Air Bag System

Airbag Units After Accident, Replacing

NOTE:
The control unit for the airbag can be used for up to three side/head airbag and/or belt tensioner deployments.
The malfunction display "Control unit defective" will appear after third deployment.


Airbag control unit must be replaced:
- If driver/passenger airbag is deployed.
- After three side and/or head airbag deployments
- If housing is damaged.
- In the event of tunnel deformation within 200 mm radius of control unit.

Always exchange the following:
- All triggered airbag units.

Additionally, if passenger's airbag has been triggered:
- Instrument panel
- Supports for passenger's airbag module which have been bent out of shape (must not be bent back into shape).
- Both front airbag sensors on front end.
- Lateral acceleration sensor if floor pan around sensor has been deformed.

Additionally, if driver's airbag has been triggered:
- Self-cancelling ring with slip ring.
- Both front airbag sensors on front end.
- Lateral acceleration sensor if floor pan around sensor has been deformed.

Additionally, if side airbag has been triggered:
- Lateral acceleration sensor on side where airbag has been triggered.
- With folding backrests: Side padding.
- Non-triggered lateral acceleration sensor if floor pan around sensor has been deformed.

Additionally, if head airbag has been triggered:
- Lateral acceleration sensor on side where airbag has been triggered.
- A-pillar, B-pillar, C-pillar, D-pillar trim.
- Non-triggered lateral acceleration sensor if floor pan around sensor has been deformed.

Additionally:
- All seat belts with triggered belt tensioners

A - with triggered airbag control unit:
- Connect vehicle diagnostic, testing and information system VAS 5051 and select vehicle system "15 - Airbag". For this purpose, the ignition must be switched on.

Front belt tensioner:
- Read measured value block, display group 001







A triggered belt tensioner is indicated by the display "too great".

Rear belt tensioner (USA):
- Read measured value block, display group 002
A triggered belt tensioner is indicated by the display "too great".

B - with triggered airbag control unit:
- Connect vehicle diagnostic, testing and information system VAS 5051 and select vehicle system "15 - Airbag". For this purpose, the ignition must be switched on.

- Interrogate DTC memory:







A triggered belt tensioner is identified by the fault message "Belt tensioner igniter - Resistance value too great"
- In addition, the following must also be replaced, if necessary (visual check): all faulty components

Accident not involving activation of airbag
- If the airbag warning lamp -K75- does not indicate a malfunction, it is not necessary to replace the airbag components. The seat belts should be checked separately.

After replacing the airbag units or the control unit, affix stickers (only tear-off strips) to the registration card and return the registration card to the relevant Sales Department or to the Importer for registration.

Storage and transport of airbag units
- The airbag unit is a class PT 1 pyrotechnic device. Storage and transport are subject to safety legislation relating to hazardous materials (explosives).

In Germany: Small quantities of materials and articles may be kept in lockable rooms without special storage permission. Dispatch and transportation is only permitted in officially approved transport containers.
- Airbag units must not be stored for longer than 3 months.

Disposal of airbag units
- In Germany airbag units must be rendered unusable prior to scrapping by means of electrical ignition, in accordance with accident prevention regulations, as pyrotechnic devices can cause injury if activated improperly (e.g. with a cutting torch during scrapping).
- The airbag unit must only be electrically ignited when installed in the vehicle. Proceed as follows:
- Disconnect connector from airbag unit and connect wiring harness, Part No. 8D1 971 259, to airbag unit.
- Installing airbag unit.
- Cut off connector at other end of wiring harness, Part No. 8D1 971 259, strip the ends of the two wires and slit cable sheath until ends of wires are at least 30 cm apart.


WARNING!
- There must be no one in the vehicle.
- Minimum distance to vehicle: 10 m.


- Ignite airbag with doors closed and windows open using wiring harness and external battery (outside vehicle).

- Ensure adequate vehicle ventilation after triggering.
- Airbags can be disposed of with commercial refuse after removal.
- Always wash hands after touching airbags which have been ignited.
- Observe safety rules for handling airbags.