warning AUDI A4 1999 B5 / 1.G Airbag Service Workshop Manual

69-40


Airbags, servicing

Airbag system, safety precautions


WARNING!

Checking, removing, installing and servicing
may ONLY be performed by qualified
personnel.
Never perform tests using a test light or
multimeter.
Airbag system may only be tested when
installed in vehicle using VAG1551/VAG1552
scan tool.
Battery must be disconnected before
performing any work on airbag system.
Work can begin immediately after
disconnecting the battery.
When connecting the airbag system to a
voltage source, no one should be in the
vehicle interior.
Always install airbag units in the vehicle as
soon as they are removed from the
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69-41

WARNING!

DO NOT install an airbag unit that has fallen
on a hard surface or experienced mechanical
damage.
Airbag units have an expiration date (see
sticker on B-pillar). If airbag units are
replaced, pull sticker with expiration date off
new airbag unit and place it over old sticker
on B-pillar. Airbag unit and sticker must be
replaced after 14 years.
If there is no sticker on the B-pillar, airbag
change must be indicated in service plan.
Airbag unit must not be treated with grease,
cleaners or similar materials and must not be
exposed to temperatures above 100 C (212
F), even for short periods.
Always use the following work sequence when
replacing airbag units:

1 - Remove old airbag unit and lay down with
padded side facing up, for side curtain airbag,
observe additional safety precautions page
69
-49
.

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69-47

Airbag system side airbags, safety
precautions


WARNING!

Checking, removing, installing and servicing
may ONLY be performed by qualified
personnel.
Following the same safety precautions as for
driver and passenger-side airbags.
Only use original equipment seat covers and
backrest covers that are approved for use
with side airbags (identified by a label on the
fabric).
Do not use extra seat covers over the seat as
they interfere with proper side airbag
operation.
Do not use seat cushion supports, mats or
similar since they impare seat occupant
sensor and airbags

Note:
The driver's seat does not have a seat occupant
sensor.
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WARNING!

For vehicles without heated seats, a dummy
seat heating element is installed (heating
element without heating wire).
The seat backrest foam must not be cut out
in the area of the side airbag.
When installing, seam near side airbag must
be straight.
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69-48

WARNING!

All upholstery clips must be replaced (metal
and plastic clips).
Only use genuine Audi replacement
upholstery clips.
When installing, all upholstery clips must be
installed at the same location from which
they were removed.
If the seat cover is damaged (rips, burn holes
etc) near the side airbag, always replace the
seat cover to ensure proper side airbag
inflation.
Seat cover may not be repaired in the area
near the side airbag (special thread and an
exact seam are used).
Always replace seat cover if side airbag has
deployed.
All damaged components must be replaced
after an accident. If no damage to the airbag
unit is found, the airbag unit can be reused.

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69-49

Additional safety precautions for side
curtain protection airbag


WARNING!

All safety precautions for the driver and
passenger-side airbags apply, as well as the
following:

Visually check the vehicle's trim panels for
damage before every installation.
Do not attempt any repair work on the
vehicle trim panels (top trim panels for A-
pillar, B-pillar, C-pillar and D-pillar).
Make sure the trim panel is securely fitted
during installation.
Side curtain airbags must only be folded at
its intended location (transition of roof to A-
pillar).
To carry out repairs behind the side curtain
airbag, always remove the entire unit first.
After removal, always carry the side curtain
airbag in the folded position.
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69-50

WARNING!

After removal, place the side curtain airbag
into the transport container in the folded
position or lay on a clean, even surface (on a
blanket or in the luggage compartment).
After servicing the body of vehicle in vicinity
of airbag, check the body for welding beads,
deformations and chafe marks (compare to
opposite side of the vehicle).
Always hold the side curtain airbag
securely.
After removal, always fold the side curtain
airbag and grasp by the igniter (thumbs
toward E-connection).
Always keep one hand on the igniter.
Never twist, wind, bend, throw, spin, pull,
hang, squeeze, press, pinch or clamp the
side curtain airbag.
If any contamination penetrates into the
fabric (i.e. oil, grease, lacquer, paint or
solvent), the unit must always be replaced.
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69-53

Driver-side airbag unit ( m.y. 1998),
removing and installing


- Disconnect battery Ground (GND) strap.

Note:
Always follow airbag safety precautions when
working on airbag system components ( page
69
-40
).

-
Using T30 Torx bit, unbolt airbag unit on both left and right side of
steering wheel. Tightening torque: 6 Nm (53 in. lb)
- Carefully pull back airbag unit.
- Disconnect harness connector from airbag unit.

WARNING!
No one may be in vehicle when connecting battery Ground (GND)
strap. - Place airbag unit on suitable surface with impact padding facing up.
- When installing, make sure harness connector audibly engages
(clicks).
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69-54


Driver-side airbag unit (m.y. 1998 ),
removing and installing

WARNING!
Follow all safety precautions when working on
the airbag page 69
-40
.
1 -
Steering wheel
Removing page 69
-57
- Secure loose cable at location indicated
by arrow -A-.
2 -
Harness connector for spiral spring
3 -
Harness connector for airbag unit
4 -
Multipoint socket
Always replace60 Nm (44 ft lb)
5 -
Airbag unit
6 -
Threaded bushing
7 -
Torx bolt (T30)
8 -
Torx wrench (T30)
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69-55


Removing
WARNING!
Follow all safety precautions when working on
airbag page 69
-40
. 9 -
Spiral spring
10 -
Harness connector for heated steering
wheel
- Release steering wheel adjuster.
- Pull steering wheel as far out and up as possible.
- Place steering wheel vertical.
-
Remove Torx bolt (T30).-
Turn steering wheel 1/2 turn (180 ) back and
remove second Torx bolt (T30). - Pull connector - 3 - from airbag unit.
- Place airbag unit on appropriate surface with
impact padding facing up.
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