Airbag fuse

[mattaus]

Hi all,

I'm not sure if I'm struggling because I'm nervous messing with a car less than 24hrs old, or because I'm a bit under the weather...but here goes.

I have a set of S2T paddles. I want to install these paddles. I'm fine with every single part of the install except the very first part! Seriously, where is the airbag fuse? The manual never mentions it (probably does but I just cannot find it). Does the airbag fuse even exist or are the instructions provided by S2T not applicable to Australian spec cars?

S2T instructions for your reference.

Thanks,

- Matt

[Snail Style]

Just disconnect the battery, and leave the car for 15 mins, if your concerned about the airbag going off.

[mattaus]

It is a safety precaution. Provided your suggestion has the same result (well it wont in the strict sense, but the airbag won't go off on any capacitive charge your way) then I'll just do that.

Thanks!

[Umai Naa!!]

Even 5 minutes would be sufficient. Once you remove it from the steering wheel, it's no longer grounded anyway.

Just handle it with care, and rest it sunny side up (VW emblem on top).

[mattaus]

Well I don't actually need to remove the airbag at all. I guess they only suggest disabling the airbag just in case you touch something you shouldn't when removing the stick paddles. Can't see how anything could go wrong, but I'll do what I need to in order to avoid copping one in the head!

[DV52]

mattaus: My reading of the wiring diagram suggests that mk7 doesn't have "airbag fuses" per se. All the airbag igniters are directly connected to airbag control module (j234). J234 is connected to fuse #33 (5 Amp) on the C fuse box which is the one behind the passenger side glove box.

Removing the battery is probably a good idea as suggested by OP and your link. VW make the added suggestion that the battery be disconnected with the ignition turned-on (to ensure that all circuits are fully discharged).

Of course - regardless of whether the battery is connected, or not, the remaining risk is electrical discharge from electro static sources -probably a low probability given that you are not removing the airbag cover, but when dealing with pyrotechnic devices (like an airbag igniter), it pays to be aware of this matter when working near an airbag (IMO)
Cheers
Don

[mattaus]

mattaus: My reading of the wiring diagram suggests that mk7 doesn't have "airbag fuses" per se. All the airbag igniters are directly connected to airbag control module (j234). J234 is connected to fuse #33 (5 Amp) on the C fuse box which is the one behind the passenger side glove box.

Removing the battery is probably a good idea as suggested by OP and your link. VW make the added suggestion that the battery be disconnected with the ignition turned-on (to ensure that all circuits are fully discharged).

Of course - regardless of whether the battery is connected, or not, the remaining risk is electrical discharge from electro static sources -probably a low probability given that you are not removing the airbag cover, but when dealing with pyrotechnic devices (like an airbag igniter), it pays to be aware of this matter when working near an airbag (IMO)
Cheers
Don

Thanks for the info Don. I'll pull fuse #33 and disconnect the negative terminal and wait 15 minutes or so. My GTI has the push-to-start feature and I'm still working out how to start ancillaries without actually cranking the engine. I've only had the car 21hrs so I haven't had much time to read yet.

- Matt

[mattaus]

And they're in.



Once I disconnected the fuse and battery it was all pretty easy. Bit nervous pulling the pins out as the leather of the wheel was applying a fair bit of pressure as the pin slid past. Other than that it was pretty easy I did get a few warnings after starting the car back up that made me **** bricks for a few seconds, but a quick drive up the driveway cleared them all.