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

🧭 Before you start

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

Don't miss

• If a flat-bladed screwdriver is used, wires may become damaged.
• Ensure that the electrical connectors are pushed fully onto stop and engage audibly.Ensure that no wires are trapped.

📋 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 rearmost and lowest position.
2. Use the full adjustment range of the steering column adjustment for this purpose.
3. Remove upper steering column trim .
4. Turn steering wheel so that the opening on backside of steering wheel is exactly in top position.
5. Release (arrows) locking bracket (1) for driver side airbag (2), using a Torx screwdriver T25 of approx. 100 mm length. [Note: If a flat-bladed screwdriver is used, wires may become damaged.]

6. Turn steering wheel through 180° and repeat procedure on opposite side of steering wheel.
7. Return steering wheel to mid-position (wheels pointing straight ahead).
8. Disconnect battery earth cable with ignition switched on Electrical system27Battery; Connecting and disconnecting battery.
9. ⚠ Before handling pyrotechnic components (e.g. separating 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. — Carefully pull driver side airbag (3) slightly out of steering wheel.
10. Pull out connector lock (2)(arrow) and press it down, then pull off connector (1).
11. On vehicles with multifunction steering wheel, disconnect connector. [Note: Ensure that the electrical connectors are pushed fully onto stop and engage audibly.Ensure that no wires are trapped.]
12. ⚠ 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. — Connect connector.
13. Press connector into recesses in steering wheel to secure it.
14. Position driver side airbag (1) in steering wheel and, holding the airbag on the edge in both hands, push it in until it audibly engages.
15. ⚠ Battery must be connected with ignition switched on. If pyrotechnic components (e.g. airbag, seat belt tensioners) are repaired incorrectly, they my be accidentally triggered after after the battery is connected. Ensure that nobody is in vehicle when connecting battery. — Connect battery earth cable with ignition switched on Electrical system27Battery; Connecting and disconnecting battery.
16. ⚠ If the ignition has not yet been switched on after the battery has been reconnected "“warning lamps in dash panel insert are off”", sit only on the driver seat with the seat in the rearmost position when switching on the ignition (key or button). — 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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