amiro

Hi there, I'm going to be a first time user and have just downloaded the v 409 shareware VAG COM. I just wanted to use it for clearing the airbag light that shows up in the instrument cluster, but someone told me that the shareware version does not let you clear the airbag light.

<B>Can someone please confirm that? As a bonus, can you pls. tell me how to do so, if I can? Is it simply a matter of clearing the "fault codes" in the airbag module?</B>

Here's my story as to why I want to reset it. It's not a faulty airbag module, I know that for sure. I can't remember the fault code from when the dealer last scanned it (I got a printout from them), but if you'd like that, I can get it and post it tonight.

Function 05 Clear Fault Codes is yes (as per the link below) for the shareware version. I should be able to clear the code with the free license, no, or is it a different function?

I've had for a few years now on and off the airbag light coming on in the cluster. It's always the passenger airbag that throws the code, the dealer's told me. I've gone there a few times to fix it, but they can't diagnose it, and just clear the code and put contact cleaner on the connector, and usually i'm good to go for another 6 mos to a year. Then, sometimes when moving the seat all the way back or down, the light comes back on! AAARRGH! So instead of going in each time to clear the code, I thought if I can do it myself, then great.

Thanks for your help!

EDIT: I checked the VAG COM printout from my indy mechanic and the fault is: 01218 - Side Airbag Igniter; Passenger Side (N200): Resistance too High<ul><li><a href="http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/vag-functions.html">Functions shareware vs registered</a></li></ul>

bearthebruce

Yes, the shareware should allow you to clear the code. However, you will need to fix the problem or the fault will just set again. Good luck.

amiro

and then the "Clear Codes - 05" button <B>will clear the light - or just the code in the ECU and leave the light on in the cluster?</B> Sorry to sound paranoid, but my indy mechanic had tried to clear the light with his VAG COM software and he couldn't do it.

That's why I had to go to the dealer, and somehow they managed to do so. The indy mechanic thought maybe there is a different way to clear the light, or the dealer must have more capabilities in their VAG software.

And a happy new year to you!

EDIT: I checked the VAG COM printout from my mechanic and the fault is: 01218 - Side Airbag Igniter; Passenger Side (N200): Resistance too High
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<img src="http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/tour/704-screens/open-controller.png">

<img src="http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/tour/704-screens/fault-codes-freeze-frame.png">

amiro

I've searched your site and found no reference how to do it. I can't find it under Add/Remove programs oddly either... I'm using Windows XP.

Under Start/Programs, in its own folder, I didn't see an Uninstall icon either...

I managed to get it hooked up to the car, and it was connecting fine to the various modules, but then stopped working. So I was going to uninstall and reinstall it to see if that might fix the problem.

Thanks in advance again.

bearthebruce

If you do nothing to fix the problem with your ignitor, you will not clear the code and the light will not go off. As soon as you start the car, the code will set again because the problem remains. Your Indy mechanic also did not solve the problem - hence it comes back.

bearthebruce

There is nothing registered in the Windows registry so there is no special operation needed to delete the program. You just delete the folder and VAG-COM will be gone. Delete the Icon from your desktop if you have one and you will be finished removing it from your computer.

amiro

and each time the dealer just cleared the code, and the light would stay off for months after.

It must be related to the connector IMO somehow b/c it seems to come on as soon as I move the passenger seat all the way to the back or to the front, which is quite annoying.

bearthebruce

I don't disagree with you but, you also need to consider that the ignitor is like a heater coil - an electric heater coil. It could have a break in it that sometimes makes the circuit and other times fails open. If you have checked all the wiring and you are 99% sure the connections are good and solid, then you should refer to a repair manual to find out the test for a failed ignitor. Most likely it will involve a multimeter to test the restistance of the ignitor.

Just my 2 cents on that as a electrical engineer.

I'm not sure you ever told us what year the car was but the fact that it has been an on and off problem for 4 years leads me to think that it is either a wiring problem or a failing ignitor.

diagnosticator1

has resistance. So, any electrical resistance in the harness connectors etc, is included as measured by the diagnostic functions in the controller. The intermittent nature of the problem points to a loose and or dirty/corroded connection between the controller and the airbag. Loose connections, and "open" (or infinitely high resistance in ohms,)circuits exhibit high resistance. The airbag controller cannot differentiate the difference between high ignitor resistance, or high resistance elsewhere in the circuit, it all "looks" the same to the controller.

diagnosticator1

in the harness connectors for bent fingers or other signs of a loose connection. If there is a bigger gap between one or more of the terminal fingers, gently bend them a tiny bit to grip the pin tighter when the connector is assembled. Also make sure there is enough slack in the wiring harness with the seat all the way back.