Airbag Units, Replacing after an Accident

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

Fig 1: Suitable Vehicle Diagnosis, Testing And Information System E.G. Diagnostic Operation System VAS 5051 A

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Suitable Vehicle Diagnosis, Testing and Information System e.g. diagnostic operation system VAS 5051 A

NOTE:

With the airbag generation 8.* not 8.R, the airbag control module can be used for up to two deployments of side/curtain airbags and/or belt tensioners.
With the airbag generation 9.* and 8.R, the airbag control module can be used for up to two deployments of drivers/passengers side/curtain airbags and/or belt tensioners.
After the third deployment, the malfunction display "Control module defect" appears.

Airbag control module must be replaced:

If driver/passenger airbag has deployed "does not apply for airbag generation 9.* and 8.R".
After three deployments of drivers/passengers side/curtain airbags or belt tensioners
If housing is damaged
If there is deformation on tunnel in 200 mm circumference around control module

Always replace the following:

All deployed airbag units
Battery Switch-off Relay - J655- or Battery Interrupt Igniter -N253- (depending on vehicle equipment).

Also with passenger airbag deployment:

Instrument Panel
Deformed passenger module supports (cannot be reformed)
Both front airbag sensors on front end
Remaining cross acceleration sensors if anchorage point is deformed in sensor region

Also with driver airbag deployment:

Coil connector with slip ring
Both front airbag sensors on front end
Remaining cross acceleration sensors if anchorage point is deformed in sensor region

Also with side airbag deployment:

Pressure sensors on deployed side
Cross acceleration sensors on deployed side
Cover
Upholstery

With foldable rear seat backrests: Side upholstery
Remaining cross acceleration sensors if anchorage point is deformed in sensor region

Also with side curtain airbag deployment:

Cross acceleration sensors on deployed side
Trim on A-pillar, B-pillar, C-pillar, D-pillar
Remaining cross acceleration sensors if anchorage point is deformed in sensor region

In addition:

All seat belts with triggered belt tensioners

A - with deployed airbag control module

Connect a suitable vehicle diagnostic tool, e.g. Vehicle Diagnosis, Testing and Information System VAS 5051 A and tap "15 - airbag" in vehicle system selection. Ignition must be switched on.

Front belt tensioner:

Read measuring value block display group 001:

Fig 2: Diagnostic System VAS 5051: Display

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You can recognize deployed belt tensioners by display "too great".

Rear belt tensioner (optional equipment/for specific countries):

Read measuring value block display group 002:

You can recognize deployed belt tensioners by display "too great".

B - with replaced airbag control module:

Connect a suitable vehicle diagnostic tool, e.g. Vehicle Diagnosis, Testing and Information System VAS 5051 A and tap "15 - airbag" in vehicle system selection. Ignition must be switched on.
Retrieve DTC memory:

Fig 3: Identifying Content Of DTC Memory & Identification Of Fault On Diagnostic System VAS 5051 Display

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

You can recognized deployed belt tensioners by malfunction message "Belt tensioner - resistance value too great".

If needed (visual inspection), the following must also be replaced: All damaged components.

After replacing airbag units or control module, affix stickers (only tear-off strips) to registration card and return registration card to relevant Sales Center or to Importer for registration.