Front Side Airbag, Removing and Installing

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

Fig 1: Torque Wrench V.A.G 1410

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Torque wrench V.A.G 1410/

CAUTION: Observe safety precautions for working on airbags → Airbag Safety Precautions .

CAUTION: On vehicles equipped with Audi Telematics by OnStar, switch-off emergency (back-up) battery for Telematic/Telephone Control Module prior to disconnecting vehicle battery. Switch-on emergency (back-up) battery after reconnecting vehicle battery → 91 - COMMUNICATION

Fig 2: Front Side Airbag Remove/Install Components

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

1 - Cover

2 - Retainers (qty. 2)

3 - Retainers (qty. 2)

4 - Drivers and passengers side airbags

Removing

NOTE:

The battery must be disconnected when the ignition is switched on.

Switch on ignition.
Disconnect the battery ground strap.
Remove seat → Seat, Removing and Installing .
Remove top backrest cover → Upper Backrest Cover, Removing and Installing .

Remove bottom backrest cover → Lower Backrest Cover, Removing and Installing .
Pry out side clamping strips - 8 - (qty. 2) using a screwdriver.
Fold cover - 1 - fully toward front.
Disconnect harness connector of side airbag - 6 - → Disconnecting side air bag harness connector .

Remove screw - 5 -.
Press side-airbag - 4 - downward and remove side-airbag - 4 - forward.

Installing

Engage side airbag - 4 - on brackets - 2 - (2x) in backrest frame.
Engage brackets - 3 - (2x) and push side airbag - 4 - upward until it stops.
Replace screw - 5 -.
Bolt on Ground (GND) cable - 7 - to side airbag - 4 -.

Continue to install side-airbag - 4 - in reverse order.

CAUTION: No one should be in vehicle when connecting battery.

Connect battery ground strap.

5 - Screw

Tightening torque 7.5 Nm.

6 - Side airbag connector

7 - Ground cable

8 - Side fastening strips (qty. 2)

NOTE:

Observe safety precautions after connecting the battery → 27 - BATTERY, STARTER, GENERATOR, CRUISE CONTROL .
If Airbag Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) K75 signals a malfunction after installation, DTC memory must be checked, erased and once again checked using Vehicle Diagnosis, Testing and Information System VAS 5051 A.