.
48V Mild Hybrid Battery Management Module (BMS / 48V) 1.5 hr R&R security gateway +0.8 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Under rear cargo floor or rear seat area
🔧 ODIS-E/ODIS-S with online Security Gateway authorization
⚠️ Only on 48V mild hybrid models (some 2024+ trims). SGW 3.0 protected. High voltage safety procedures required.
Electric Power Steering Control Module (EPS) 1.5 hr R&R security gateway +0.7 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Steering column, mid-column or lower dash area
🔧 ODIS-E/ODIS-S with online Security Gateway authorization
⚠️ SGW 3.0 protected. Steering angle sensor calibration required after replacement.
Climate Control Module (CCM / Climatronic) 1.5 hr R&R aftermarket tool +0.3 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Dashboard, center stack behind climate controls
🔧 VCDS, OBDeleven, or ODIS
⚠️ Usually not SGW-protected. Adaptation for flap calibration required.
Engine Control Module (ECM) 1.2 hr R&R security gateway +1.0 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Engine bay, left side near firewall, under plastic cover
🔧 ODIS-E/ODIS-S with online Security Gateway authorization
⚠️ SGW 3.0 protected. Requires online VW/Audi authorization. Component protection ties ECM to VIN.
Body Control Module / Central Electrics (BCM / CE) 1.2 hr R&R security gateway +1.0 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Dashboard, left side behind fuse panel or integrated with gateway
🔧 ODIS-E/ODIS-S with online Security Gateway authorization
⚠️ SGW 3.0 protected. Controls lighting, wipers, central locking.
Door Control Module (DCM) 1.2 hr R&R aftermarket tool +0.3 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Inside each door (driver, passenger, rear doors)
🔧 VCDS, OBDeleven, or ODIS
⚠️ Controls windows, mirrors, locks per door. Usually not SGW-protected. Window auto-up/down relearn needed.
Central Gateway Control Module (Gateway / CGW) 1.2 hr R&R security gateway +2.0 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Dashboard, left side behind fuse panel
🔧 ODIS-E/ODIS-S with factory authorization
⚠️ Security Gateway 3.0 itself. Replacement requires dealer-only online authorization and all module re-adaptation.
Kessy / Immobilizer Control Module (Kessy) 1.0 hr R&R security gateway +1.5 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Dashboard, center console, or steering column area
🔧 ODIS-E/ODIS-S with online authorization
⚠️ SGW 3.0 protected. All keys must be re-learned. Requires online VW/Audi authorization for key programming.
Adaptive Cruise Control Radar Module (ACC Radar) 1.0 hr R&R dealer / factory tool +0.8 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Front bumper, center behind grille
🔧 ODIS-E/ODIS-S with calibration equipment
⚠️ May be SGW-protected. Requires static or dynamic calibration after replacement. ADAS feature.
Adaptive Damping Control Module (CDC / DCC) 1.0 hr R&R security gateway +0.6 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Rear cargo area, left side behind trim
🔧 ODIS-E/ODIS-S with online Security Gateway authorization
⚠️ Only on S3 or models with adaptive suspension. SGW 3.0 protected. Calibration required.
Telematics Control Module (TCU / Audi Connect) 1.0 hr R&R security gateway +0.6 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Dashboard, behind glovebox or center console area
🔧 ODIS-E/ODIS-S with online Security Gateway authorization
⚠️ SGW 3.0 protected. Requires eSIM activation and subscription. Standard on most trims.
Seat Memory Control Module (Seat Memory) 0.8 hr R&R aftermarket tool +0.2 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Under driver and/or passenger seat
🔧 VCDS, OBDeleven, or ODIS
⚠️ Only on models with power/memory seats. Usually not SGW-protected.
Lane Assist / Front Camera Module (Lane Assist) 0.8 hr R&R dealer / factory tool +0.7 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Windshield, top center behind rearview mirror
🔧 ODIS-E/ODIS-S with calibration equipment
⚠️ May be SGW-protected. Requires windshield calibration after replacement. ADAS feature.
Airbag Control Module (ACM) 0.8 hr R&R security gateway +0.6 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Center console, under front seats or behind center trim
🔧 ODIS-E/ODIS-S with online Security Gateway authorization
⚠️ SGW 3.0 protected. Crash data must be cleared. Battery disconnect required.
Digital Instrument Cluster / Virtual Cockpit (IC / Digital Cockpit) 0.8 hr R&R security gateway +0.7 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Dashboard, behind steering wheel
🔧 ODIS-E/ODIS-S with online Security Gateway authorization
⚠️ SGW 3.0 protected. Mileage programming requires online authorization to prevent odometer fraud.
Park Assist Control Module (PDC / PLA) 0.8 hr R&R aftermarket tool +0.3 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Rear bumper area, left or right side behind trim
🔧 VCDS, OBDeleven, or ODIS
⚠️ Usually not SGW-protected. Sensor calibration may be needed.
Trailer Hitch Control Module (Trailer) 0.8 hr R&R aftermarket tool +0.3 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Rear cargo area, left or right side behind trim
🔧 VCDS, OBDeleven, or ODIS
⚠️ Only on vehicles with factory trailer hitch option. Usually not SGW-protected.
Rear View / 360 Camera Control Module (RVC / Area View) 0.7 hr R&R aftermarket tool +0.3 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Rear hatch or integrated with multiple camera locations
🔧 VCDS, OBDeleven, or ODIS
⚠️ Usually not SGW-protected. Calibration may be needed for 360-degree systems.
Fuel Pump Control Module (FPCM) 0.7 hr R&R aftermarket tool +0.2 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Under rear seat or in trunk area near fuel tank
🔧 VCDS, OBDeleven, or ODIS
⚠️ Usually not SGW-protected. Basic adaptation may be needed.
Matrix LED Headlight Control Module (AFS / Matrix LED) 0.6 hr R&R dealer / factory tool +0.4 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Each headlight assembly (left and right modules)
🔧 ODIS-E/ODIS-S
⚠️ Matrix LED headlights have separate modules per side. May be SGW-protected. Leveling calibration required.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour?
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