Removing and installing front side airbag crash sensor — VW

🧭 Before you start

The battery earth is disconnected with the ignition on, then either the door trim or the 4-door sill panel moulding is removed to expose the sensor. After discharging static on the door striker plate the connector is released and the sensor unbolted. On refitting the connector must be pushed to its stop and heard to engage, no cables trapped, and on the door version every trim part must be fitted so the door seals. The battery goes back on with the ignition switched on and nobody in the car; if the airbag warning lamp K75 shows a fault, the event memory is read, cleared and read again.

Fits: platform codes 121, BL1

• Renewed: retaining clips

Don't miss

• Battery earth off and on with the ignition switched on; nobody inside the car when reconnecting.
• Touch the door striker plate to discharge static before unplugging the sensor connector.
• e-up: disconnect the high-voltage maintenance connector first, reconnect it last.
• Door trim clips seal the pressure system; renew any that are loose or damaged.
• Connector must engage audibly at its stop; no trapped cables behind the trim.
• Airbag lamp K75 on afterwards: read, clear and read the event memory again.

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

📋 Procedure

1. ⚠ Follow safety regulations for pyrotechnic components .Observe safety precautions for crash sensors (pressure sensors) for front side airbags . — With e-up! - vehicles, disconnect the maintenance connector for high-voltage systemTW.
2. Disconnect battery earth cable with ignition switched on Electrical system27Connecting and disconnecting battery; Disconnecting battery.
3. Remove door trim .
4. ⚠ Before handling pyrotechnic components (e.g. unplugging the electrical connector), the person handling them must "“electrostatically discharge”" himself. To do this e.g. briefly touch the door striker plate. — Pull out connector mechanism (5)(arrow) and press down, then unplug electrical connector (4) from crash sensor.
5. Unscrew bolts (1, 3) and remove crash sensor (2) for side airbag. [Note: Ensure electrical connector is pushed fully onto stop and engages audibly.For the crash sensor (pressure sensor) to function properly, it is vital to ensure that the door forms an effective seal.All components (e.g. cover, speakers, door trim) must be correctly fitted.The door trim retaining clips seal the system. If necessary, renew the retaining clips.Ensure that no cables are trapped.]

6. ⚠ 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. — With e-up! - vehicles, reconnect the maintenance connector for high-voltage systemTW.
7. Connect battery earth cable with ignition switched on Electrical system27Battery; Connecting and disconnecting battery. [Note: If airbag warning lamp K75 indicates a fault following installation, event memory must be read, cleared and read again .]
8. ⚠ Follow safety regulations for pyrotechnic components .Observe safety precautions for crash sensors for front side airbags . — With e-up! - vehicles, disconnect the maintenance connector for high-voltage systemTW.
9. Disconnect battery earth cable with ignition switched on Electrical system27Connecting and disconnecting battery; Disconnecting battery.
10. Remove sill panel moulding, 4-door model .
11. ⚠ Before handling pyrotechnic components (e.g. separating the electrical connector), the person handling them must "“electrically discharge”" himself/herself. To do this e.g. briefly touch the door striker plate. — Release connector lock and disconnect connector (3) from crash sensor (2).
12. Unscrew bolt (1) and remove crash sensor (2) for side airbag. [Note: Ensure electrical connector is pushed fully onto stop and engages audibly.Ensure that no cables are trapped.]
13. ⚠ 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. — With e-up! - vehicles, reconnect the maintenance connector for high-voltage systemTW.
14. Connect battery earth cable with ignition switched on Electrical system27Battery; Connecting and disconnecting battery. [Note: If airbag warning lamp K75 indicates a fault following installation, event memory must be read, cleared and read again .]

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