Airbag malfunction -> does this disable the system?

Hello,

Since I've experienced airbag errors in both my Seat Toledo TDI 1M and now also in my Golf IV TDI, causing the cars to display airbag warning lights, I have a question:

- In the event of an airbag malfunction (e.g., a high resistance value detected during the airbag deployment diagnostic test), is the entire airbag unit deactivated, or do the airbags still deploy in the event of an accident?

After clearing the error memory, the problem disappeared.

Thank you for the responses!!!

When the warning light illuminates on the dashboard, the entire airbag system, including seatbelt pretensioners, door unlocking mechanisms, and hazard lights, is deactivated.

Wenn die Warnung im Tacho angeht, ist das gesamte Airbagsystem samt Gurtstraffern, Türöffnen und Warnblinker deaktiviert.

Das wuerde ich nicht fuer sicher halten. Es gab ja ein gut bekannter fall mit einem Golf-3, wo eine frau beim VW haendler die beifahrer airbag via diagnose geraet die deaktiviert hatte. Spaeter gabs ein fehler im airbag steuergeraet, airbag warnlampe war gat geluechtet. Dann noch ein kleiner unfall, und die beifahrer airbag ist trotzdem ausgefahren, und hat kind im babysitz umgebracht. Das ganze war in einer zeitschift (Der Spiegel?) wegen dem ganzen legalen hin und her wer schuld hatte (VW oder Siemens). Ich kann den link link aber nicht mehr finden. So, as I said, I wouldn't take anything for granted if the airbag warning light is on.

-Uwe-

Hello,

Thank you for the responses! Personally, I wouldn't think it's a good idea if a faulty side airbag reading, like the one I have, would result in a complete deactivation. Because in the event of an accident, the life-saving, functional driver's airbag might not deploy.

A partial deactivation would certainly be better.

Hi,

The problem is building such a fail-safe system.

"Alles aus" will kill the driver in the event of an accident.

"Everything on" can kill children in car seats (see the cited case - in that instance, the deactivated right airbag still deployed due to an error mode).

So, what should we do?

The most sensible solution is that deactivations should only be performed in conjunction with mechanical modifications (e.g., disconnecting a connector and installing a termination plug), and then the "everything on" setting should be used.

AFAIK, this is very manufacturer-specific - I believe there were quite a few changes after that incident.

Best regards,

Jan.

The most sensible solution is that deactivations should only be performed in conjunction with mechanical modifications (e.g., disconnecting a connector and installing a termination plug), and then the 'everything on' setting should be used.


That's also how it's done nowadays.

The old A4 (from '96 or so) can be disabled via the adaptation channel.
While the channels are also available in the Passat, Golf, and Octavia (all models from 2001 onwards) and can be adjusted, a fault message appears shortly after the text message (MFA) 'Passenger airbag deactivated.'
'The system then registers 'ignition resistor too low'. Therefore, deactivation can only be achieved using a jumper cable. Additionally, the switchable passenger airbags are disconnected from the control unit, and a resistor is introduced. Furthermore, a signal is sent to the control unit via a wire so that it can activate the corresponding warning lights...'

'Fail-safe' mechanisms in airbags are a double-edged sword. Generally, a complete deployment prevents more damage than it causes, so the system usually triggers completely in case of errors. In the specific case of the child seat mentioned, things just went wrong, but I'll keep my opinion on that to myself...'

CU Gremlin.