airbag code 80BA and location of control unit

[pab997]

About a week ago the airbag light went on and wouldn't go out. Car about 45 days out of warantee. Nice timing. Anyways according to TSBs code 80BA means a software error and unit needs to be replaced. Took to dealer and they confirmed. They said the control unit was located under the drivers seat and that the most comon cause of failure is water on the unit or getting something caught under the seat and causing a short. Well I know it's never got wet under there but I do keep the seat down low. From what I can find, it looks like the airbag unit is located under the center of the dash. Does anyone know for sure what control units are located under each seat? The dealer said they had to replace harness and control unit under driver's seat. The dealer also said the DME is located under the passenger seat.

Loren can you confirm?

Anyone else have same issue?

[Loren]

DME is behind in the engine compartment front left.

[wvicary]

You couldn't speak to PCNA and get some sort of goodwill repair? Being only 45 days off warranty period it seem odd that some agreement couldn't be reached.

[pab997]

I think there was some goodwill because I didn't have to pay the full amount. I just can't determine from the bill if PCNA came through or if it was just the dealer. I basically just paid diagnostic charges and install labor. Still $350 though a lot cheaper than having to pay everything. I don't understand why this unit would fail but I'd really like to know what I could do in the furture to prevent this. I need to sit in that drivers seat and I'm tall so I need it down low. Maybe just a cost of ownership.

I was thinking about calling PCNA to get their take but I haven't got around to that yet.