Airbag System, General Safety Precautions

CAUTION:

Testing, removing, installing and repair work may only be performed by qualified personnel.
Before handling airbag units (e.g. disconnecting electrical harness connector), the person handling must electrostatically discharge himself/herself. This can be done by touching door striker, for example.
Do not check with test light, voltmeter or ohmmeter under any circumstances.
The airbag system can only be checked when installed and with vehicle diagnostic, testing and information systems (such as Vehicle Diagnosis, Testing and Information System VAS 5051B) intended for that purpose.

Current supply must be disconnected before any work is performed on airbag system.
Conventional ignition lock: Follow measures for disconnecting battery → 27 - BATTERY, STARTER, GENERATOR, CRUISE CONTROL
Electronic ignition lock (e.g. A6 from MY 2005; A8 from MY 2003): To remove airbag, battery must be disconnected with the ignition switched on, this differs from the description "Battery, disconnecting and connecting" (→ 27 - BATTERY, STARTER, GENERATOR, CRUISE CONTROL ).
Disconnect battery ground strap/cable, cover negative terminal. No waiting time is necessary after disconnecting battery.

No one should be in vehicle when connecting battery.
Follow measures after connecting battery → 27 - BATTERY, STARTER, GENERATOR, CRUISE CONTROL .
Airbag units should be installed immediately upon removal from shipping package.
Airbag unit is to be returned to shipping package when there is an interruption in work.

It is not acceptable to leave airbag unit unattended.
Airbag units which have been removed should be stored so that padded side is facing up.
Do not open or repair airbag components. Use new parts only.
Airbag units that have fallen onto a hard surface or show signs of damage must not be installed in vehicle.

When replacing airbag units, following sequence must be followed exactly:

Remove old airbag unit and lay down with upholstered side facing up. Note exception for side curtain airbag.
Remove new airbag unit from shipping container and lay with upholstered side up. Note exception for side curtain airbag.
Place old airbag unit in shipping container immediately.
Install new airbag unit in vehicle.

There is no change interval for airbag units.
Do not treat airbag units with grease, cleaning solutions or anything similar.
Airbag units must not be exposed to temperatures over 100 C, even for a short time.
In case of any contaminant that penetrates fabric, such as oil, grease, paint, color or solvent, module must be replaced.