Safety Precautions When Working on Airbags

Safety Precautions When Working On Airbags

- Testing, removing, installing and repair work must only be performed by qualified personnel.
- Never use test lamp, voltmeter or ohmmeter for testing.
- Airbag system must only be checked in its installed position using VAG 1551/1552 scan tool.
- When working on the airbag system, the battery Ground (GND) strap must be disconnected.
- No waiting time is necessary after disconnecting the battery.
- When connecting the airbag system to a voltage source, there must not be anyone inside the vehicle.
- The airbag units should be installed immediately after removing them from their packaging.
- If the work is interrupted, the airbag unit should again be placed in its packaging.
- Do not leave the airbag unit unattended.
- Airbag units which have been removed should be stored so that the padded side is facing up.
- Do not open or attempt to repair airbag components. Always use new components.
- Airbag units which have dropped onto a hard surface or show signs of damage must not be installed in the vehicle.

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.
2 - Remove new airbag unit from packaging and set down with padded side facing up, for side curtain airbag.
3 - Immediately place old airbag unit in packaging
4 - Install new airbag unit in vehicle.

- 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 to be exposed to temperatures in excess of 100 °C (212 °F) (even for brief periods).