Rear side airbag (foldable backrest), 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

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: Rear Side Airbag (Foldable Backrest) Remove/Install Components

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

1 - Driver-side and passenger-side rear side airbags

• Removal:

• Disconnect the battery ground (GND) strap →
  • 27 BATTERY, STARTER, GENERATOR, CRUISE CONTROL
  • 27 - BATTERY, STARTER, GENERATOR, CRUISE CONTROL for ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT - GENERAL INFORMATION
  .
• Remove rear seat bench: Vehicles through 10.04 → Seatbench, removing and installing - vehicles up to 10.04 , vehicles from 11.04 → Seatbench, removing and installing - vehicles from 11.04 .
• Remove connector for airbag - 7  - from groove of rear seat upholstery - 9  -.
• Disconnect connector for airbag - 7  - by pressing catch - 8  -.

• Remove left or right rear side bolsters → Rear seat side padding, removing and installing .
• Cut cable tie - 5  -.
• Open cable channel - 6  -.
• Remove bolts - 3  - (Qty. 2).

• Remove side airbag module - 1  -.

• Installing: 

• Install airbag unit.
• 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
  .

2 - Side upholstery

3 - Screws, (2x)

• Tightening torque 8 Nm

4 - Airbag label

• Indicates a side panel for side airbag.

5 - Cable tie

6 - Cable channel

7 - Airbag unit connector

8 - Retaining tab

9 - Rear seat upholstery