New Slip Ring Didn't Solve Problem!

[Guest dbc]

Hi,

 

Can anyone help me please?

 

Had the driver's airbag warning light on for a couple of weeks. A VW mechanic friend checked the circuit (via ashtray diagnostic socket) and said new slip-ring required. Have now fitted same (

[Ivor_E_Tower]

Try disconnecting it and re-connecting it again - check the connector pins are not corroded etc.

[Topbloke]

I had same fault on my gal replaced the slipring/clockspring, reset the control unit light when out, possible faulty unit how was it fitted and by whom steering has to be centred as the slipring will only allow a certain number of turns left and right ( by slip ring i assume you mean the black circular unit behind the steering wheel which contains a ribbon ) if your man has access to vag com then he should be able to actually look at the readings given by the clock spring

[Guest dbc]

Thanks for useful comments/advice. Will check-out :D connection pins on airbag unit for corrosion.

 

I fitted slipring and wound it the 2 and seven eighth's as required to centre cassette connectors using locking tab on steering wheel... unit base then greased and pins on fixed steering area cleaned - all as per Haynes manual. Pr-marked column top and wheel to ensure correct alignment on re-assembly...

 

My friend had to sneak the diagnostic unit out the back door of the VW garage before doing check - and on return suffered the wrath of the Service Manager who wanted to know what he was up to!! Hence my reluctance to return to garage until I've done everything I can to sort problem out...

 

I really do hate being "a hostage" to electronic diagnostic kit!! Feel it infringes on "the rights" of a DIY mechanic who simply can't afford to pay

[Masked Marauder]

Airbags are not an MOT tested item btw.

[Guest dbc]

Thanks for that!

:D Hmmm...as temp measure might need to unscrew instrument panel and resort to plan b: i.e. pot of black paint!

[johnb80]

Airbags are not an MOT tested item btw.

It WILL be an insurance issue though in the event of a mishap!

[Masked Marauder]

Airbags are not an MOT tested item btw.

It WILL be an insurance issue though in the event of a mishap!

I can assure you it won't. All you have to do is tell your insurer it has been de-activated. It will not affect your premium either.

[johnb80]

Surely without airbags working you're more likely to have greater injuries during an accident. Accepting this it means they would have more to pay out for personal injuries, I don't beleive for one second an insurance company would let you get away with that one !

 

Regards - John

[Topbloke]

the cassette is already centered by the locking pin before you fit the steering wheel, so winding the cassette nearly three turns would put it at almost at the end of its travel before the steering wheel even turns , this is okay if you always turn in one direction (not practical me thinks) great for MK though !!!!!!!

[Masked Marauder]

Surely without airbags working you're more likely to have greater injuries during an accident. Accepting this it means they would have more to pay out for personal injuries, I don't beleive for one second an insurance company would let you get away with that one !

 

Regards - John

In my car club we regularly replace standard (airbag fitted) steering wheels with aftermarket (non airbag) items. I can assure you that it won't affect your insurance as:

 

1. The accident is the driver's fault, so the insurance won't pay compensation anyway.

 

2. The other driver is at fault so the other driver's insurer pays any compensation, so it does not affect your insurance company.

 

3. They are only SRS airbags anyway, the seat-belt will prevent most injuries.

 

Whilst this is not relevent to side impact bags they won't be fitted to his car anyway.

 

If airbags were an issue then they would be a testable item.

[Guest dmc]

 

have you had the fault codes cleared using the vag diagnostic tool?

 

after the component has been replaced,the code will still be logged,and the light remain on,until it is cleared.

 

on the subject of warning light legality,when airbag type steering wheels are replaced with none airbag type,there is no risk of the airbag causing an accident.

 

however,in this situation,where the airbag is still fitted,there is a chance(although unlikely)that the fault causing the warning light to illuminate,may accidently trigger the airbag,causing an accident.

 

in this situation there is a chance that the insuance company would refuse to pay out to a 3rd party,as the vehicle had a known fault.

 

i know that the above is unlikely,but there is a chance.

 

i for one would not want to risk the airbag blowing up in my face whilst sitting at 70mph on a motorway.

[Guest dbc]

Lots of interesting comments.

 

1) Tab on new slip unit says: "ensure cassette centred". Haynes manual says 2 and seven eights turns! My reading of fitting the unit is: When steering wheel bolt tightens on the locking tap it releases the cassette locking mechanism (via the red pin) leaving tapes centralised and floating free...HAPPY to be corrected if this is not the case. I'm only a DIYer!!!

 

2) Diagnostic kit used after fitting unit...but still reported "high resistance"

 

3) I was worried about bag accidently going off. VW mechanic said the reverse was more likely i.e. high resistance (poor connection) in the circuit could prevent power from reaching - and igniting - bag system in an accident...any thoughts?

 

 

 

Dave C

[Ivor_E_Tower]

What you have to watch for is spurious signals (arcing etc) when connecting and disconnecting plugs on the loom etc. When correctly installed, chances of accidentally firing the airbag are very small due to the safing sensor signals (and other signals from other transducers) that the computer requires to confirm that an "accident situation" has occured.