Audi A4: Additional Safety Precautions for Airbag Control Module

  WARNING

• After every removal and installation of the Airbag Control Module -J234-, the "inertial sensor basic setting" must be performed.
• If the Airbag Control Module -J234- is replaced with a new part, the basic setting is performed when implementing the "15 - Replace airbag control module" program.
• If the Airbag Control Module -J234- is removed and then the same one is reinstalled, perform the "inertial sensor basic setting" as follows:

- Connect the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester.

- Switch the ignition on.

- Select and start the Diagnostic operating mode.

- Select the Test plan tab.

- Select the Select individual test button and select the following tree structure consecutively:

• Body
• Body Assembly
• 01 - OBD-capable systems
• 15 - Airbag - Airbag Control Module -J234-
• 15 - Airbag, Functions
• 15 - Basic Setting
• 15 - Inertial Sensor Basic Setting

- Start the selected program and follow the instructions on the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester display.

Additional Thorax Airbag Safety Precautions

• We recommend using original equipment seat covers.
• Seat covers or protective covers that are not specifically approved for use on Audi seats with thorax airbags must not be used.
• Do not cut out the backrest material in the thorax airbag area.
• The seam in thorax airbag area must run straight when installing.
• All upholstery clips must be replaced (metal and plastic clips).
• Using original equipment upholstery clips is recommended.
• During installation, all upholstery clips must be placed in the same place they were when they were removed.
• If the cover is damaged (with rips, burned holes, etc.) in the thorax airbag area, it must be replaced for safety reasons so that airbag deploys correctly.
• Do not repair the backrest cover in the thorax airbag area (because of special materials and strictly defined seams).
• Always replace the backrest cushion if the thorax airbag deploys.
• All damaged parts must be replaced after a collision. If no airbag unit damage is detected, the airbag unit can still be used.
• If thorax airbag units are replaced, the new thorax airbag number sticker should be removed and placed over the old sticker on the seat pan.
• Do not poke the cover with an upholstery needle or other sharp objects near the airbag, the Front Passenger Seat Occupant Sensor -G128- or the passenger occupant detection system mat in the cover.

Additional Head Curtain Airbag Safety Precautions

• Visually inspect the trim panels for damage before every installation.
• Do not make any repairs to the trim panels (upper A-pillar trim panel, B-pillar-, C-pillar-, and D-pillar trim panels).
• Make sure the trim panels are secure when installing.
• Always replace the entire module when making repairs behind the head curtain airbag.
• Handle head curtain airbag modules with great care when removing and installing them to prevent causing any damage.
• Place any removed head curtain airbag modules back in their shipping packaging or on a clean and even surface with a cloth underneath.
• After servicing the body near the head curtain airbag, check the body for welding beads, deformation and chafe marks (compare with opposite side of vehicle).
• As long as the gas generator is NOT attached, hold it securely when transporting, removing and installing, etc.
• Never rotate, coil, knot, throw, slide, push, hang, squeeze, press, pinch or clamp the head curtain airbag module.
• They may be folded as long as this does not damage them, especially the protective cover.

Front Thorax Airbag Crash Sensors (Pressure Sensors) Safety Precautions

The thorax airbag crash sensors react to changes in pressure and therefore must be handled very carefully. Note the following points:

• Always pay attention to the correct installation position and only install at the specified component location in the doors.
• Protect the crash sensor from bumps and impacts. Do not use a crash sensor if it has fallen on the floor. When doing body work on the door, the crash sensor should be removed.
• The crash sensor is calibrated to the volume of air inside the door. If the door is deformed resulting in a reduced air space inside the door, the function of the crash sensor will be impaired.
• Avoid contamination of the crash sensor. Do not use compressed air in the area surrounding the crash sensor. Protect crash sensor from filings or shavings (For example, when installing door speakers later). Do not use cavity sealant or spray lubricant near the crash sensor.
• Protect against heat and cold. Avoid heating, For example when painting or doing other body work. Crash sensors should not be subjected to temperatures below -40 ºC (-40 ºF) (For example, in non-climate-controlled airplane cargo holds).
• Protect the crash sensor from moisture when storing or installing it.

For proper crash sensor function, it must be ensured that the door is sealed properly after assembly. Note the following points:

• All components (For example, cover, speaker, door trim panel) must be installed correctly.
• The door trim panel clips seal the system. If necessary, replace the clips.

Additional Safety Precautions - Passenger Occupant Detection System Deactivation, Market-Specific

• After each repair to the front passenger seat where the seat and/or backrest cover was "disengaged", a basic setting for the passenger occupant detection system control module must be performed using the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester.
• Do not bend the passenger occupant detection system mat.
• A leaking mat must be replaced (service kit).
• Do not bend the passenger occupant detection system pressure hose.
• Make sure the components in the passenger occupant detection system (service kit) do not fall onto hard surfaces, do not come into contact with grease and are not at risk of being damaged by sharp objects.
• The mat, the fleece and all covers must be fitted without any folds.
• Make sure the seat cushion and cover are positioned correctly when installing.
• Replace all upholstery clips or clips and make sure they are positioned correctly on the seat.
• The system basic setting can only be performed at temperatures between 0 ºC and 40 ºC (32 ºF and 104 ºF) for 8.R and 9.* airbags. The temperature must be between 5 ºC and 35 ºC (41 ºF and 95 ºF) for 10.* airbags.
• Make sure that no objects are placed on the seat when performing the basic setting.
• The use of additional seat cushions such as pillows impairs the function of the passenger occupant detection system and the operation of the airbag system.

Passenger Occupant Detection System Deactivation After a Collision, Market-Specific

• Each time an airbag or passenger belt tensioner deploys, a basic setting must be performed on the passenger occupant detection system control module using the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester.
• If the seat rails and/or seat pan is replaced due to deformations resulting from a collision, the passenger occupant detection system must be replaced using the "passenger occupant detection system service kit". Then perform a "basic setting" on the passenger occupant detection system control module using the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester.

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