1. Can I get to the air bag module by removing the instrument cluster? Parts fiche shows it is under the dash, above steering wheel. I saw 2 videos on youtube on how to remove the cluster, and it looks pretty simple, but I don't want to risk scratching or breaking something if that doesn't work. Dealer said they had to remove the whole dash, but that seems excessive.
2. Can a VW dealer reset the module?

 

Hello @HalHubbell ,
Welcome to 6speedonline !

As to your issue, please give some background, airbag deployment, or just module failure or fault code.

As to the location of the airbag control module, it is NOT located behind the instrument cluster, nor above the steering wheel, it is located in the center of the vehicle, mounted to the transmission tunnel of the body, to access said module, it requires removal of the Infotainment head unit, disassembly of the center console, removal of the HVAC air ducts, and possibly the dashboard as a whole, but, on a 05 for it's age, one may consider cutting and patching the two plastic air ducts that feed the rear seat center console vents, as these ducts block access to the module in question, and the feed duct from the HVAC suitcase on the center right blocks one of the mounting nuts, same goes for the bottom of the center of the dash below the pocket were the Infotainment head unit resides, but these would be measures to take on yourself or someone willing to perform, definitely not the dealership.

Believe it or not, the dashboard does come out as a full assembly, some bolts and shims, besides dropping the steering column, removing the instrument cluster, and possibly the passenger side airbag, IIRC.

See my pictures.

As to programming the module in place, depending on the prior situation, and cause of your inquiry, during my GT Rebuild, I used all modules and wiring from the black parts vehicle that had driven through an apartment complex basement wall, airbags were blown, and the module had a fault for same, along with seat belt error codes, I cleared all faults with my Ross-Tech VCDS and all was and is in working order.


Johnny
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OMG, no wonder the dealer wanted $6500, parts & labor to replace it!

Airbags did NOT deploy, light just came on. Dealer said it was a bad airbag module and the whole dash had to come out. I decided to spend $300 on a TopDon scanner and see if I could fix it myself. I also got the code/message for Bad Airbag Module on my new scanner, then I tried Erase Codes and there was no change. Next I went to Maintenance, and selected Re-Set Airbag Module. A list of cars it could re-set came up, and Bentley wasn't one of them.

Then I found a way to check individual components of the airbag system, and it said Passenger Seat Occupant Sensor Too High. I took that to mean resistance was too high (open circuit?). Soooo, I got an seat sensor Simulator, which is nothing more than a 2.2 to 3.3 ohm resistor that plugs into the harness in place of the seat sensor. I had to take the seat loose to get to it.

That didn't work, so I took the seat out, and cleaned every connector with contact cleaner. I also hooked an ohm meter to the seat sensor, got about 3 ohms, mashed down on the seat and it went up as high as 18 ohms. (Haven't put the seat back yet.) So, I'm thinking maybe it's a bad module that's not reading the seat occupant sensor?

 

@HalHubbell ,
What happens if you turn off the passenger side front airbag by way of key slot switch inside the glovebox ?

When you have a chance, please edit your profile for location, so that we are all on the same page as to LHD and RHD, and also of someone local to help.

What other codes did the airbag module have as faults, did you by any chance check the airbag circuit connections at the top of the starter battery, (right side facing the trunk) these connections are for the pyrotechnic devise on the positive cable at the starter battery, I had an airbag light because of bad connection at the right green arrow.

Check all seat belts, fasten all of the seat belts, check all receiver portions of the seat belts for any foreign objects inside.

Johnny

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I'm near Nashville TN. I'll try turning off the passenger seat tomorrow. I didn't know there was a switch. I'll check the connections at the battery too. I'll be putting the seat back in tomorrow, so I'll post an update tomorrow afternoon. No codes other than the ones I mentioned. Scanner said seat belts were OK, except front and rear center belts are "Too High". It doesn't HAVE front & rear center belts. Thanks, for all your help!!! Hal PS: Any chance I'm going to set off the airbags messing with those connections on the battery?

 

Johnny; I tried turning the switch in the glove box, it went 1/4 turn clockwise. Also disconnected at the left green arrow in your picture & sprayed with contact cleaner. Didn't see any way to disconnect the wire at the right green arrow, I did wiggle it, and it is securely attached to the battery. So far, light still on. Tried measuring resistance in the seat sensor, got crazy readings, mostly around 1 or 2 ohms, even with me sitting on the seat. I'm really thinking it is the seat sensor, except when I plug the seat sensor simulator into the harness, the light still stays on. Going to mess with it some more, thinking about gambling $100 on a used seat sensor. Looks like I have to de-upholster the seat to get to it. Hal

 

See the YouTube video in this post for module location:

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...tley-help.html

 

That $6500 parts & labor for the dealer to replace is starting to look pretty reasonable.

 

Actually the 6500 is pretty high..
May I ask, have you tried disconnecting both batteries for a period of time, as seen in my pictures, the both air bags were blown in my parts car, yet the airbag control module did not need any crash data removed, I simply used the Ross-Tech VCDS to clear the faults for the pyrotechnic devise and the steering wheel airbag, which in turn, turned out to be the clock-spring in the steering column.

I am not sure how well the scanner you purchased works with Bentley, or any VAG vehicle.

Johnny

 

I have not tried disconnecting both batteries. I did disconnect the right battery when I was checking connections, and I had to reset the seats & windows, took several trys to get the left quarter window all the way up. I got several other warning lights and the engine ran rough. Driving it around the block took care of those. So I'm afraid to disconnect the batteries again!