TorqFix

Removing and installing airbag unit (driver side) up to 08.97 — AUDI

Removing and installing airbag unit (driver side) up to 08.97 on Audi: 9 steps. What to remove, in what order, and what to check after.

Removing and refitting the driver airbag unit on cars with platform code 4B, for the version built up to 08.97. Airbag safety rules apply throughout. The steering column adjuster is released, the wheel pulled up and out as far as it goes and set vertical, then a T30 Torx is turned 90° clockwise, viewed from the front, to release the first retaining hook. The wheel is then turned back by half a turn to release the second hook, the connectors are unplugged, and the unit is set down cushion side up. On refitting, the connectors and unit must engage audibly. With nobody in the car, the ignition is switched on and the battery reconnected, and any K75 warning lamp fault is cleared and re-checked.

9 steps

🧭 Before you start

Release the column adjuster, pull the wheel up and set it vertical, then release the two retaining hooks with a T30 Torx, the second after turning the wheel back half a turn. Unplug the connectors and store the unit cushion upwards. Refit until it engages audibly, then reconnect the battery with the ignition on and the car empty, and check the warning lamp.

Fits: Audi A6 C5 (4B)

Don't miss

  • Store the airbag unit with the impact cushion facing upwards.
  • Turn the T30 Torx 90° clockwise as viewed from the front to release the first hook.
  • Connectors and airbag unit must engage audibly on refitting.
  • Nobody in the car when the battery is reconnected; clear any K75 fault and re-interrogate.

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

📋 Procedure

  1. ⚠ Observe safety regulations for working on airbags . — Release steering column adjuster.
  2. Pull steering wheel out, moving it upwards as far as possible.
  3. Move steering wheel into a vertical position.
  4. Turn Torx wrench T30 90° in direction of arrow (clockwise as viewed from front) to release retaining hook --.
  5. Turn steering wheel back by 1/2 a turn and release second retaining hook.
AUDI? Steps differ between engine variants — check this job against your exact car before you commit to it. Check my car — free →
  1. Unplug electrical connectors and from airbag unit.
  2. Set down airbag unit with impact cushion facing upwards.
  3. Make sure connectors and airbag unit engage fully (audibly).
  4. ⚠ Make sure there is no one in the vehicle. — Switch on ignition and connect battery earth strap. [Note: After connecting battery, remember to check vehicle equipment (radio, clock, electric window regulators) according to Workshop Manual and/or Owner's Manual.If airbag warning lamp (K75) indicates a fault following installation, use vehicle diagnostic, testing and information systemVAS 5051 A to erase and re-interrogate fault memory.]

Other AUDI procedures

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TorqFix was built by a mechanic — after a 2,700 km drive with five roadside repairs that no diagnostic tool could explain.

The figures on this page come from manufacturer workshop documentation and are shown as they are. The page is assembled automatically from that data — it is not written by an AI. The AI works in the chat, where it answers for your specific car. It writes nothing here.

Variants of the same model differ. Cross-check torque against the factory manual for your engine before final tightening.

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Workshop data on this page last updated 20 Sep 2026.