Damned airbag light!!

[GrahamS2]

Please help!! I removed my cluster last week to replace the temp display bulb, and when I re-fitted it, my airbag light comes on (along with the flashing warning light!) intermittently.

Since I never removed the steering wheel (only the cluster), please could you tell me what could be causing this? I have tried to reset the ECU by pulling fuses, but nothing changed...

Assistance will be GREATLY appreciated as this is seriously bothering me (you try and run a 1/4 mile with the airbag buzzer going at you! )

[S2central.net]

You simply need to clear a fault code in the AIRBAG controller as it doesn't like anything being disconnected in the system - even the silly lamp in the cluster.

You'll need VAG-COM or a trip to a local dealer or specialist who can do this for you.

It takes all of 30 seconds to do this - so don't let anyone rip you off or try to blind you with science.

If doing it VAG-COM yourself, then do NOT do this with anyone inside the car - just in case some freaky fault or interaction triggers the airbag. I've never heard if this on the 80/S2 airbag controller but apparently this can happen with some newer cars.

[Doug_RS2]

I think it is just new beetles airbags will go off if you try to reset it with vagcom.

[s2avant]

New Polo ones can go off too. In both cases VAGCOM can kill the control unit as well.

Ben

[audiman]

My software at work will allow me to do 'actuator' tests on airbag systems. This means I can trigger any of the airbags at the flick of a switch!! LOL. Never done it yet, but would like to have a go.

[s2avant]

There are some factory manuals that suggest triggering the airbag to test them

Have you ever wired one up to a battery to detonate it? We had thirty seatbelts and four or five airbags to do at work a few weeks back. It sounded like a battlefield.

Great fun.

Ben

[audiman]

Done a few seatbelts, great laugh!!!

[Sidspud]

There are some factory manuals that suggest triggering the airbag to test them

So if you don't have the means to trigger them electronically, do you just drive your car into a tree and see if they go off?!