Hi Folks, Airbag light came on the dash today and ram the VCDS on it and it displayed the below - any ideas how to correct

01218 - Side Airbag Igniter; Passenger Side (N200)

 

001 - Upper Limit Exceeded - MIL ON
 

Unhelpfully, the Ross-Tech Wiki entry for that fault code doesn't show your particular fault, ie Upper Limit Exceeded.

http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/01218

These threads are more useful.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?4413308-Fix-for-fault-code-01218-Side-Airbag-Igniter-Passenger-Side-(N200)-(MkV-Jetta)

http://www.carworklog.com/2010/06/23/air-bag-fault-01218-side-airbag-igniter-passenger-side/

I am pretty sure I have seen a DIY thread here showing how to do the wiring repair if reseating the connector doesn't fix the fault.

Note that the light will not come off by itself - the fault will have to be physically cleared by plugging a code reader into the car. I had this happen (drivers side though) - I unplugged and then reconnected the connectors under the seat and added a cable tie around the connector to hold it tight together to stop any momentary loss of connection which causes the fault.

When I get this fault I always chop out the rubbish connectors and solder them properly and cover with heat shrink. Once the fault is cleared I have never had it reappear.

I got that error intermitantly, even after the dealer had "fixed it" by chopping off the connectors and soldering the wires together.  Took it back and they redid the soldering and all was fine.

I would try, with the ignition off, unplugging and reconnecting the relevant seat airbag wiring a couple of times. Then use VCDS to try to clear the fault code, which, as said, will not clear by itself. Very often this is all that is needed, as the wiring is easily disturbed when moving the seat.

 

The airbag module is the only one that will not clear the warning light when the fault is corrected without being reset.

 

Mike

 

I got that error intermitantly, even after the dealer had "fixed it" by chopping off the connectors and soldering the wires together.  Took it back and they redid the soldering and all was fine.

Just chop the connector out and solder them PROPERLY and be done with it. I have never had a VAG vehicle come back to me with the same fault after I have carried out this fix.

Just chop the connector out and solder them PROPERLY and be done with it. I have never had a VAG vehicle come back to me with the same fault after I have carried out this fix.

I didn't pay for it as it was under warranty.

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I suppose you could fit some different connectors.

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A lot of the seat wiring problems are caused by the plug right under the seat (highlighted in the photo below) rather than the plug that you would unplug to take the seat out. 

 

 

 

 

I cut these plugs out and soldered the wiring on my drivers seat when the airbag light came on, and it completely fixed the problem......after I cleared the fault with VCDS.  

Edited 7 July, 201411 yr by booke23

I suppose you could fit some different connectors.

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This is an option, however if you are going to do this you would need to make sure you have the correct size connectors for the wire and a crimping tool. I have seen more than my fair share of incorrectly sized connectors fitted by squashing them together with a pair of pliers fail. This would once again bring your airbag light on by causing a high resistance.

Thanks for the photo Book23.

I was having a heck of a time finding the mysterious "yellow connector" alleged to be the cause of so many Airbag warning lights. It was obscured by a cross bar/beam.

 

Anyway, I've disconnected and re-connected a few times. Not sure I'm ready to try cutting wires. My soldering technique isn't what it should be.

 

What should I do next? Presumably get the warning light reset?

 

Thanks very much