Installing warning lamp for airbag deactivated on front passenger side K145 (from approx. week 23/2004 onwards) — AUDI

Installing warning lamp for airbag deactivated on front passenger side K145 (from approx. week 23/2004 onwards) on Audi: 38 steps.

Retrofitting the K145 warning lamp that shows the front passenger airbag is switched off, for cars built from about week 23/2004, across the many platform codes listed below. Two layouts are covered: on one the upper switch module trim is unclipped with the front-end hook, on the other the lower trim. Either way the radio comes out, the dummy cover is eased from the switch insert, and the blue free connector in the harness is guided through the empty chamber from behind and plugged into the lamp until it clicks. The lamp is pressed into the switch mounting and the trim and radio refitted. What decides success is the afterwork: reconnecting the battery with nobody inside, re-coding airbag control unit J234, and testing the lamp with the key switch E224.

38 steps

🧭 Before you start

Remove the radio and the relevant switch module trim, take out the dummy cover and connect the blue harness connector to the K145 lamp before clipping it into the switch insert. Refit trim and radio, reconnect the battery with the car empty, re-code J234, test by deactivating and reactivating the passenger airbag with E224, and clear all fault memories.

Fits: Audi A4 Cabriolet B6/B7 (8H), Audi A2 (8Z), Audi A3 (8L, 1996–2003), Audi A4 B5 (8D), Audi A4 B6/B7 (8E), Audi A6 C5 (4B), Audi A8 D2 (4D), Audi A8 D3 (4E, 2002–2010), Audi A3 (8P, 2003–2012), Audi TT Mk1 (8N), Audi A6 C6 (4F, 2004–2011)

Don't miss

Make sure the connector and lamp engage audibly; a loose plug leaves the lamp dark.
Nobody in the car when the battery is reconnected.
Re-code airbag control unit J234 after fitting, or the system will not recognise the lamp.
Test both positions of key switch E224, then read and erase fault memories in all control units.

Written for this job from the workshop steps below · TorqFix editorial.

📋 Procedure

Remove radio Communication91.
Unclip trim for switch module at top with front-end hook3370 in direction of (arrow 1).
Unclip trim for switch module at top with front-end hook3370 in direction of (arrow 2).
Detach trim for switch module at top.
Carefully pull dummy cover (1) in direction of (arrow) out of switch insert using front-end hook3370.

AUDI? Steps differ between engine variants — check this job against your exact car before you commit to it. Check my car — free →

Guide free connector (2) (blue) at wiring harness through free chamber of switch insert from rear.
Plug in connector (2) at warning lamp for airbag deactivated on front passenger side K145(1).
Make sure connector (2) and warning lamp for airbag deactivated on front passenger side K145(1) engage properly (audibly).
Insert warning lamp for airbag deactivated on front passenger side K145(1) in dash panel switch mounting and engage.
Clip in trim for switch module at top.
Install radio Communication91.
Switch on ignition.
⚠ Make sure nobody is in the vehicle when the battery is being connected. — Connect battery earth strap Electrical system27.
Observe measures to be taken after connecting the battery Electrical system27.
Re-code airbag control unit J234.
Perform functional test.
Deactivate airbag on front passenger side with key-operated switch to deactivate airbag on front passenger side E224.
Activate airbag on front passenger side with key-operated switch to deactivate airbag on front passenger side E224.
Interrogate and erase fault memories of all control units. To do so, use a suitable vehicle diagnostic, testing and information system, e.g. vehicle diagnostic, testing and information systemVAS 5051B.
Unclip trim for switch module at bottom with front-end hook3370 in direction of (arrow 1).
Unclip bottom trim for switch module at side in direction of (arrow 2) using front-end hook3370.
Detach trim for switch module at bottom.
Remove radio Communication91.
Carefully pull dummy cover (1) in direction of (arrow) out of switch insert using front-end hook3370.
Guide free connector (2) (blue) at wiring harness through free chamber of switch insert from rear.
Plug in connector (2) at warning lamp for airbag deactivated on front passenger side K145(1).
Make sure connector (2) and warning lamp for airbag deactivated on front passenger side K145(1) engage properly (audibly).
Insert warning lamp for airbag deactivated on front passenger side K145(1) in dash panel switch mounting and engage.
Install radio Communication91.
Clip in trim for switch module at bottom.
Switch on ignition.
⚠ Make sure nobody is in the vehicle when the battery is being connected. — Connect battery earth strap Electrical system27.
Observe measures to be taken after connecting the battery Electrical system27.
Re-code airbag control unit J234.
Perform functional test.
Deactivate airbag on front passenger side with key-operated switch to deactivate airbag on front passenger side E224.
Activate airbag on front passenger side with key-operated switch to deactivate airbag on front passenger side E224.
Interrogate and erase fault memories of all control units. To do so, use a suitable vehicle diagnostic, testing and information system, e.g. vehicle diagnostic, testing and information systemVAS 5051B.

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Workshop data on this page last updated 20 Sep 2026.