[wkooi]

Here`s how it went... I have to dismantle airbag and steering wheel in
order to get to the iginition switch to solve my other problem. Now, after
installing back, the airbag indicator now stays ON and gives "AIRBAG
FAULT" on the onboard computer. What could possible go wrong here? Do I
need to reset each time I dismantle airbag? If it does, how? Please help!
My car is Y2K VW Passat B5 1.8T, tiptronics.

[JakeG]

May need to use VAGCOM/VAGTOOL to reset the airbag controller..

[JettaMk3]

Had to remove mine b4.. as long as u reset it and there is no more faults
that arise.. then it will be ok.. otherwise it signals u have a problem.

[wkooi]

How to reset? Do I have any option to reset other than using VAG-COM? I
don't have one :(

[JettaMk3]

Go to yoru friendly VW/Audi repairguy who has one... they can reset it for
you with the VAG tool they should have...

[JakeG]

Yah.. jetta's right. Any one of the vag tool may work. And do stand away
from the airbag while they fool around with the airbag controller :P

If you're interested to know, your airbag controller tests the airbag
circuit and the trigger switch (activated when there's an accident)
regularly. So even if you switch off the ignition the unit is working..
and if there's an open circuit/short it stores the fault.

That's why you should DISCONNECT the NEGATIVE terminal on your battery
before you work on the airbag/steering.. this way you won't trigger a
fault.. AND possibly trigger the airbag itself!

A wrench or spanner launched into your chest by an accidentally triggered
airbag at 300 feet per second seems like a sure way to commit suicide..

[wkooi]

Thanks pals. So much to learn for me about VW cars. I think I will proceed
with investing in a VAG-COM soon. Though I don't mess with the car often,
the tool will be handy as and when the need arises.

Damn the ants! I had to get to the ignition switch due to suspected open
connection at ignition switch and thus causing no power to the car. I
couldn't even crank the starter. Upon checking all relays and the problem
was isolated to ignition switch. Opened up the switch and there were ants
inside the switch causing open. I have no idea how the ants got there and
why they like to nest inside the switch. Does anyone here has this
problem? I have to open the casing of the switch and clean it with
gasoline. My problem was fixed but now the airbag indicator remains ON. :(

[JakeG]

Hmmm.. what have you been doing in your car mann... ANTS??

Perhaps parking under that shady tree may NOT be a good idea after all!..

I used to have ‘pets’ living my beemer too.. roaches and ants.. until my
best ally came home to roost.. Lizzy the gecko lizard.. mopped up all the
bugs for me!.

You should de-fumigate your car once a year. Buy a can of WATER BASED
insecticide spray around the nooks and crannies in the interior (under
dash/seat, vents etc) and engine bay. Close door and leave car under the
sun for half a day. That should do the trick.

Do not use oil based insecticide.. you’ll damage your interior trim.