1996 AUDI A4 airbag

48-62


Airbag

Airbag system, safety precautions


WARNING!

Airbag components must only be checked,
removed, installed and/or repaired by
qualified Service department personnel.
NEVER conduct tests on airbag system
components with a test light or multimeter.
The airbag system must only be checked
when installed in the vehicle, using the
VAG1551 scan tool.
Before starting work on any part of the
airbag system, disconnect the battery
Ground (GND) strap. No waiting time is
necessary after disconnecting the battery.
When reconnecting the airbag system to a
power supply source (i.e. reconnecting the
Ground strap), the passenger compartment
must NOT be occupied.

CAUTION!
Airbag units must be installed immediately
after being removed from their packaging.
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If the work is interrupted during the
installation, return the airbag unit to its
packaging.
DO NOT leave an airbag unit unattended.
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48-63

CAUTION!

After removal from the vehicle, ALWAYS set
the airbag unit down with padded side facing
upward.
Airbag system components must not be
opened, disassembled or repaired. Always
use new parts.
Airbag units which have dropped onto a hard
surface or show signs of damage must not
be installed in the vehicle.
Airbag units have a limited service life.
Airbag units must be replaced after 14 years.
On vehicles m.y. 1997, also replace sticker
on B-pillar. On vehicles m.y. 1997 there is
no longer a sticker on B-pillar, replacement
info. must be recorded in the service record.

Airbag units which have not been activated
should be placed in the airbag unit transport
container, marked and returned to the
Warranty Parts Test Center for proper
disposal. DO NOT deploy airbag in the
vehicle.
NEVER treat airbag units with grease,
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cleaners or similar materials.
NEVER expose airbag units to temperatures
above 100 C (212 F), even for short
periods.
Removing and installing airbag unit:

Repair Manual, Body Interior, Repair Group
69

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48-64


Driver-side airbag unit, removing and
installing

WARNING!
Observe all safety precautions before starting
work on any part of the airbag system page
48
-62
.
1 -
Steering wheel
Removing and installing page 48
-67
Secure loose wiring
2 -
Harness connector for spiral spring
3 -
Harness connector for airbag unit
4 -
Harness connector for electrostatic
discharge
1998 m.y. only
5 -
Multi-function harness connector
Vehicles with multi-function feature only
6 -
Multi-point socket head bolt Always replace60 Nm (44 ft lb)
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48-65


Removing
WARNING!
Observe all safety precautions before starting
work on any part of the airbag system page
48
-62
. 7 -
Airbag unit
8 -
Locking lugs
9 -
Torx screws
7 1 Nm (62 9 in. lb)M.y. 1998 locking lugs - 8 - replaced
with Torx screws
10 -
Torx bit socket (T30) 11 -
Self-cancelling ring, spiral spring and slip
ring
12 -
Harness connector for heated steering
wheel - Release steering column adjustment
mechanism.
- Pull steering wheel outward and upward as far
as possible.
- Turn steering wheel so that hub and spokes are
in vertical position.
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48-66


Installing
WARNING!
Make sure the passenger compartment is not
occupied before connecting the battery Ground
(GND) strap. -
Unscrew Torx screws (in direction indicated by
arrow) and remove airbag unit.
- Disconnect harness connectors - 3 - and - 4 -
from airbag unit.
- Place airbag unit down with padded side facing
upward.
- Make sure harness connectors and airbag unit
engage properly (with audible click).
- Switch ignition on then connect battery Ground
(GND) strap.
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48-67


Steering wheel, removing and installing

WARNING!
Observe all safety precautions before starting
work on any part of the airbag system page
48
-62
.
Removing
Installing
- Remove airbag unit page 48
-64
.
- Turn steering wheel to center position (wheels
straight-ahead).
- Remove bolt - 6 -.
- Disconnect harness connectors - 2 - and - 12 -.
- Install steering wheel in center position (wheels
straight-ahead).
- Make sure harness connectors engage properly
(with audible click).
- Install new bolt - 6 - and tighten to 60 Nm (44 ft
lb).
- Install airbag unit page Page 48
-64
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