Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Seat Belt Arming and Disarming: Service and Repair






Restraint System Safety Precautions

CAUTION!
Pyrotechnic components always contain chemicals, which turn into an expanding gas when detonated. There is also additional stored gas available for discharge.

This gas is contained under high pressure and is stored in a pressurized gas container.

An electric/mechanical igniter ignites the pyrotechnic components.

Testing, removing, installing and repair work may only be performed by qualified personnel.

There is no change interval for airbag units.

Never test with a test light, volt meter or ohm meter.

The pyrotechnic components may be check only when they are installed and with a Volkswagen approved vehicle diagnosis, testing and information system.

When working on pyrotechnic components and on the Airbag control module, the battery ground cable must be disconnected when the ignition is switched on. Then cover the negative terminal.

Wait for 10 seconds after disconnecting the battery.

Connect the battery with the ignition SWITCHED ON. No one should be sitting inside the vehicle when doing this. Exception: vehicles with the battery inside the passenger compartment. In this case, stay away from the airbags and the safety belts.

Wash hands after touching ignited restraint system pyrotechnic components.

Pyrotechnic components may not be opened nor repaired; always use new parts (risk of injury).

Pyrotechnic components that have fallen onto a hard surface or show signs of damage must not be installed in vehicle.

Before handling pyrotechnic components of the restraint system, for example, before disconnecting the electrical harness connector, the relevant person must discharge static electricity. Touching grounded metal parts, for example, touching the door striker, will discharge the static electricity.

Pyrotechnic components should be installed immediately upon removal from shipping package.

If the work must be stopped for awhile, put the pyrotechnic component back into its shipping package.

Do not leave the pyrotechnic component out unattended.

Do not use any grease or cleaning solutions on pyrotechnic components.

Pyrotechnic components must not be exposed to temperatures over 212 °F (100 °C), even for a short time.

Belt Tensioner

CAUTION!
The open end of the belt tensioner should never be pointed at anyone.

Use extreme care when removing and installing belt tensioners. Handling belt tensioner units improperly is very dangerous and could result in serious personal injury.

When connecting a belt tensioner, all mechanical parts, including those in the three-point seat belt, must be secured correctly. If it is not possible to connect the belt tensioner because of insufficient space, the seat belt must be rolled up completely prior to connection. In this case there is no increased safety risk, if all other safety instructions are followed. In particular, this includes the notes regarding the disconnection of the battery and the static discharging of the technician prior to connection of the belt tensioner.

After a crash, it is possible that the belt tensioner ignited, but the belt force limiter did NOT. Treat these components as if they had not ignited!

Side Airbag Module

CAUTION!
Place any removed side airbag modules back in their transport containers or on a clean and even surface with a cloth underneath.

They may be folded as long as this does not damage them, especially the protective sleeve.

Handle side airbag modules with great care when removing and installing them to prevent causing any damage.

As long as the gas generator is NOT attached, hold it securely when transporting, removing, installing, etc.

Always replace damaged pillar trim panels, never repair.

After body repairs, inspect the body for weld splatter, deformations and chafing areas near the head curtain airbag (compare with opposite side if necessary).

If a deployed head curtain airbag is replaced, the headliner, door seals with weather stripping, curtain airbag guides, grab handle brackets, and the A, B, C and (if equipped) D-pillar trim must be replaced. If damaged, the rear interior lights, the roof grab handles and the roof close-out molding must be replaced.






Passive Occupant Detection System Safety Precautions

CAUTION!
After every repair on the passenger seat in which the seat and/or backrest cover was "disengaged" basic setting on Seat Occupied Recognition Control Module (J706) must be performed. Perform basic setting with a diagnostic tester that has "Guided Fault Finding ".

Do not bend the passenger occupant detection system mat.

A leaking mat must be replaced (repair kit).

Do not bend the passenger occupant detection system pressure hose.

Seat occupied recognition (repair kit) components must not fall on hard surfaces.

Seat occupied recognition components must not come in contact with grease.

There is the danger that the seat occupied recognition components may be damaged by sharp objects when working on the seat. It is necessary to avoid this danger.

The mat, the crease and various covers must be fitted to be free of folds.

When installing, ensure upholstery and cover are installed correctly.

Replace all upholstery clips and clip connectors from cover, ensure it is positioned correctly on seat when doing so.

System basic setting is only possible at temperatures between 32° and 104° F (0° and +40° C).

Make sure that no objects are placed on seat when performing basic setting.

Use of seat covers, such as cushions or something similar, impairs seat occupied recognition function and airbag system effectiveness.

After an Accident with Belt Tensioner and/or Airbag Deployment

Each time passenger airbag and/or belt pretensioner on passenger side is deployed, Seat Occupied Recognition Control Module (J706) basic setting must be performed. Perform basic setting with a diagnostic tester that has "Guided Fault Finding".

If the seat rails and/or seat pan must be replaced after an accident due to deformation, seat occupied recognition must also be replaced with " seat occupied recognition repair kit". Then, Seat Occupied Recognition Control Module (J706) basic setting must be performed. Perform basic setting with a diagnostic tester that has " Guided Fault Finding".









Components, Adapting





Vehicle diagnosis, testing and information system (VAS 5051 A)

Diagnostic cable (VAS 5051/1) or (VAS 5051/3)

Select "Guided Fault Finding" in the Vehicle diagnosis, testing and information system (VAS 5051 A).

After all control modules have been interrogated:

- Press Go to button

- Select "Function/Component selection"

- Select "Body"

- "Body Repairs"

- Select "01 - On Board Diagnostic (OBD) capable systems"

- Select "Airbag"

- Select "Functions"

- Select "Action"