Last updated on August 2nd, 2023 at 06:07 pm
In this post is my easy guide on VW airbag light reset without the tool, So if you are looking for answers to questions concerning airbag reset or just looking for information on what happens if you disconnect airbag sensor, then articles addressed the following topics: what does service airbag system mean, how do you reset the airbag light on a VW, how do you reset the airbag light on a VW Beetle, an easy guide on VW airbag light reset without the tool and finally, what happens if you disconnect airbag sensor? Those are some of the topics I will discuss in this article.
The thing is, whenever your airbag reports an issue, the airbag module will be illuminated. read also Mazda 6 airbag light flashing what the cause is
Sometimes it is possible in some old model cars to reset the airbag illuminated light without using a scanner or any tool by taking off the vehicle battery terminals. However, check the instrument panel to make sure that the SRS warning light has been turned off, also, read this Will Disconnecting Battery Reset Airbag Light?
Note that anytime the airbag light is illuminated on the instrument cluster of the dashboard, this shows that there’s a problem with the airbag system.
Sometimes this could be due to a damaged airbag, broken wires, and bad connections, or a faulty control unit could curse it.
Make sure you always inspect the SRS system so you can change it even if you haven’t recently been involved in an accident.
We recommend that you diagnose the airbag system every 8 to 10 years due to its wiring systems and sensors.
However, this doesn’t mean you have to change the entire system, but it is important to inspect them from time to time so you know that everything is working as it should.
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What Does Service Airbag System Mean?
So you know, the service airbag system message can show up via your car’s driver information center (DIC).
However, the service airbag system message will only show up when there’s a problem with the airbag system which requires to be resolved.
Although this problem can be minor or means a serious issue has occurred.
This might be informing you that your airbags won’t deploy if there’s an accident. Once this happens, it means you’ve lost the airbag protection, which shows that you might face serious injury when an accident occurs.
There is a need to act fast whenever you find out that the service airbag system message is showing, just make sure it is immediately fixed.
Another thing you might also notice with the service airbag system message flashing is the SRS airbag light illuminating.
It can happen if the vehicle previously had an accident that cursed the crash sensors’ to be activated without the airbags been deployed.
Note that this is why you should always inspect your vehicle to prevent this from happening.
You can use some methods to handle both the service airbag system message issue and the SRS airbag light turning on.
The first thing to do is to visit a car dealer to purchase a brand-new SRS airbag module.
In case you have a clear understanding of the automotive repair, then you can reset the unit by yourself.
However, in case you are fully sure you can handle it or you don’t want to spend buying tools and software, then you can consult a repair shop for help.
Resetting airbag light: How Do You Reset The Airbag Light On A VW?
Is the airbag light of your car popping up on your dash? Do you want to know how to reset it?
Your airbag lights and the engine are a few of the dashboard lights that need regular attention once they are illuminated, especially this airbag warning light because of its safety importance.
Remember that airbags are meant to inflate anytime there’s a collision, and this will not happen whenever the light is illuminated, this will not happen.
Steps for resetting airbag light
For you to reset the airbag with a scanner, the following steps will help in resetting airbag light for your VW vehicle:
Step 1
Put the car key into the ignition system, and then turn your car switch to an on position.
Step 2
After that, observe the airbag light turning on. Note that the light will remain on for about seven seconds before turning off.
After shutting off, make sure to turn the switch off and then wait for three seconds.
Step 3
You can now do steps 1 and 2 two more times.
After that, you can start your engine. Once done, the SRS light will be turned on for about seven seconds before turning off again. After this has happened, your airbag light has successfully been reset.
How Do You Reset The Airbag Light On A VW Beetle?
Some of the Volkswagen Beetle’s safety features will find include traction control, ABS brakes, and front and side airbags.
This means that whenever the airbag has diagnosed an issue, your airbag module will light up.
You can reset the airbag light on a VW Beetle using the VAG service and the airbag reset tool, which you can buy from any auto parts store close to you.
