Front Passenger Airbag Unit With Igniter: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle, 2015 Volkswagen Beetle, 2014 Volkswagen Beetle, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle, and 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Front Passenger Airbag Unit "Advanced Airbag System" (USA/Canada Only)

"Advanced Airbag System" refers to an airbag unit with two airbag stages which are deployed depending on the severity of the accident. For less severe crashes, the second stage is not deployed.

WARNING:

Airbag modules in which only the first stage has been deployed can cause severe injuries by deployment of the second stage.
Follow the General Safety Precautions when working with airbags, belt tensioners and battery cut-out units (pyrotechnic components). Refer to SAFETY PRECAUTIONS .
Observe the special information regarding driver and front passenger airbags, refer to AIRBAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS .

At this time, there is no possibility of checking whether the second stage has been deployed definitively. For this reason, the airbag units must be disposed of in an orderly manner, in compliance with national regulations, in the original packaging! Direct questions to your importer!

WARNING: Disposal of undeployed airbag units as industrial waste/garbage is not permissible!

WARNING: Follow the General Safety Precautions when working with airbags, belt tensioners and battery cut-out units (pyrotechnic components). Refer to SAFETY PRECAUTIONS .

Observe the special information regarding driver and front passenger airbags, refer to AIRBAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS .

-- Disconnect the battery. Refer to BATTERY, DISCONNECTING AND CONNECTING .

-- Remove the glove compartment. Refer to LOWER GLOVE COMPARTMENT .

WARNING: Electrostatic discharges can lead to unintended deployment of the airbag. Therefore, mechanic must electrostatic discharge him-/herself before disconnecting harness connector. This is done, for example, by briefly grasping the chassis or door striker.

Fig 1: Identifying Wiring Harnesses

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Disconnect the wiring harness -1- from the front passenger airbag unit.

Vehicles with Dual Stage Airbag Units

-- Disconnect the wiring harness -2- from the front passenger airbag unit.

Procedure for all Vehicles

-- Remove the clip -arrow- from the mount -4-.

-- Remove the bolts -3- from the bracket -4-.

Fig 2: Identifying Bolts And Bracket

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Remove the bolts -3- and the front passenger airbag unit -4- from the frame -1-.

NOTE: Clip the front passenger side airbag unit mount -2- to the frame -1-.

-- Unclip the bracket -2- and remove it from the frame -1-.