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Airbag light , AIR BAG MODULE help!!- VW T4 2001 EX aa

8.9K views 7 replies 4 participants last post by  Or_GazM  
#1 ·
Hello,
Im a bit stuck and pulling my hair out at the mo as have got to get my Airbag light turned off for MOT , have just spent alot of money on welding so hopefully trying to avoid the same if possible on this airbag situation???
So have had my airbag module taken out its numbered - ( 1j0 909 603 / 5wk4 163 ) ive purchased a second hand one off ebay from a golf but looks actually the same serial numbers ,
Bearing in mind this works too im thinking of getting a code reader to delete any error codes ( any suggestions what code reader would be best would be great? )
If this is all i need to do , then Happy Days!! but after reading quite a few threads im thinking i might need to buy some sort of resistor (4.7ohm 5w )
if i have to put a resistor in , where does it go , what holes does it go in ? Sorry just not done anything like this before ,
ive attached a couple of pictures if anyone could help point me in the right direction that would be much appreciated
many thanks D
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#2 · (Edited)
You need VCDS......NOT any "generic" code reader.
Will cost you around 150 quid.....
OLD XP laptop, OBDII lead, (ebay....) VCDS from Ross-Tech and then register the free software for $99.
BEST tool you will ever buy!
READ through the electrical section about it. (VCDS)

The resistor(s) you need are actually 2.7 ohms, 1/4 watt. (But sleeve it/them in heatproof sleeving, as they WILL burst into flames if the airbag should have gone off!)
They just connect in the place where the airbag is connected....(yellow plug in the steering cowl).
Depends upon the spec of your van....mine also has a passenger one.....much more difficult to get to!

There is almost a zero chance of you fitting the resistors into the connector to the controller....unless you are really good at soldering!
The damn unit is also not in the best place for access...LOL
If it's a "van"....the resistor just fits into the yellow connector in the steering cowl.
Better yet to use some Servisol cleaner on the contacts and see if that cures it (99% does).
You could use WD40 and then scrap the van in 6 months........ :whistle: :ROFLMAO: :whistle:

If you have a passenger airbag.....that can mean a dash removal to get to the "same" yellow plug in there.....or get a contortionist under the passenger footwell to reach it!
 
#3 ·
hi if i was in your shoes i would take a look at obd11 pro you can get deals for about ÂŁ100
i find vcds hard to use and very complicated some times (resetting a dsg gearbox) was one of them
but both would be good at what you need im sure
worth investing anyway
 
#4 ·
I have fixed the air bag light , by attaching a 4.7 ohm 1/2 w resistor to the passenger side air bag connector , deleted the error codes using my obd11 reader and it’s turned air bag light off happy days , thanks for all the help and useful info I’ve read on the t4 forum !! Big help !! Thankyou
 
#5 ·
You really NEED to sleeve that resistor in some fibreglass sleeving!
IF the airbag was to be "triggered", that resistor would possibly burst into flames!!!
Normal is a 2.2 ohm, resistor....but it makes no difference to the "flammability" of the component.
You're going to be putting about 50 watts of power into it....It WILL "explode" if the airbag should have gone off.
"Maybe" just crumbles, maybe burst into flame......wanna test it?
 
#7 ·
I think that after reading the wise words from Norway, I would take the resistor out once the MOT is sorted and clip it in again for the next one.
If you are in the unfortunate position of hitting something and the airbag going off, you really dont want to be stuck in the van on fire. Its a horrible way to go.
 
#8 ·
@Spike....

"Vans" didn't always have them, "option" on drivers side, only the "passenger vehicles" had twins fitted.
Caravelle/Multivan.....also "Windowed Vans" was an option.
I have them.....so no glovebox, or the useless dash storage space on passenger side.

I "think" all AA vans were fitted with drivers airbag in the steering wheel....but "don't give a damn about passengers!"

Don't know about the seat belt tensioners...THAT would make it a pain to swap seats......the fact that the seatbelt fastens to the base is a problem with regs if you swap them (even more so if you tell insurance I would guess!)
Swapping seats would NOT pass the EU Kontrol (MOT) in Norway.....can't even fit a steering wheel cover!!!!