Airbag unit, removing and installing (standard steering wheel)

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required 

Fig 1: Identifying Torque Wrench V.A.G. 1331

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

• Torque wrench V.A.G 1331

Fig 2: Identifying Vehicle Diagnosis, Testing And Information System VAS 5051

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

• Vehicle Diagnosis, Testing and Information System VAS 5051 A

Fig 3: Airbag Unit (Standard Steering Wheel) Remove/Install Components

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

1 - Torx bolts T30 (Qty. 2)

• Tightening torque 7 Nm

2 - Steering wheel

3 - Spiral spring connector

4 - Airbag unit connector

5 - Airbag unit

• Removal:

• Disconnect the battery ground (GND) strap →
  • 27 BATTERY, STARTER, GENERATOR, CRUISE CONTROL
  • 27 - BATTERY, STARTER, GENERATOR, CRUISE CONTROL for ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT - GENERAL INFORMATION
  .
• Release steering column adjuster.
• Pull steering wheel - 2  - as far out as possible and up.
• Position steering wheel - 2  - vertically.

• Remove one Torx bolt T30 - 1  -.
• Turn steering wheel back a half turn and loosen second Torx bolt T30 - 1  -.
• Remove airbag unit connector - 4  -.
• Remove horn connector - 6  -.

• Place airbag unit - 5  - so padding faces upward.

• Installing: 

Installation is reverse of removal. Observe the following when doing so:

• Ensure connector and securing clip engage completely (audibly).
• Ensure no wires are in contact with gas generator.
• Ensure airbag wiring is not kinked. Route airbag wiring in a loop to the left.
• Route horn wiring in a loop toward outside.

• Tighten bolts - 1  - (Qty. 2) to a tightening torque of 7 Nm.
• Switch on ignition.

• Connect the battery ground (GND) strap →
  • 27 BATTERY, STARTER, GENERATOR, CRUISE CONTROL
  • 27 - BATTERY, STARTER, GENERATOR, CRUISE CONTROL for ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT - GENERAL INFORMATION
  .

6 - Horn connector

7 - Socket head bolt

• Tightening torque 50 Nm

8 - Steering wheel heating connector

9 - Coil connector with slip ring