So I have a 2014 Q7 3.0T with about 138000 miles on it I bought it at 115000 and it was in really good shape but I don’t know much on the maintenance history. Anyways I messing with the wiring (hardwiring a small inverter into the car by splicing into behind the cigarettes lighter and it works fine) the issue is after I finished my airbag light came on I didn’t mess with anything plugged into the airbag controller to my knowledge. I think it’s either one of 3 things - My battery is who knows how old probably as old as the car and I did have the key on for part of the time with out it running and is ready to be replaced. Second option when I was replugging in the connectors around the front of the shifter I had one left that I could not for the life of me figure out where it went if it went to anything. It’s a brown wire and a cyanish striped on white very thin gauge like 18 (car drives fine just has the airbag light on) And third is maybe when I was working in that area the connection got bumped although I really wasn’t messing in that area at all so I don’t think it’s likely and I looked and all the connections looked tight.

I pushed the check button to see if I could get anymore info and it showed a few things some of which I already knew, Red coolant(really not sure why on that it’s full currently haven’t had any PCv issues as of yet plan on replacing in a couple weeks.) Red oil (I know I have a leak in the valve cover gasket I’m fixing it in a couple weeks and keeping it toped off for now) Red battery(bad battery?) Then the yellows Lightbulb with red x (unknown) Brake (getting them replaced) Battery(don’t know) Windshield fluid(drinks like a mf needs topped again)

My biggest concern right now is the airbag light if I can’t get it figured out I’m gonna have to take it the dealer.

I have a picture of the wire I couldn’t figure.

 

Yeah, leaving stuff unplugged in this car generally ends badly, and even something that doesn't appear to be related can trigger other faults to appear.

How about you go look for that two-wire connector you missed under the console and scan the car via VAGCOM so you can see the actual fault codes list of items. There's the safety switch interlock, and that's my bet since you triggered the airbag lamp, but regardless, find it and plug it in securely locked...always be sure you get the electrical connectors locked on this car or you'll be going back in again later.

The 'self-check' button on dash is just that; a basic self-check for important and convenience sensors operation and stuff that may be helpful to know about...low fluids, brake pads low, etc. You aren't interpreting them correctly though; suggest you read your owner's manual is my suggestion.

 

The plug went to an ashtray light which I don't have I apparently didn't unplug it and the airbag light was from my battery voltage getting too low (And eventually needing replaced) I just so happened to have the issue show up at the same time and my mind wasn't thinking battery go figures.

 

I sure wish my airbag light issue went away that easily! It came on about five years ago immediately after I installed a brake controller on the car. I have to assume it is related, but I'll be darned if I can figure out what I may have touched, unplugged, broken, or otherwise offended. It has remained illuminated constantly since that day. Hopefully I don't ever find out which airbag doesn't work....

 

I definitely got lucky this time. I had a similar issue after doing a headlight swap in my old BMW 530i and it never went away could never figure it out..