Driver side airbag unit, removing and installing (Four-spoke steering wheel): Removing

• Disconnect battery Ground (GND) strap → 27 BATTERY, STARTER, GENERATOR, CRUISE CONTROL

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

• Release steering column adjuster.
• Turn steering wheel - 1  - until the steering wheel spoke is in a vertical position. Pull out steering column entirely and push into lower position.
• Secure steering column adjustment.

Fig 1: Drivers Side Airbag Unit Assembly Overview (Four-Spoke Steering Wheel)

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

• Place a screwdriver approx. 175 mm long from behind in steering wheel bezel hole (insert screwdriver approx. 45 mm).

• Press screwdriver in direction of arrow. In this case, clamp - 10  - will be pressed back and the catch - 3  - of the airbag unit will thereby disengage.
• Turn steering wheel back 180 ° and disengage second catch on the opposite side.
• Turn steering wheel - 1  - to center position (wheels in straight-ahead position).

CAUTION: Electrostatic discharges can lead to an unintended deployment of the airbag. Therefore the technician must discharge static electricity from the body before separating the ignition and ground wiring. This is done e.g. by briefly touching the body or the door striker or pin.

Fig 2: Identifying Screwdriver, Steering Wheel, Airbag Unit Catch And Clamp (Four-Spoke Steering Wheel)

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

• Remove connector from airbag unit.