There are cars that would require a software coding (probably a dealer visit for most people) to marry a replacement to the car's software. This isn't one of them. I don't think there is any real reason you can't put a secondary sourced used or rebuilt module from another car in there. I usually prefer having my own stuff repaired/rebuilt. I know where it's been/what it's been through.

I had mine rebuilt 12 years ago and just took it off and bagged and zip tied the HCU while it was away being fixed. You can definitely drive without it.

I recently sent an ABS module in to Module Master in Idaho. Her '09 Jetta is one of those that would require a software coding for a replacement. Unfortunately, those can't be taken out without pulling the entire HCU/module out. So it's down, and my wife has my Volvo as we speak.