Removing and installing airbag unit on driver side — AUDI

🧭 Before you start

Switch on the ignition and disconnect the battery. Set the steering column low and extended, turn the wheel 90° and lever out the first clip with a screwdriver, then turn 180° to release the second. Centre the wheel, discharge yourself, pull the airbag out slightly and unplug its connector. Plug the connector in fully, push the airbag in until it engages, check both sides are latched, reconnect the battery with ignition on and the car empty, then read and clear the airbag control unit memory.

Fits: platform codes S1, 2H

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• Discharge static by touching the door striker before handling the airbag connector.
• Use a 5 to 6 mm screwdriver centrally to the stop in the rear opening to free the clip.
• Connector must be pushed fully to the stop and engage audibly, with no cables trapped.
• Check the airbag unit has latched on both left and right sides.
• Reconnect the battery with ignition on and nobody inside, then clear the event memory.

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

📋 Procedure

1. ⚠ Safety measures when working with pyrotechnic components — Switch on ignition.
2. Disconnect vehicle battery Electrical system27Disconnecting and reconnecting battery.
3. Move steering wheel (2) to lowest position.
4. Extend steering wheel (2) as far as possible into passenger compartment.
5. Turn steering wheel (2) to left by 90°.

6. Insert a screw driver (5 to 6 mm) centrally and to stop into left edge of opening on back of steering wheel.
7. Lever out metal clip on top (arrow) until it disengages and firmly pull on airbag unit (1).
8. Turn steering wheel by 180° and release airbag unit catch (1) on left side of steering wheel as described.
9. ⚠ Before handling pyrotechnical components (e.g. separating the electrical connector), the mechanics must "“electrically discharge”" themselves. To do this e.g. briefly touch the door striker plate. — Return steering wheel to mid-position (wheels pointing straight ahead).
10. Carefully pull driver side airbag (1) slightly out of steering wheel.
11. Release connector lock and pull airbag connector (2) off.
12. ⚠ Follow safety regulations for pyrotechnic components .Before handling pyrotechnic components (e.g. connecting the electrical connector), the person handling them must ensure that he/she is "“electrically discharged”". To do this e.g. briefly touch the door striker plate. — Plug airbag connector (2) into plug-in connector [Note: Ensure electrical connector is pushed fully onto stop and engages audibly.Ensure that no cables are trapped.]
13. Position driver side airbag (1) in steering wheel and push it in until it audibly engages. Hands must be positioned on edges for this.
14. Check that airbag unit (1) has correctly latched into place on the left and right sides.
15. ⚠ Battery must be connected with ignition switched on. If pyrotechnic components (e.g. airbag, seat belt tensioners) are repaired incorrectly, undesired triggering may occur after the battery is connected. Ensure that nobody is in vehicle when connecting battery. — Connect vehicle battery Electrical system27Battery; Disconnecting and connecting battery.
16. Finally, read and clear event memory of airbag control unit since faults may be stored as a result of disconnecting electrical connectors .

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