The following are particularly important from the list of precautions:
When repairing a vehicle equipped with an airbag, be sure to disconnect the battery.
Additionally, disconnect the plug connection and isolate (cover) the negative pole of the voltage supply. It is located in cars up to 6/92 behind the front console, and from 7/92 - in the area of the passenger's feet, sitting next to the driver, above the electronics unit (illustration below).
Although the airbag should only be handled by professionals, it should be remembered that when working on it, it is necessary to disconnect the additional plug connection (arrow) for the voltage supply. It is located in cars up to 6/92 behind the front console, and from 7/92 - at the location of the feet of the passenger sitting next to the driver, above the electronics unit (fig. on the right). You will find out where the electronics unit is located in the chapter "Body electrical system", removal of the center console is described in the chapter "Salon".
Removal the airbag unit in the steering wheel:
Left: The upper part of the steering column trim has been removed to allow the airbag unit wire plug connection (1) to be disconnected. Next, remove the T30 bolts (2) that hold the airbag unit in the steering wheel.
Right: The airbag (2) has been removed from the steering wheel (1). The plug connection (arrow) is additionally secured with a bracket.
- When interrupting work, never leave the airbag out of sight.
- Place the airbag unit only with the energy absorbing plate (gasket) up.
- When performing welding work on a vehicle, disconnect the battery.
- After an accident, replace all components of the system.
- Dispose of the vehicle only in accordance with the regulations!
Removal the steering wheel. Models equipped with an airbag
Removing the steering wheel of a car equipped with an airbag is recommended only for an experienced mechanic. Anyone who is not confident in their abilities should contact a workshop.
It is imperative to comply with safety requirements (see previous text).
Disconnect the battery cable leading to ground.
Disconnect the airbag unit on the left and right side of the rear steering wheel using a T30 wrench.
Place the airbag unit back.
Disconnect the airbag unit connector safety clip.
Disconnect the connector from the airbag unit.
Place the airbag unit so that the Audi rings on the unit are visible.
Remove the upper steering column trim by removing both Phillips head screws on the lower steering column trim.
Pull the airbag unit wiring harness plug connection out of the lower trim. To do this, use a screwdriver to lightly press in the mounting tab in the middle of the lower part of the plug and pull the connection out.
Disconnect the plug connection.
Remove the steering wheel as described for models not equipped with an airbag.
When installing, in addition to the instructions for models without an airbag, the following must be observed: After installing the steering wheel and tightening the bolts by hand, tighten both airbag unit mounting bolts.
Then tighten the right one first (in the direction of the car) bolt with a torque of 6 Nm.
Finally, tighten the left bolt to 6 Nm.
[The text is based on materials from the website «AUDImanual.ru»]