Driver Airbag, Removing and Installing
Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required
- Torque wrench V.A.G 1410/
NOTE:
- Removing and installing the airbag unit is the same for all steering wheel versions.
- Airbag units differ only in the number of connectors:
- Connector for spiral spring and (as additional equipment) connector for multi-function steering wheel
- Removing and installing is described for a 4-spoke steering wheel with multi-function, Tiptronic and heater.
1 - Steering wheel
- Removing and Installing → Steering Wheel, Removing and Installing
2 - Torx bolts T30 (2x), 7 Nm
3 - Cover cap
4 - Socket head bolt
- Replace after each disassembly
5 - Airbag unit N95
CAUTION:
Observe safety precautions for working on airbags →
Airbag Safety Precautions .
- Removing
- Pull steering wheel as far out as possible and up.
- Turn steering wheel - 1 - to center position (wheels point straight ahead).
NOTE:
- The battery must be disconnected when the ignition is switched on.
- Switch on ignition.
- Disconnect battery. → 27 - BATTERY, STARTER, GENERATOR, CRUISE CONTROL
- Turn steering wheel - 1 - out of center position about 80 right.
- Unclip sealing caps - 3 -.
- Loosen Torx bolt - 2 -.
- Turn steering wheel - 1 - about 160 left.
- Unclip sealing caps - 3 -.
- Loosen Torx bolt - 2 -.
NOTE:
- Mechanic must electrostatically discharge himself/herself before disconnecting harness connectors; to do so, grasp e.g. door striker or chassis briefly.
- Disconnect connector - 8 - for spiral spring.
- For multi-function steering wheel: Disconnect connector for multi-function steering wheel - 10 - from multi-function coupling - 6 - in steering wheel.
- Place airbag unit - 5 - so padding faces upward.
- Installing
NOTE:
- Do not scratch decorative frame on steering wheel when installing the airbag unit.
- Ensure connector and securing clip engage completely (audibly).
- Ensure wires are not pinched.
- Turn steering wheel - 1 - to center position (steering wheel spokes must be horizontal).
- Hold airbag unit - 5 - in front of steering wheel. Make sure that the "Airbag" lettering is legible (horizontal).
- For multi-function steering wheel: Connect connector for multi-function steering wheel - 10 - to multi-function coupling - 6 - in steering wheel.
- Route wire for multi-function steering wheel in the foam compartment provided for it.
- Connect the connector for spiral spring - 8 - to coupling for airbag unit - 14 - at return spring with slip ring - 12 -.
- Position airbag unit - 5 - in steering wheel.
- Turn steering wheel - 1 - out of center position about 80 right.
- Screw in Torx bolt - 2 - approximately 2 rotations.
- Turn steering wheel - 1 - about 160 left.
- Screw in Torx bolt - 2 - approximately 2 rotations.
- Sound horn 3x to achieve alignment.
- Do not touch airbag unit anymore.
- Tighten Torx bolts - 2 - to the specified tightening torque.
- Clip in sealing caps - 3 -. Make sure that sealing caps engage correctly.
CAUTION:
No one should be in vehicle when connecting battery.
- Connect the battery. → 27 - BATTERY, STARTER, GENERATOR, CRUISE CONTROL
NOTE:
- If the airbag malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) signals a malfunction after installation, DTC memory must be checked, erased and once again checked using tester VAS 5051.
6 - Multi-function coupling
- For multi-function steering wheel
- For reasons of illustration, multi-function coupling is depicted in the illustration with the decorative frame removed
7 - Airbag unit connector
- Coded mechanically against interchange
8 - Spiral spring connector
9 - Airbag unit connector
- Coded mechanically against interchange
10 - Multi-function steering wheel connector
11 - Steering wheel heating connector
12 - Coil connector with slip ring
13 - Coupling for steering wheel heater
14 - Coupling for airbag unit