Audi Turn off Airbag Light...

[juleshh]

Hi,

I have been on this forum for years.

Have a B6 A4 2.5Tdi v6 Quattro Avant, now. Its great for an older car and completed 202,000 miles. The Airbag light has come on. First time. For sure could be a connector etc, but I want to try and turn this off first and see if re-occurs. Please, can I use an ODB 2 reader and clearer such as I can get on eBay? There are more expensive options, but want to try something simple first and clear the error.

Thanks so much for any tips! I'm near Andover.

Julian

[johne]

You can but there's no guarantee that they'll be able to access and read the airbag module.

I suggest you use VCDS (clone or real) or OBDeleven readers as they are programmed specifically to read VAG fault codes. Whilst perhaps not strictly necessary for now I'm sure you'll find having VCDS useful in the future.

[K Simmonds]

Hell, you joined in 2004, welcome back.

Yes, you can use a simple OBD 2 reader to clear the code, though someone with proper upto date Vagcom could disable it permenatly if they know what their doing. However, I'd try clearing the code with a basic OBD II reader first, even the cheap ones are a pretty handy tool to have regardless.

Edit.... Though as mentioned above above having a proper copy of Vagcom is really the way to go. It could save you a lot of money down the line.

[juleshh]

Both, Thanks so much. I might go for either of these:


https://www.amazon.co.uk/OBDeleven-B...97&sr=8-5&th=1

https://www.amazon.co.uk/OBDScar-Sca...7&sr=8-30&th=1

Yes, been around for 20 years!

J

[johne]

I strongly suspect the OBDScar unit won't be able to touch the airbag codes; it looks like it one of the simpler generic group that just reads the mandatory emission related codes and you can get one of those for under £10 if you're prepared for it to bluetooth to your phone rather than paying more for it to have its own display.

[Tractor Dave]

If yours is like the b5, there is a little sensor under the seat. If it gets damp, it fails and sets the light off. One under each seat under the carpet. A pig to get to.

[Quattroking]

IMG_20240126_180358.jpg
I use this china tool to reset the airbag controller after having no luck with VCDS.

I have only used it on a facelift B5, and admittedly with all the doors open laying on the floor with ear defenders on.

Used it a few times now, been flawless.

[5cylinderman]

I second that safety precautions need to be taken, when scanning airbag systems on old school VAG vehicles. Back in the days when it was Vag Com, their site even warned of possible activations during the scanning process.

[juleshh]

Thanks All.

Invaluable guidance on this and safety too! I will get the muffs out, all doors open and lie on the ground also

I'm going to buy this one and give it a whirl : https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/114299975...3ABFBMmrqLp6lj

[johne]

That is an airbag reset tool for non Canbus cars. You say you've got a B6 but don't state the year; I think it's quite likely you've got a Canbus equipped car and this tool isn't going to work for you.

[juleshh]

Thanks John,

Reg is LJ02 SKD

So, 2002.

If its 'Canbus' which reset tool would I source?

Perhaps this one.... : https://buy2fix.co.uk/products/vag-f...BoC26EQAvD_BwE

References, "...12. Now support new Audi airbag sensors 1999-2002 DTC65535 (Controller Malfunction) erase by OBD 2 connector. Works with all sensor types: 8L0 959 655 G (Bosch 0 285 001 352) and others with HC12 processor 4D0 959 655 J (Bosch 0 285 001 266); 8D0 959 655 J (Bosch 0 285 001 276); 8D0 959 655 F (Bosch 0 285 001 270); 8D0 959 655 M and others with National CR16 (44 PLCC)..."

However, this looks better: Expensive but may work: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/393180653...mis&media=COPY

Much appreciated.

Julian

[Quattroking]

Do you have a diagnostic tool like VCDS? If so open the airbag controller and check the communication protocol. It should say CAN or KWP-2000. If KWP-2000 / K-Line either of those reset tools should work.

If it's CAN I'm not sure, but id search for something like Audi b6 CAN bus crash data reset tool.

Don't quote me on this but I think it was around 2005ish when the B chassis went full CAN, but that doesn't mean some control modules weren't already. Eg instrument Custer to ECU to TCU in an auto.

Hope this helps, and anyone please correct the above!

[johne]

........... but if Julian had VCDS then he'd be able to reset the airbag controller anyway. I go back to my post #2.

If you don't want to buy VCDS, see if you can find somebody locally who'll scan and reset the airbag system for you. A local garage with something like the Snap-on universal ODB diagnostics reader would be able to do it. It only takes a couple of minutes and they might do it for

Sent PM.

[juleshh]

Hi there, both.

Again thanks for the Input.

The VDCS may be a step too far for me but appreciate it.

Most possibly I'll grab this and see if will do the job: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/393180653...M%26aid%3D1110


and I expect to have the ability to see other codes / 'things'. I also have what I think is low torque boost pressure - but there is some boost & then a gap at 2200 then builds, but it does not feel strong as it was before. Sure, it's done heaps of miles, could have sticky turbo vanes but if I can see that the boost sensor is iffy or needs another N75 valve, then great.

Older cars can have their moments but newer ones could be more expensive to fix! Parts obsolesce seems a prob... need gear stick/ mechanism bushes - can't seem to get linkage bit for love nor money!

[johne]

If it can do what it says in the listing then that tool likes like it'll do the job and at £34 certainly much cheaper than legitimate VCDS.