Air Bag: Service and Repair

Airbag Unit on the Steering Wheel:

Removing:





- Turn ignition key to position "0".
- Disconnect and cover negative terminal of battery.
- Remove foot mat in passenger's footwell.
- Unscrew and remove foot rest.
- Disconnect red test coupling for airbag plug connection (X29/9).
- Unscrew both bolts (arrow) using torx socket screwdriver bit while holding airbag unit in place.
- Lift airbag unit off steering wheel.
- Disconnect plug connection from detonator (R12/3) at gas generator.

NOTE: Disconnecting automatically activates a short-circuiting link in the plug connection of the gas generator.

- Lift airbag unit off steering wheel. Refer to note below and installation note.

CAUTION: No further work should be performed on the entire airbag unit. The airbag unit must be stored under supervision or kept under lock and key if removed for longer periods.
After removal, always store the airbag unit with the cushioned side uppermost.





Tightening Torque: Torx socket oval-head bolt - 6 Nm

CAUTION:
- The airbag unit must not be treated with grease, cleaning agents or similar agents.
- The airbag unit must not be exposed to temperatures above 100 °C even for brief periods.
- The airbag unit is not shock-resistant. Should it fall onto a hard surface from a height of more than 50 cm, the airbag unit must no longer be installed.
- Before installing the airbag unit, check that the battery ground cable is disconnected, the pole is covered and the ignition key is in position "0", and that the test coupling/plug connection for airbag, 10-pin (X29/9), is disconnected.

Installation Note: Airbag units are only available as spare parts as complete units. On vehicles up to 09/85 additionally renew the steering wheel.

Installing:
- Plug connection attach to detonator (R12/3) on gas generator. The plug connection must lock audibly.
- Place airbag unit on steering wheel.
- Screw both torx socket bolts in loosely, approx. 2 revolutions.
- Visually center airbag unit by hand in the steering wheel opening.
- Screw left-hand torx socket bolt into steering wheel first and tighten to 6 ± 1 Nm.
- Then tighten the right-hand torx socket bolt to 6 ± 1 Nm while pulling the right-hand side of the cushion gently towards you. Adjustments
- Connect red test coupling/plug connection for airbag (X29/9).
- Connect negative terminal of battery.
- Turn ignition switch on.

NOTE: The RS or SRS warning lamp must go out after approx. 10 s in vehicles up to 09/87, and after approx. 4 s in vehicles as of 09/87. Watch the warning lamp while moving the steering wheel to full lock in both directions with the engine running. The warning lamp must not light up or flicker. Check that the horns function correctly and that the combination switch returns automatically.