Airbag Light On - 3rd time in the Shop
Thread Starter
Club AutoUnion
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 848
Likes: 350
From: West Michigan
Airbag Light On - 3rd time in the Shop
The Airbag light came on a few months ago on my 2006 A8. Took it into the dealer. They found a bad connection, charged me something nominal to fix it (under $100) and off I went.
Three day later, the light is on again. Take it in and they say that the passenger side Airbar is throwing a "hard" fault and needs to be replaced. I say fine so they order the airbag. However, I leave the dealer and the Airbag light is off. I call and they say it will come bag on. This seems strange to me because a hard airbag fault should re-trigger the Airbag light right away, right? I mention this to them and they say the system does periodic diagnostics and that the light will come back on. Several days later, it does come back on. I bring the car in and have the airbag replaced and was charged just under $500.
Several days later, the Airbag light is on again. The car goes back in on Monday and they say they will credit the entire amount I have already paid towards this third fix, but it seems strange that this is such a hard problem to solve.
Any thoughts or advice?
Three day later, the light is on again. Take it in and they say that the passenger side Airbar is throwing a "hard" fault and needs to be replaced. I say fine so they order the airbag. However, I leave the dealer and the Airbag light is off. I call and they say it will come bag on. This seems strange to me because a hard airbag fault should re-trigger the Airbag light right away, right? I mention this to them and they say the system does periodic diagnostics and that the light will come back on. Several days later, it does come back on. I bring the car in and have the airbag replaced and was charged just under $500.
Several days later, the Airbag light is on again. The car goes back in on Monday and they say they will credit the entire amount I have already paid towards this third fix, but it seems strange that this is such a hard problem to solve.
Any thoughts or advice?
Thread Starter
Club AutoUnion
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 848
Likes: 350
From: West Michigan
i've not had issues with them before and the next closest dealer is 55 miles away.
Just wondering if others have had airbag issues as this is the first for me with any car.
Just wondering if others have had airbag issues as this is the first for me with any car.
AudiWorld Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA
I have replaced deployed airbags on my A8 and have reset the system with my Ross-Tech VAGCOM without any issues.
With VAGCOM you can see the component causing the issue and fix/replace it. I have also used VAGCOM on several Jettas for similar issues, with good results. There is a known issue with a connector on the passenger side seat of Jettas that comes loose and has to be replaced or tightened. The system tells you where the fault is and once it is repaired, you just reset the system and the light goes off. If the light comes back with the same code, it means that it was not fixed correctly, or that the component is faulty.
It is not rocket science. Not sure why the dealer is having problems with it.
I would recommend you getting a VAGCOM, it is a great tool.
With VAGCOM you can see the component causing the issue and fix/replace it. I have also used VAGCOM on several Jettas for similar issues, with good results. There is a known issue with a connector on the passenger side seat of Jettas that comes loose and has to be replaced or tightened. The system tells you where the fault is and once it is repaired, you just reset the system and the light goes off. If the light comes back with the same code, it means that it was not fixed correctly, or that the component is faulty.
It is not rocket science. Not sure why the dealer is having problems with it.
I would recommend you getting a VAGCOM, it is a great tool.
Thread Starter
Club AutoUnion
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 848
Likes: 350
From: West Michigan
I have replaced deployed airbags on my A8 and have reset the system with my Ross-Tech VAGCOM without any issues.
With VAGCOM you can see the component causing the issue and fix/replace it. I have also used VAGCOM on several Jettas for similar issues, with good results. There is a known issue with a connector on the passenger side seat of Jettas that comes loose and has to be replaced or tightened. The system tells you where the fault is and once it is repaired, you just reset the system and the light goes off. If the light comes back with the same code, it means that it was not fixed correctly, or that the component is faulty.
It is not rocket science. Not sure why the dealer is having problems with it.
I would recommend you getting a VAGCOM, it is a great tool.
With VAGCOM you can see the component causing the issue and fix/replace it. I have also used VAGCOM on several Jettas for similar issues, with good results. There is a known issue with a connector on the passenger side seat of Jettas that comes loose and has to be replaced or tightened. The system tells you where the fault is and once it is repaired, you just reset the system and the light goes off. If the light comes back with the same code, it means that it was not fixed correctly, or that the component is faulty.
It is not rocket science. Not sure why the dealer is having problems with it.
I would recommend you getting a VAGCOM, it is a great tool.
Having said that, the car is in today so we'll see what they say. It's been strange since the problem has "moved around" from a bad connector under the seat (first repair) to a bad airbag (second repair). If the AIRBAG light comes on after this repair, I'll install the Ross-Tech software, but I'll also contact the regional Service Rep (actually my dealer said they'll involve Audi if they can nail it this time).
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Thread Starter
Club AutoUnion
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 848
Likes: 350
From: West Michigan
I ask because my Chinese Knockoff works flawlessly with my Triumph and Triumph is an OBD II system. With it I have checked codes, cleared codes, balance throttle bodies and updated the entire ECU twice with newer versions that support the aftermarket pipes I have. I use a software product call TuneECU. This is freeware programmed by two guys in Europe and is used for European motorcycles. I mention this because they don't care what cable you use (and people use all different brands) as long as it supports the proper standard.
Does Ross-tech do something non-standard? It seems strange to be roped into a cable from a single source.
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,883
Likes: 5
From: NC USA
Are there stories behind these statements?
I ask because my Chinese Knockoff works flawlessly with my Triumph and Triumph is an OBD II system. With it I have checked codes, cleared codes, balance throttle bodies and updated the entire ECU twice with newer versions that support the aftermarket pipes I have. I use a software product call TuneECU. This is freeware programmed by two guys in Europe and is used for European motorcycles. I mention this because they don't care what cable you use (and people use all different brands) as long as it supports the proper standard.
Does Ross-tech do something non-standard? It seems strange to be roped into a cable from a single source.
I ask because my Chinese Knockoff works flawlessly with my Triumph and Triumph is an OBD II system. With it I have checked codes, cleared codes, balance throttle bodies and updated the entire ECU twice with newer versions that support the aftermarket pipes I have. I use a software product call TuneECU. This is freeware programmed by two guys in Europe and is used for European motorcycles. I mention this because they don't care what cable you use (and people use all different brands) as long as it supports the proper standard.
Does Ross-tech do something non-standard? It seems strange to be roped into a cable from a single source.
VCDS is specific to VAG vehicles (Audi, VW, SEAT, Skoda, etc), is more than just OBD II, and the cable is more than just wires.
Ross-Tech is also more than just a freeware hobby - it is a business and they provide support to licensed users.
I also strongly recommend purchasing a Bentley manual.
It will make it easier for you to work on the car and/or avoid getting ripped of by incompetent or greedy workshops.
There are several sources where you can get them for less than retail.
Last edited by jakematic; Jul 12, 2011 at 04:59 AM.