Safety Requirements For Airbags

Safety Requirements For Airbags

Safety precautions when working on airbags

WARNING:
- Testing, removing, installing and repair work must only be performed by qualified, trained Service department personnel.
- Always disconnect the battery Ground (GND) strap before working on the airbag system.
- No waiting time is necessary after disconnecting the battery.
- When connecting the airbag system to battery positive voltage (B+), there must be no person inside the vehicle.
- A technician must be electrostatically discharged before picking up (touching) an airbag unit. This is accomplished by touching a suitable metal part, for example, a water pipe, a heating pipe or a metal frame.
- Install a new airbag unit in the vehicle as soon as the unit is removed from the packaging. If the work is interrupted, place the airbag unit back in its packaging.
- Do not leave an undeployed airbag unit unattended if work is interrupted.
- Always place an airbag unit that has been removed from its packaging with the padded side facing upward.

CAUTION:
- Airbag units which have dropped onto a hard surface or show signs of damage must not be installed in the vehicle.
- Airbag units which have not been activated should be marked and returned to the manufacturer for disposal (use airbag unit transport container).
- Always replace any airbag system component that has been mechanically damaged (example: dented or cracked).
- The storage and transportation of airbag units must comply with the regulations for explosive substances.
- Only install original seat covers that have been authorized for use with side airbags (recognizable by AIRBAG label).
- Do not install commercially available loose fitting seat covers.
- When installing a backrest cover ensure that the cover seam is straight in the area of the side airbag.
- Replace all seat cover clips.
- Only use original seat cover clips.
- For safety reasons always replace the seat cover if it is damaged in area of the side airbag, e.g. torn, burn holes, etc.

CAUTION:
- Before beginning repairs on the electrical system:
- Obtain the anti-theft radio security code.
- Switch the ignition off.
- Disconnect the battery Ground (GND) strap.
- On vehicles equipped with Audi Telematics by OnStar (R), switch-off the emergency (backup) battery for the Telematic/Telephone Control Module prior to disconnecting vehicle battery.
- After reconnecting vehicle battery, re-code and check operation of anti-theft radio. Also check operation of clock and power windows according to Repair Manual and/or Owner's Manual.
- After reconnecting vehicle battery on vehicles equipped with Audi Telematics by OnStar (R), switch-on the emergency (backup) battery for the Telematic/Telephone Control Module.

Always observe the following sequence when replacing an airbag unit:
1 - Remove old airbag unit and lay down with padded side facing up, for side curtain airbag, observe additional safety precautions for side curtain airbags.
2 - Remove new airbag unit from packaging and set down with padded side facing up, for side curtain airbag, observe additional safety precautions for side curtain airbags.
3 - Immediately place old airbag unit in packaging
4 - Install new airbag unit in vehicle.

CAUTION:
- Airbag units have a limited service life (a sticker showing the replacement date is attached to the B-pillar). When an airbag unit is replaced, pull the sticker off the new airbag unit and stick it over the old sticker on the B-pillar. Airbag units and sticker must be replaced after 14 years.
- If the vehicle does not have a sticker on the B-pillar, an entry must be made in the Service Schedule to record the airbag replacement.
- Airbag units which have not been activated should be marked and returned to the manufacturer for disposal (use airbag unit transport container).
- Never treat airbag units with grease, cleaning agents or the like. An airbag unit must never be exposed to temperatures in excess of 100 Degree C (212 Degree F) (even for brief periods).