Airbag reset

Headsnap

Active Member
Aug 14, 2014
63
0
Oxfordshire
I've had an airbag warning light on for a few months. Now I'm able to do something about it. I've had a good search of the forum and I am none the wiser as to how to scan and reset the code (I'm aware this is probably noddy to many of you but I've never had cause to use a reader before). I have seen specialist airbag reset equipment on the internet (expensive) and I've seen posts that say to use a standard code reader with OBD2 cable to scan and vagcom to reset. Is it as simple as being able to use a OBD2 cable and compatible reader to scan? Can I download VCDS Lite and use it to reset the fault? Is it the case that VCDS is the only way to reset the fault after it is fixed? Or can I do everything with a standard reader and OBD2 cable?

I'm guessing that a wet floor/pot hole was to blame and that the cable under the seat has come loose. I've since sorted out the door seals.
 
May 25, 2008
2,400
1
cambs
Some obd readers can clear airbag and abs codes not all though so be aware if you're going to buy one
Vag com will do it lite or full
Depends on your budget
 

Headsnap

Active Member
Aug 14, 2014
63
0
Oxfordshire
Thanks for the info mate. Could you recommend a code reader that will clear airbag and abs faults please? I'm on a tight budget so if I can get lite to do it (unregistered) that would be the best option, but I'm aware that might not be the case and that I might have to register it to get what I need.
 

Headsnap

Active Member
Aug 14, 2014
63
0
Oxfordshire
Thanks mate. I hope you didn't think I was trying to get you to do my leg work; I only wondered if you had used one in the past that you would recommend. I do appreciate you sharing that link and I'll get one ordered.
 
May 25, 2008
2,400
1
cambs
No worries I'm in the market for buying an airbag and abs fault code reader after finding mine does neither !
Im weighing up the options on getting full vag-com or not as I'll need a laptop to put it on too
 

Headsnap

Active Member
Aug 14, 2014
63
0
Oxfordshire
So, I've bought a code reader (cheers tom). It's showing 00532 and 01578. The first is low supply voltage but a search on the net (nothing on the mk1 forum, I found something on VW forum) for the second code reveals it has something to do with the side passenger airbag. Nothing on rosstech about this code. Do these codes have something to do with each other? Both are only on SRS systems only. I don't know anything more about the codes so I'm not sure if I should clear the second code (I've seen that clearing some airbag codes can set the airbags off). Does anyone have any thoughts? I haven't disconnected the cables under the seat and have had a look under there and it all seems to be connected.
 

Sonofzelda

What the covfefe!
Sep 25, 2016
457
2
Rugby
Forgive me if I'm being obtuse but if my airbag warning light came on I would assume that the airbag might deploy when it shouldn't or that it might not deploy when it should.
In which case I would want it checked and fixed (if necessary) by a qualified specialist and that the light would be reset by the specialist when it was safe to do so.
I would not trust myself to use a software aid to identify or resolve something so critical to "wellbeing".
 
May 25, 2008
2,400
1
cambs
I must admit I've never heard of an airbag deploying when resetting the codes ,
The most common faults are steering wheel squib ring and under seats plugs loose or corroded

I've always just deleted them and monitored if they return
 

mty12345

Active Member
Jun 17, 2011
3,727
451
bristol
Forgive me if I'm being obtuse but if my airbag warning light came on I would assume that the airbag might deploy when it shouldn't or that it might not deploy when it should.
In which case I would want it checked and fixed (if necessary) by a qualified specialist and that the light would be reset by the specialist when it was safe to do so.
I would not trust myself to use a software aid to identify or resolve something so critical to "wellbeing".

We didn't build an empire and win 2 world wars by worrying about health and safety mate..... A real man pulls the fuse on his airbags! ;)
 
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mty12345

Active Member
Jun 17, 2011
3,727
451
bristol
Yeah that's what I saw that made me wonder.

Have a look at the code on vcds, it should have the added description, if it says short to ground or positive, (or you don't have access to vcds) then i would remove the airbag (with the battery disconnected) and then examine the wiring to it. If nothing is found then consider replacing the bag itself.
 
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Sonofzelda

What the covfefe!
Sep 25, 2016
457
2
Rugby
We didn't build an empire and win 2 world wars by worrying about health and safety mate..... A real man pulls the fuse on his airbags! ;)

Right on bro! Don't ***** around with error codes and diagnostics! And Dresden is well overdue for another pasting! :crash:
 

Sonofzelda

What the covfefe!
Sep 25, 2016
457
2
Rugby
Have a look at the code on vcds, it should have the added description, if it says short to ground or positive, (or you don't have access to vcds) then i would remove the airbag (with the battery disconnected) and then examine the wiring to it. If nothing is found then consider replacing the bag itself.

Whatever you do don't forget to cut the red wire first!........or was it the blue one..... :think:
 

Headsnap

Active Member
Aug 14, 2014
63
0
Oxfordshire
Thanks for all the replies. Just for info; I have decided to clear the codes based on the idea that if there is a fault in the system, it will reappear. The fact that the carpet was wet and that I had driven on potholed roads when the light came on has led me to believe that the plug was disturbed by either water, the bad road or a combination of the two. So, code has been cleared and no reappearance yet.
 

Di0g0_R

Diogo_R
Jul 22, 2017
27
0
Portugal
I had to do this in my LCR, I got a person who reset the airbag ECU, and the problem was solved, I still paid € 100 for the service.
 
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