48-10
Steering wheel with airbag, servicing
Airbag functional check and airbag On Board Diagnostic
(OBD) program Repair Manual, Body-Exterior, BodyInterior, Repair Group 01.
WARNING!
The airbag igniter is an explosive device. Handled
improperly or without adequate safeguards, it can be
accidently activated and cause serious personal
injury. To guard against personal injury or airbag
system failure, only trained Volkswagen Service
technicians should test, disassemble or service the
airbag system.
Before starting any work on the steering components
of an airbag -equipped car, read the safety
precautions, Repair Manual, Body-Exterior, BodyInterior, Repair Group 69.
Parts marked with an asterisk (*) can only be used when the
horn button lower section is equipped with screws.
48-11
1 - Steering column
2 - Steering wheel for airbag
Removing and installing
page 48-14
Removing and installing spiral spring
page 48-16
3 - Socket-head bolt
7 Nm (62 in. lb)
Always replace
4 - Left horn button lower section*
Replacement part from repair kit
5 - Left horn button lower section (standard)
Not supplied as replacement part
6 - Torx
screw
T10
7 - Contact with cable
Replacement part from repair kit
8 - Right horn button lower section*
Replacement part from repair kit
48-12
9 - Right horn button lower section (standard)
Not supplied as replacement part
10 - Hex nut
50 Nm (37 ft lb)
11 - Left horn button upper section
When replacing lower section use upper section
from repair kit
Always replace both buttons
12 - Airbag unit
Removing and installing
page 48-13
13 - Right horn button upper section
When replacing lower section use upper section
from repair kit
Always replace both buttons
48-13
Airbag unit, removing and installing
Removing
CAUTION!
If equipped with an anti-theft radio, obtain the
correct radio activation code before
disconnecting battery.
- Disconnect battery Ground (GND) strap.
- Center steering wheel (straight-ahead
position).
- Remove both socket head screws for airbag unit.
Always replace
Tightening torque: 6.5 Nm (58 in lb)
- Remove airbag unit from steering wheel and disconnect wiring harness
connector from airbag unit.
Installing
- Install in reverse order of removal.
-
After installing airbag unit first switch ignition ON, then connect battery Ground
(GND) strap.
WARNING!
Make sure no one is in the vehicle when reconnecting the battery Ground
(GND) strap.
48-14
Steering wheel with airbag, removing
and installing
Removing
- Remove airbag unit
page 48-13 .
- Remove trim below steering column switches.
- Disconnect wiring harness connector (arrow).
- Remove foam rubber sleeve from connector, if fitted.
- Remove hex nut and pull steering wheel off steering column.
Notes:
After removing steering wheel, slightly turn connecting ring so the wire (arrow)
faces downward. (Hold steering wheel in installation position.) The airbag spiral
spring -F138- then locates and is prevented from turning.
If this is not done, or if the connecting coil is allowed to turn, it could cause the
connecting coil to be overstressed and thereby damaged when the steering
column is at full lock.
48-15
Installing
- Place steering wheel in position on splines,
install nut and tighten.
Tightening torque: 50 Nm (37 ft lb)
- Connect wiring harness connector for airbag unit
below steering wheel.
- Install trim below steering column.
Make sure that airbag spiral spring connector
sits in recess in trim
- Connect connector in steering wheel to airbag
unit.
- Install airbag unit
page 48-13 .
Note:
Always use new socket-head bolts for airbag
unit.
- After installing steering wheel airbag, first switch
ignition ON, then connect battery Ground (GND)
strap.
WARNING!
Ensure that no one is in the vehicle when
reconnecting the battery Ground (GND) strap.
48-16
Airbag spiral spring, removing and
installing
Removing
- Remove driver's side airbag unit
13 .
- Remove steering wheel
page 48-
page 48-14 .
- Separate single connector for horn.
- Remove screws -1- and pull airbag spiral spring -2- off steering wheel.
Installing
- Install steering wheel
- Install airbag unit
page 48-14 .
page 48-13 .
Notes:
The steering wheel must be in the center position (wheels straight ahead) when
the airbag spiral spring -F138- is removed and installed.
Replacement airbag spiral springs are secured in the center position with a
cable tie.