Removing and installing seat occupied sensor: Audi A8 D3

🧭 Before you start

Fits: Audi A8 D3 (4E, 2002–2010)

• Renewed: rigid foam inserts, damaged components

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• In the original as-delivered vehicle condition, the cable runs beneath the holder (6). The illustration shows the cable routing of the service kit for the seat-occupied sensor (cable routed above holder (6)).
• On account of the clips (7) (2x), the seat padding (2) is permanently connected to the seat-occupied sensor mat (6).
• If the tabs (4) (2x) at the seat-occupied sensor mat (6) are positioned beneath the cross-piece (5)»as shown«, the tabs (4) (2x) must be severed.
• The tabs (4) (2x) at the seat-occupied sensor mat (6) must be positioned above the cross-piece (5).
• The anti-squeak pad must be laid without creases between the seat-occupied sensor mat (6) and the seat foam (2).

🔩 Torque settings

Values can differ between engine variants — check the code stamped on your block.

ℹ️ Always cross-check the exact figure against your vehicle's factory manual before final tightening — a wrong torque can damage the engine. These values are extracted from workshop data and may not cover every variant or revision.

📋 Procedure

1. ⚠ As, in the original as-delivered vehicle condition, the tabs (4) of the seat-occupied sensor mat (6) are fitted beneath the cross-piece (5) of the seat pan (1), the seat-occupied sensor cannot be removed without it being destroyed.In the case of service kits already fitted, the tabs (4) of the seat-occupied sensor mat (6) are positioned above the cross-piece (5) of the seat pan (1). The service kits can thus be removed without being destroyed. — Remove the front passenger's seat .
2. Move the seat in axial direction to the centre position.
3. Move the seat upwards as far as it will go.
4. Set the seat cushion adjuster as far forwards as it will go.
5. With the ignition switched on, disconnect the battery earth wire Electrical system27.

6. Attach the holder for seat repairVAS 6136 to the engine and gearbox holderVAS 6095.
7. Attach the front seat to the holder for seat repairVAS 6136.
8. Remove the backrest .
9. Unplug the connector (1) between the service kit and seat wiring harness.
10. Remove the bolts (1) (3x).
11. Remove the hexagon nuts (2) (2x).
12. Unfasten the clip (3).
13. Pull the retaining plate (4) carefully in arrow direction and carefully lift the retaining plate. "„Take care not to deform the retaining plate“". Following the course of the cable, guide the seat occupied recognition control unit J706(5) through the narrow opening. [Note: In the original as-delivered vehicle condition, the cable runs beneath the holder (6). The illustration shows the cable routing of the service kit for the seat-occupied sensor (cable routed above holder (6)).]
14. ⚠ If it proves impossible to guide the seat occupied recognition control unit J706 through the narrow opening, unplug the connector at the seat occupied recognition control unit J706(5) and detach the control unit. This operation is only to be performed if the seat-occupied sensor is in the original as-delivered condition (seat-occupied sensors in original as-delivered condition cannot be removed without them being destroyed). — Detach the connector (1) of the pressure sensor for seat occupied recognition G452 from the holder (2).
15. ⚠ The connector (1) is not to be unplugged. — Unclip the pressure hose (1) from the holder (3).
16. Detach the cover padding . Separate the cover from the seat padding [Note: On account of the clips (7) (2x), the seat padding (2) is permanently connected to the seat-occupied sensor mat (6).]
17. ⚠ The clips (7) (2x) are not to be unfastened. — Fold back the seat padding (2).
18. Remove the anti-squeak pad.
19. Remove the clips (3) (3x). Damaged clips must be replaced. [Note: 2 rigid foam inserts are bonded on the seat pan (1) beneath the seat-occupied sensor mat (6). The rigid foam inserts are required for correct functioning of the system. The rigid foam inserts are not part of the scope of delivery of the service kit. Replace the rigid foam inserts if damaged .]
20. Pull out the seat occupied recognition control unit J706 through the hole in the seat pan (1) (beneath the seat-occupied sensor mat (6)).
21. If the tabs (4) (2x) at the seat-occupied sensor mat (6) are positioned beneath the cross-piece (5)»as shown«, the tabs (4) (2x) must be severed.
22. ⚠ Heed the safety regulations for pyrotechnic components . — Install in reverse order. Pay attention to the following.
23. ⚠ The seat cover must also be replaced on replacing the service kit in the A8. The seat cover must be ordered separately. — Replace damaged components. [Note: 2 rigid foam inserts are bonded on the seat pan (1) beneath the seat-occupied sensor mat (6). The rigid foam inserts are required for correct functioning of the system. The rigid foam inserts are not part of the scope of delivery of the service kit. Replace the rigid foam inserts if damaged .]
24. The tabs (4) (2x) at the seat-occupied sensor mat (6) must be positioned above the cross-piece (5).
25. The anti-squeak pad must be laid without creases between the seat-occupied sensor mat (6) and the seat foam (2).
26. Position the pressure hose (1) in line with the mark (2) in the holder (3).
27. Route the cable from the seat occupied recognition control unit J706(5) as shown. [Note: In the original as-delivered vehicle condition, the cable runs beneath the holder (6).]
28. Tighten the bolts (1) and the hexagon nuts (2) to torque .
29. When installing the seat pan padding, all upholstery clips must be attached/fitted at the old location:
30. ⚠ There must not be anyone in the vehicle when connecting the battery. — With the ignition switched on, connect the battery earth wire Electrical system27.
31. As a final step, select the function "„Airbag“" in the "„Guided fault-finding routine“" with the .

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