Airbag units, replacing after an accident

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 15 other vehicles, including the 2008 Audi S4, 2008 Audi RS 4, 2008 Audi A4, 2007 Audi S4, and 2007 Audi RS 4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

Fig 1: Identifying Vehicle Diagnosis, Testing And Information System VAS 5051

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Suitable vehicle diagnostic tool, e.g. Vehicle Diagnosis, Testing and Information 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.
Airbag control module can be used with airbag generation 9.* and 9.R for up to two side airbag, side curtain airbag, drivers airbag, passengers airbag and/or belt tensioner deployments.
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". Airbag control module can be used with airbag generation 9.* and 9.R for up to two side airbag, side curtain airbag, drivers airbag, passengers airbag and/or belt tensioner deployments. under Airbag units, replacing after an accident
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)
All sensors for front airbag 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
All sensors for front airbag 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

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

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

Rear belt tensioner (versions depending on equipment/country):

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, Attach stickers (only tear-off strips) to registration card and return registration card to relevant Sales Center or to Importer for registration.