How to fix the air bag sign ?

Question

hi i have a air bag sign flashing on my dashboard. the light appeares and doesn't turn off after i have turned on the ignition . it's on my vw golf mk4 2000 model.

Answer 1

Chances are the cable that connects to the airbag runs under your driver seat.  If you move the seat back and forth, this can pull the cable apart from the connector which results in the air bag warning light coming on.

You can easily fix this yourself if you know where to look, in my case I fluttered my eyelashes at my friendly mechanic, he put his hands under the driver seat and pushed the cable and connector back into place.

Sometimes, the air bag light will come on as airbags do have a limited lift span - I'm not sure how many years, maybe 4? - and after that time period, the unit has to be removed and replaced with a new one.  But be honest, how many of us really do that?

It's quite likely it's just the cable has worked loose with your car.  

Answer 2

Its probably best to take the car to your local VW garage to have it checked out.

However before you do this, look under the front seats. You will see that there is a wire cable running from the seat belt lock to the other side of the seat. There is normally a connector block that over time gets full of fluff and dirt. Pull the connector to pieces and give it a clean.

The reason for this cable is that part of your safety system includes seat belt restrainers.

Ja.

Answer 3

depending on the year of your car most vw's 2000< have to be plugs in to a diagnostics machine to get any ecu or system managment lights turnt off preferably bmdu diagnostics machines  

Answer 4

The light has been triggered by a signal from a sensor in the airbag or the front bumper. Some component needs attention. The dealer can read the fault code with a scanner and tell you what needs to be replaced. Since this is a safety item, I would not make the slightest attempt at self repair. take it to the dealer or an experienced mechanic who has the tools and the expertise to diagnose and repair air bag issues,

Answer 5

It's telling you something is wrong with your air bag system and it may not deploy in the event of a collision.

Possible causes are:  

faulty SRS control unit

faulty crash sensor

faulty wiring

faulty seat belt buckle

faulty air bag squib ( contact ring )

To fix it, you'll need to first find out what is wrong.

Answer 6

You will probably need to take it to the dealers

Answer 7

If it's just a faulty light, it's not hard to repair, but you need to get it checked out by a mechanic.  An actual issue with the air bag is costly, but if it's present, the car won't pass inspection unless it's fixed.

Answer 8

Probbaly the seat airbag plug. If you look on Golf forums this is a common fault. Even if you plug it back in you may need the computer reseting

Answer 9

Thats a job for a vw dealer. Its dangerous, the airbag may go off at any time or might not.

Answer 10

You need to have the system diagnosed at a garage, and either a sensor or the airbag unit replaced.

Beware of using the car with the fault - apart from the obvious safety aspect, your insurance may be invalid.