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Intermittent Driver Airbag Malfunction

 
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albi
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Post28-09-2009, 16:44    Subject: Intermittent Driver Airbag Malfunction Quote

Hello!
I occasionally receive an error message (the error message roughly translates to: "Driver-side airbag, interruption due to short circuit, intermittent"), and it doesn't clear easily.
"I can only clear the error and restore functionality for a while after disassembling the airbag unit, reconnecting everything (including the connector on the steering angle sensor housing)."
Does it make sense to replace the steering angle sensor because the coil spring has a loose connection?
The error doesn't occur only at a specific steering angle; in this case, for example, it happened while driving perfectly straight.
Who knows this error?
I am grateful for any advice!
Passat Variant TDI Bj. 2000 6-Gang MKB: ATJ; 320 tsd. km; Ziel : mind. 400 tsd. km


Translated on 15-08-2026, 20:20.
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Tribu
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Post28-09-2009, 22:49    Subject: Intermittent Driver Airbag Malfunction Quote

"Short circuit" means that the resistance was too low.

Take a look at the surge protectors in the plugs. They're those little metal tabs. Just remove them all. I used to have that problem when it was cold at night. After I removed them all, the problem stopped.

The slip ring/contact ring is broken, or possibly not, but it's not moving back and forth... I think it's probably not cheap, especially since the error message indicates: "Resistance too high" icon_smile.gif.


Translated on 15-08-2026, 20:22.
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Octavia_4x4
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Post01-10-2009, 12:09    Subject: Intermittent Driver Airbag Malfunction Quote

However, these small plates also serve a purpose: they short-circuit the module or circuit when disconnected, preventing ignition due to electrostatic charging.


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Tribu
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Post01-10-2009, 22:29    Subject: Intermittent Driver Airbag Malfunction Quote

Hmm, heh, well then I have to be careful. Of course, they must serve a purpose. So, I'll be happy every time that thing doesn't fly into my face.

icon_razz.gif


Translated on 15-08-2026, 20:23.
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guste100
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Post03-10-2009, 0:05    Subject: Intermittent Driver Airbag Malfunction Quote

You can also purchase most airbag connectors individually from Volkswagen. This is a cleaner and, above all, safer solution.

Best regards,
Sure.

Here is the translation of the text from German to English:

"Guste" means "gust" in English. It can also be used as a verb, meaning "to gust."


Translated on 15-08-2026, 20:24.
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albi
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Post06-10-2009, 10:15    Subject: Intermittent Driver Airbag Malfunction Quote

Thank you for the answers, and I apologize, but it's a different error code. After the warning light came on again, I noted down the error code:
00588 Inflator for airbag (driver side) (N95) - Resistance value too HIGH (intermittent).
So, it's essentially the opposite of a short circuit. However, even so, it could still potentially be caused by a faulty connection.
Having found enough information about this issue on the forums, I just have one last question: In your opinion, how likely is it that the problem is with the winding spring?
"It's not exactly cheap, and the error doesn't reappear immediately after deleting it. Should I replace the connection cable between the airbag and the spring first?"
Thank you in advance!
Passat Variant TDI Bj. 2000 6-Gang MKB: ATJ; 320 tsd. km; Ziel : mind. 400 tsd. km


Translated on 15-08-2026, 20:25.
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TDI-GTI-4-Motion
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Post06-10-2009, 12:22    Subject: Intermittent Driver Airbag Malfunction Quote

albi wrote:
Thank you for the answers, and at the same time, I'm sorry because it's a different error code. After the warning light came on again, I noted down the error code:
00588 Igniter for airbag (driver side) (N95) - Resistance value TOO HIGH (intermittent).
So, it's essentially the opposite of a short circuit. However, even so, it could still potentially be caused by a faulty connection.
Having found enough information about this issue on the forums, I just have one last question: In your opinion, how likely is it that the problem is with the winding spring?
"It's not exactly cheap, and the error doesn't reappear immediately after deleting it. Should I replace the connection cable between the airbag and the spring first?"
Thank you very much in advance!

"In 90% of cases, it's likely a faulty clockspring. At 290,000 km, it wouldn't be uncommon. However, I once had a 3BG with a persistent error. What I did for troubleshooting: I temporarily removed the airbag module. After finding nothing, I reconnected the module, and lo and behold, the error could be cleared, and it hasn't reappeared since (it's been about a year)."
MfG. Michael

VW Golf IV TDI GTI 4-Motion Bj.2002 MKB/GKB: ARL/FEK
VW T4 Pritsche TDI Bj.1999 MKB/GKB: AXG/AFK (Selfmade)


Translated on 15-08-2026, 20:27.
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Tribu
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Post06-10-2009, 22:57    Subject: Intermittent Driver Airbag Malfunction Quote

Okay, let's assume the torsion spring is broken. It won't be cheap to fix with ESP.

But what must be, will be. ->
But if it's meant to be, it will be.


Translated on 15-08-2026, 20:29.
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