Overview - Driver Side Airbag
1 - Locking Bracket
2 - Steering Column Electronics Control Module -J527-
3 - 4-Spoke Steering Wheel
4 - Wiring Harness
5 - Driver Side Airbag
WARNING
Follow all Safety Precautions when working with pyrotechnic components. Refer to → Chapter "Pyrotechnic Components Safety Precautions".
6 - Bolt
7 - 3-Spoke-Steering Wheel
8 - Wiring Harness
9 - Driver Side Airbag
WARNING
Follow all Safety Precautions when working with pyrotechnic components. Refer to → Chapter "Pyrotechnic Components Safety Precautions".
10 - Bolt
Airbag Unit with Igniter, Removing and Installing
Special tools and workshop equipment required
Removing
WARNING
- Move the steering wheel as far down as possible.
- Disconnect the battery ground cable with the ignition turned on. Refer to → Electrical Equipment; Rep. Gr.27; Battery; Battery, Disconnecting and Connecting.
- Turn the steering wheel so the opening on the rear side of it faces upward. This is approximately the 12:00 position.
- Releases the locking bracket -1- for the driver side airbag -2--arrow-. Use a T25 TORX screwdriver, approximately 100 mm long.
Note
Electrical wires can be damaged with a flat-head screwdriver.
- Turn the steering wheel 180º and repeat the procedure on the opposite side.
- Bring the steering wheel back into the center (wheels are straight).
WARNING
Before handling pyrotechnic components (for example, disconnecting the connector), the person handling it must "discharge static electricity". This can be done by touching the door striker, for example.
- Remove the driver airbag -4- from the steering wheel slightly.
- Pull out the connector lock -2--arrow- and press it down, disconnect the connector -1-.
- Vehicles with a multifunction and Tiptronic steering wheel: Disconnect the connector -3-.
- Remove the airbag.
WARNING
Set the airbag down so the impact cushion faces upward.
Installing
WARNING
Install in reverse order of removal. Note the following:
Note
- Connect the spiral spring electrical connector with the airbag connector coupling on the coil connector with slip ring.
- Press in harness connector to secure in the pockets on the steering wheel.
- Position driver airbag in the steering wheel and press on it until it audibly engages.
WARNING
Ignition must be on when connecting battery. If pyrotechnic components (for example, airbag, belt tensioner) are not repaired correctly, they may deploy unintentionally after connecting battery. There must not be anyone inside the vehicle when connecting the battery.
DANGER!
When working on vehicles with the ignition already switched on or that are ready to drive there is a danger of the engine starting unexpectedly and of being poisoned by gas in enclosed areas. Risk of body parts and/or clothing being clamped or pulled.
Perform the following before switching on the ignition:
- Connect the battery GND cable with the ignition turned on. Refer to → Electrical Equipment; Rep. Gr.27; Battery; Battery, Disconnecting and Connecting.
- Check and erase the airbag control module Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) memory so that faults can be stored when the connectors are disconnected. Refer to Vehicle Diagnostic Tester.
Installation notes, for example tightening specifications, replacing components. Refer to → Chapter "Overview - Driver Side Airbag".
Airbag Connector, Replacing
Removing
WARNING
Follow all Safety Precautions when working with pyrotechnic components. Refer to → Chapter "Pyrotechnic Components Safety Precautions".
- Remove the driver side airbag. Refer to → Chapter "Airbag Unit with Igniter, Removing and Installing".
Vehicles with A 3-Spoke Steering Wheel:
WARNING
Before handling pyrotechnic components (for example, disconnecting the connector), the person handling it must "discharge static electricity". This can be done by touching the door striker, for example.
- Unclip the wiring harness from the brackets -arrows-.
- Disconnect the connectors -1, 2 and 4-.
- Disconnect and remove the connectors -3 and 5- for the Driver Airbag Igniter -N95-/Driver Airbag Release Valve Igniter -N490-.
- Release the connector lock -2- with a small screwdriver in direction of -arrow- and disconnect the connector -1-.
Versions with 4-Spoke Steering Wheel
WARNING
Before handling pyrotechnic components (for example, disconnecting the connector), the person handling it must "discharge static electricity". This can be done by touching the door striker, for example.
- Unclip the wiring harness from the brackets -arrows-.
- Disconnect the connectors -2, 3, 4 and 6- by releasing the tabs.
- Disconnect the connectors -1 and 5- for the Driver Airbag Igniter -N95-/Driver Airbag Release Valve Igniter -N490-.
- Release the connector lock -2- with a small screwdriver -arrow- and disconnect the connector -1-.
Installing
WARNING
Install in reverse order of removal. Note the following:
Note
Make sure the connectors are installed correctly and are secure.
Installation notes, for example tightening specifications, replacing components. Refer to → Chapter "Overview - Driver Side Airbag".