Removing and installing airbag unit on driver side ► week 45/2015 — VW

🧭 Before you start

Fits: VW Golf Cabriolet (517, 2011–2016)

📋 Procedure

1. ⚠ Observe the general safety regulations when working on airbag, belt tensioner and battery isolator units (pyrotechnic components) Observe the special instructions for driver and front passenger airbags . — Move steering wheel to lowest position.
2. Extend steering wheel as far as possible into passenger compartment.
3. Turn steering wheel to position in illustration.
4. Insert a screwdriver into hole in back of steering wheel to stop (approx. 8 mm).
5. Turn screwdriver towards driver's door (arrow). This releases airbag unit fastener on right side of steering wheel.

6. Turn steering wheel 180° and release airbag unit fastener on left side of steering wheel as described.
7. Turn steering wheel back through 90° to middle position.
8. Switch ignition on.
9. Disconnect vehicle battery Electrical system27Disconnecting and reconnecting battery.
10. Remove airbag unit from steering wheel.
11. ⚠ Electrostatic discharges may result in unintentional triggering of airbag. Therefore, the mechanic must electrostatically discharge him/herself before disconnecting the igniter and earth wires. This can be done by briefly touching the body or striker plate of the door. — Release connector locking device and pull airbag connector (2) off.
12. Operate connector locking device and pull off connector (1), if fitted.
13. ⚠ Observe safety instructions 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 briefly touch, for example, the door striker plate. — Insert airbag connector (2) into connector coupling. The airbag connector must audibly engage.
14. Insert connector (1), if fitted, into plug-in connector.
15. Holding the airbag on the edge in both hands, position driver side airbag (1) in steering wheel and push it in until it audibly engages.
16. Switch ignition on.
17. ⚠ Ensure that nobody is in vehicle. — Reconnect vehicle battery Electrical system27Disconnecting and reconnecting battery.

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