Air Bag Systems: Description and Operation

WARNING!
Airbags and related equipment (e.g. steering wheel) must only be disassembled, assembled and repaired by trained Audi Service Department personnel
- Before working on any airbag, steering wheel or steering column components, always disconnect the battery.
- For m.y. 1994 and 1995 vehicles, disconnecting the battery alone will NOT prevent the accidental deployment of the airbags. Always disconnect the airbag power supply harness connector, and refer to the all airbag system Warnings and Cautions.
- Make sure that no person is in the vehicle when connecting the battery Ground strap.

NOTE:
- The airbag system version installed in a particular vehicle can be determined using the VAG1551 Scan Tool (ST).
- The driver's-side doorjamb (B-pillar) has an airbag label.
- Vehicles produced from m.y. 1997 have airbag labels located on both sides of the sunvisor.

AIRBAG SYSTEMS, GENERAL INFORMATION

"Airbag II"
Vehicles produced for m.y. 1994 are equipped with both driver's and passenger side airbags. Systems include On Board Diagnostic (OBD) capability with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) memory, and can be checked using a VAG1551 scan tool. Observe all safety precautions.

"Airbag III"
The "Airbag III" system for m.y. 1995 has an airbag control module with expanded On Board Diagnostic capability ("Code Control Module" and "Read Measuring Value Block" functions), an extended expiration date for airbag units, an optimized passenger-side airbag and a automatic seat belt tensioning system.

Observe all safety precautions.

"Airbag V"
The "Airbag V" system from m.y. 1996 includes revised control module software and deletion of the single pin airbag power supply harness connector (the voltage supply line is now continuous).

Observe all safety precautions.

Airbag expiration date
- The expiration date for airbag units has been increased to 15 years. This is retroactive for all airbag units with a lower expiration date.
- After 15 years, the airbag and the sticker with the new expiration date must be changed. The sticker is now applied to the lower part of the driver's side B-pillar.
- With every replacement of an airbag, a new sticker with the expiration date must be attached on the lower part of the driver side B-pillar