Air Bag System

Airbag Unit, Replacing After An Accident

Up to and involving airbag 7: Accident including activation of airbag / belt tensioners.
- Airbag control module must be replaced after every activation of airbag / belt tensioners

Airbag 8: Accident involving activation of airbag / belt tensioners (phased in as of production date 10/98).

NOTE:
- For vehicles with airbag 8, display will indicate airbag front + side or airbag front + side overhead.
- Airbag control module can be used for up to three activations of side / side curtain airbags and/or belt tensioners.
- After the third activation, the DTC "control module malfunctioning" will appear.

Airbag control module must be replaced
- After driver's side/passenger side airbag deployment.
- If housing is damaged.
- If there is a deformation at channel, in a circumference of 200 mm around control module.
- After three airbag deployments.

Always replace the following
- Any deployed airbag unit.

Also replace the following if passenger side airbag deploys
- Instrument panel
- Deformed supports for passenger side airbag unit (must not be bent back into place)
- Lateral acceleration sensor if area near sensor in floor pan is deformed.

Also replace the following if driver's side airbag deploys
- Self-canceling ring with slip ring.
- Lateral acceleration sensor if area near sensor in floor pan is deformed.

Also replace the following if side airbag deploys
- Acceleration sensor for side airbag that deployed.
- Front / rear seatback cushion.
- Front / rear seat cover.
- For foldable rear seatback: Side cushion
- Lateral acceleration sensor if area near sensor in floor pan is deformed.

Also replace the following if side curtain airbag deploys
- Acceleration sensor for side airbag that deployed.
- Trim panel at A-pillar, B-pillar, C-pillar, D-pillar.
- Lateral acceleration sensor if area near sensor in floor pan is deformed.

Also:
- All seatbelts with belt tensioners that have been triggered
For airbag 7 and 8, On Board Diagnostic can be used to recognize whether belt tensioners have been triggered.
A - If airbag control module has been triggered:
Front seatbelt tensioners:







- Read Measuring Value Block display group 001:
For triggered belt tensioners, display indicates "too large".
Rear seatbelt tensioners:







- Read Measuring Value Block display group 002:
For triggered belt tensioners, display indicates "too large".
B - If airbag control module is replaced:
- Check DTC Memory:
A triggered belt tensioner can be recognized by the DTC: "Ignitor for belt tensioner - resistance is too high"
- If necessary (visual check) also replace the following: all damaged components

Accident where airbag didn't deploy
- If airbag Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) -K75- does not indicate a malfunction, then airbag components do not need to be replaced. Check seatbelts separately.

After replacing airbag units or the control module, attach label (only tear-off strip) to registration card and mail in.

Storing and transporting airbag units
The airbag unit is a pyrotechnical object of class PT 1. These units must be stored and transported according to laws regarding explosive and dangerous materials (explosive substance regulations).
For Germany: Small quantities of materials and objects may be stored in locked rooms without a storage permit. Shipping and transportation must only take place in officially accepted transport containers.
- Airbag units must not be stored for longer than 3 months.

Disposal of airbag units
- In Germany, airbag units must be made unusable via electric ignition according to accident prevention regulations, because pyrotechnic objects can lead to injuries if activated inappropriately (e.g. when disposing using a cutting torch).
- Electric ignition of airbag unit must always occur with airbag unit installed in a vehicle. Observe ignition regulation ET- No. 8D1 971 259.
- Minimum distance from vehicle: 10m.