I'm replacing both airbags on my vRS and need to know the following:

1) - Do I need to replace the airbag module or can it be reprogrammed / reset using a diagnostic tool (ie VAG-COM)

2) - Is there a set procedure for reconnecting the two airbags and the module - I'm worried if I do it wrong I will trigger the airbags.

You will not need to need to change the control unit but it will need reseting - the warning light will come on and the airbags will not function in the event of an accident.

The procedure for removing the airbags is as follows, but bear in mind that an airbag is an EXPLOSIVE device so GREAT CARE is required. WEAR EYE PROTECTION - an exploding airbag can blind.

1 - disconnect car battery

2 - leave for 1 hour to discharge

3 - carefully remove airbag (DO NOT LEAN OVER IT)

4 - store airbag safely and do not touch the connector

When refitting, hold airbag way from your body when reconnecting the harness.

Begs the question, why are you replacing the airbags ?

BFN,

Andrew.

Thank you very much for the information. I know that airbag removal and replacement is part of the cruise control upgrade, but this of course is for a controller which has not been fired.

Begs the question, why are you replacing the airbags ?

You obviously havn't seen his little project . Have a look in Steve's gallery.

.

Begs the question' date=' why are you replacing the airbags ?

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I've asked around a few specialists and I don't think there is anything complicated (apart from the safety issues).

Procedure seems to be the reverse of taking them out (as Andrew identified)

and then a quick visit to the local dealers to get the fault codes / airbag light reset.

You will not need to need to change the control unit but it will need reseting

Andrew - are you 100% sure of this? - I know on some makes of cars you don't need to change the module but everyone I've asked about the Skoda says that I do.

I don't want to spend an extra couple of hundred quid if I don't have to.

Steve, what are you planning to do about the hole in the passenger side of the dash, where the airbag came through?

Just interested, as there is no noticeable 'seam' in the dash.

I'm replacing the dash top.

I thought it was going to be a major job as the secondhand one I bought came with the metal cageing that supports / braces the A posts and the rest of the dash. But luckily you can leave this metal support inplace and just remove the dash cover that you are talking about.

My screen has to come out as it is broken , so I will take advantage of this to refit the new dash top before the new screen is put back in.

Andrew - are you 100% sure of this? - I know on some makes of cars you don't need to change the module but everyone I've asked about the Skoda says that I do.

I don't want to spend an extra couple of hundred quid if I don't have to.

Sorry Steve, I did not twig that the car you are working on was is such a bad state - I work on "new" cars. I'll have to pass on the question of whether a new module is required - I do not know. Personally, I would replace it anyway as your life could depend on it.

BFN, :wave:

Andrew

take it from someone who knows you have to replace airbags AND control units if air bags have been deployed.

looking at the state of your car the crash sensor is well and truley boll***s!it will have stored crash signals and cannot be reset.control module is located behind the front ashtray,secured by 4 10mm nuts,it is also coded to the spec of your car ie 4xairbags,i recommend you dont play around with these items when refitting leave it to the bodyshop or main dealer,it they do go bang well!!!!!!!!!

Dory - got the old module out - located behind a panel in the center consol in the passenger side footwell , near the bulkhead.

I don't have 4 airbags - only 2. I havn't checked yet if the VRS has seatbelt pre tensioners and if on my one they have been activated.

The module is part number 6Q0 909 601 - shared with mk IV golfs.

Here's an interesting link for those of you curious on how an airbag works:

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/airbag.htm

take it from someone who knows you have to replace airbags AND control units if air bags have been deployed.

Dear all, I just had a small knock which set off my front airbags. car is fine apart from the airbags. I want to replace them and the dashboard. do you have any advice for:

1. where to get the spare parts in Europe

2. how much it will cost

3. how to go about the replacement

4. anything important to know before attempting the job

5. how to reset/replace the control unit and which is necessary?

I drive an Octavia 4x4 Estate 1.9 TDi.

Thanks for any help you might offer.

cheers

Furryboffin