Airbag warning light

[jameswkr]

Is there any way of cancelling this without VAGCOM ? Cheers James ( I keep trying to release the handbrake - its driving me mad ).

[Jas11n]

Not sure on this one James,
After my recent crash, I've had a replacement airbag fitted, along with the drivers side pre-tensioner.
I was told that in most cases the airbag ECU will be dead once a crash has been detected and set the nightmarish things off
We tried (Tim) to reset the codes pulled off in vag-com (crash data stored) but it wouldn't have it.
In the off chance that my ECU had blown I got one as a precaution, and I'm going to have a go at fitting it tomorrow. (booom)
I've been told the same thing by 3 people. Disconnect the battery for at least 30 mintues before unplugging the airbag ECU. This suggests to me that it somehow holds a charge for a certain amount of time, much in the same way the engine ECU will stores codes for a little while after the battery is disconnected before losing them.

This is all just speculation on my part,,,,and it's probably best to try and reset it with vag-com or vag 1551 at the dealers, as pulling the battery for a good amount of time may upset other things ie radio and alarm systems.

Scary thing these airbags,,,,but I'm glad mine had one,,,,and not the pro-con ten system,,,or my steering wheel would have buried itself in the dash somewhere

[S2central.net]

Get the manual on this first dude - or SOUND advice from someone who has recently BTDT...

From memory there is an auxiliary battery associated with the airbag controller - so it can stay active during a crash which has disconnected the main battery.

When working on anything airbag related, make sure and keep doors or windows open so that if the flipping thing does go off - then the pressure won't pop your ears.

I hate airbag controllers - don't really like even using VAG-COM with them - never had one go off, but I always make sure that nobody is sitting in the car when I VAGCOM into an airbag controller...


Paul

[jameswkr]

Thanks both ! Its going to be a bloody cold drive home then !

[Crawford_S2]

My mate has a ecu code reader from sykes pickevant and it sorted my recent airbag light prob

[Jas11n]

Get the manual on this first dude - or SOUND advice from someone who has recently BTDT...

From memory there is an auxiliary battery associated with the airbag controller - so it can stay active during a crash which has disconnected the main battery.

When working on anything airbag related, make sure and keep doors or windows open so that if the flipping thing does go off - then the pressure won't pop your ears.

I hate airbag controllers - don't really like even using VAG-COM with them - never had one go off, but I always make sure that nobody is sitting in the car when I VAGCOM into an airbag controller...


Paul

Paul,
Just had a good look through the autodata CD and it states the procedure for deactivating the airbag system.
You are correct,,,,the system has a powerpack and voltage transformer,,,both located under the rear seat. Airbag controller located behind lower centre console.
Just also got off the phone to my local "good guy" specialists for further advice, they advised me to diconnect the battery, powerpack and transformer as a safety/peace of mind precaution,,,,but said they often just disconnect battery for a good 30 mins.
Fingers crossed,,,,change controller and reset any codes with my newly aquired vag-com ,


James,,,local specialists said some aftermarket scanners can reset,,,but others can't,,,,he wasn't sure on which. Also the most common cause for the light to come on is the slip ring under/behind the wheel,,,,these wear with all the turning the wheel does,,,only remedy is to replace the ring.... Just a possible cause for the light,,,I'm not saying that's what it is

[jameswkr]

Just got back here and saw the responses, thanks. Had the light reset with VAGCOM but it has come on again recently. I read on another audi forum that low battery voltage can also cause this problem. Anyone heard of this ? My battery reads 12.55v unloaded, using a digital multimeter. It seems low to me, the wifes XXXXX reads 12.93v. Advice as ever appreciated. Battery is still within warranty ( Halfrauds h duty )

[S2central.net]

I think the battery being referred to is the emergency battery supply within the airbag controller which I think is there in the event that main supply is severed in a heavy shunt. Haven't researched this at all, but I suspect the airbag battery supply is within the controller module - not what you want to hear... However if it can be opened there is a fair chance that some form of industry standard battery pack is used.

Not 100% on this one I'm afraid - so apologies if I'm on the wrong track...


Paul

[S2central.net]

If its not the airbag backup battery, then maybe the slip rings at the steering wheel are causing the problem.

[jameswkr]

Hmmm....thanks Paul. Odd that both times its come on, I was reversing near full lock and had to brake sharply....

[kninio]

I got a second car, and with double airbag while mine have a singel airbag, and my plane is to transfer all the goodies to my car , so any advices for me while transfering the looms from cars to each other? any procedure to replace the ecu? how to remove it? any dange of explosion?

any advices will be appreciated.

[Crawford_S2]

My 2p would be leave the airbags where they are, retro fitting them is strictly for the professional. If you need advice i wouldn't touch them.

[kninio]

i have vag com , and i think it have the same plugs except that it have extra wires to be connect to the passenger bag , and difference ecu , anything else to worry about?