Step 1
Turn off your engine. Put the airbag reset tool and the VAG service inside the diagnostic port of your Beetle, which you will find on the hood release latch.
Step 2
Now press the reset tool’s select button till you see the yellow and red lights come up.
Step 3
After that, turn on the ignition without starting the car.
Now press the tool’s enter button for about 10 seconds till the lights come on. Now, turn off the ignition.
Now lets look when you are without any tool, how to reset VW polo airbag light without tool. can you even reset airbag light without tool?
Can you reset airbag light without tool?
Yes it possible to reset an airbag light without tool, however, though you might be able to reset that airbag light on your own with not scanner or tool for some car models, but honestly, I most say it’s not the best idea. The airbag light blinking at you simply means that there is something is wrong with your airbag system, so you better not ignore the root cause by just resetting the light, so I do encourage you to get a pro mechanic to check it out and fix the problem.
Guide on VW Airbag Light Reset Without the Tool
In most car models, it is almost impossible to reset the airbag light without using a scanner, though this is due to safety precautions since you are supposed always to repair the fault anytime the airbag light turns on.
However, car models like VW is one those that allow you to reset the airbag light without using a scanner, which can easly be done by removing the car battery terminals and connecting it back, but this will only reset tempory. The airbag light will still come back on a couple of miles.
To take this step further, you have to examine the wiring system that you can find under the passenger or driver seat for any corrosion or loose wires in the connector plug, and if any issue, I mean the loose or corroded wires, you solve the problem and your VW Airbag Light will Reset Without the Tool.
You can just spray the connector plugs using an electronic cleaner and then restart your car.
Alternatively you can follo this steps below for longer reset.
How to reset airbag light vw Without the Tool
Step 1: Locate the Airbag Computer
Alright, first things first. You will need to find the airbag computer, which is the brain behind all the airbag operations. In your VW, you’re likely to find your VW computer under the passenger seat or in the middle of the console; however, you might need to move some parts around to get to it.
Step 2: Pull out the Plug on the Airbag Computer
Now that you’ve found the computer, you have to disconnect it. This usually involves unclipping or unscrewing a connector. Make sure to be gentle; you don’t want to damage any wire.
Step 3: Time to Reset the Airbag Light
With the computer unplugged, let’s try to reset the airbag light. You have to wait for around 15 minutes, then plug the computer back in. This waiting time lets the system reset and hopefully get rid of any or clear any of the error codes that are causing the airbag light to come on.
Step 4: Check Out the Airbag Light
Alright, let’s get to the moment of truth. Hook up the car battery again, fire up your car, and see if that airbag light is still glaring at you. If it’s off, then congrats! You’ve done it. But if it’s still on, there might be a bigger issue at play, and you should get a pro to take a look.
Remember, this guide isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for every VW model. If in doubt, always consult a professional mechanic.
What Happens If You Disconnect Airbag Sensor
Note that by disconnecting the airbag system unit from the harness when you’ve not unplugged the battery might trigger the airbags to deploy immediately and may cause damage to your car’s computer system.
However, after you have disconnected the positive battery cable, wait about three minutes before removing the computer module.
Conclusion on resetting airbag light
Your VW polo airbag light reset without the tool can also be done with the steps above; whenever the airbag light is illuminated, it simply means that the airbag won’t be able to deploy when there’s an accident.
Note that this can be very dangerous for you. Whenever this happens, make sure you avoid driving long distances, if possible until the airbag problem is fixed.
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Hi dear, my name is Jeffery Ekweghi, and I am a certified mechanic and autobody parts technician. I created this site to share my expertise and experience with car lovers looking to resolve their car-related issues. I am certified in private cars and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. I have worked as a mechanic since 2015 and have experience in vehicle brands like Subaru, Jeep, Toyota, TATA, BMW, Mazda, Honda, Nissan, Kia, TVs, and Others; however, I primarily specialize in Toyota vehicles.
