Air Bag Systems: Service and Repair

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.
- Install 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.

CAUTION:
- There must not be anyone in the vehicle.
- Minimum distance from 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.