Airbag, General Information
- Before servicing any part of the vehicle electrical system, always disconnect the battery ground strap.
Up to 1995 models:
- Before working on any airbag or steering column component, always disconnect the airbag power supply connector. Refer to Voltage Power Supply Connector . Disconnecting the battery ground strap alone will not prevent accidental airbag release.
From 1996 models:
- Single-pin airbag power supply connector is eliminated.
- It is only necessary to disconnect battery ground strap.
- All other airbag system safety precautions still apply.
The airbag system installed in any particular vehicle can be determined using the Scan tool: VAG1551 .
Airbag
1992 MY 100 models are equipped with a driver-side airbag, referred to simply as "Airbag" in this Service Information..
Airbag II
Airbag II was introduced for the 1993 model year. The system includes a passenger-side airbag and an airbag control module with On Board Diagnostic capability. Refer to AIRBAG .
Airbag III
Airbag III was introduced for the 1995 model year. The system features an airbag control module with expanded On Board Diagnostic capability, an optimized passenger-side airbag, and a pyrotechnical seat belt tensioner system.
All safety precautions specified for Airbag II remain valid for Airbag III.
Airbag III includes a sport steering wheel that is available as an option, or for aftermarket installation on 1995 and later models.
Airbag V
A new Airbag V with BAE basis release unit was introduced for the 1996 model year, replacing Airbag III for all new vehicles.
Service information for Airbag II is still valid; only the airbag control module software has changed.
Airbag Expiration Date
- The expiration date for the airbag has been increased to 15 years. This is retroactive for all airbag units with a lower expiration date.
- After 15 years, the airbag and the sticker with the new expiration date must be changed. The sticker is now applied to the lower part of the driver side B-pillar.
- With every replacement of an airbag, a new sticker with the expiration date must be attached on the lower part of the driver side B-pillar.