Airbag Light - 00588 Airbag Igniter; Driver Side (N95) - DIY Fix with Pictures

[A-BlacK_MambA-4]

So as some of you know I have been living with the Airbag light that popped up on me after my podi boost gauge install a year or so ago (I know, I Know). I just recently acquired Vagcom so I could scan the car myself to see what code it was actually throwing. I know there are quite a few threads out there, but none that I have found that shows the actual connection that causes the code. Here is the code mine threw:

1 Fault Found:

00588 - Airbag Igniter; Driver Side (N95)
002 - Lower Limit Exceeded - MIL ON
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 11100010
Fault Priority: 1
Fault Frequency: 1
Reset counter: 255
Time Indication: 0
Date: 2064.00.00
Time: 00:00:00

This code isn't to be confused with the N199 code that Audi has a TSB for. That code requires a modification of a wire junction under the seat and it pertains to the side airbag. A link to that DIY can be found here: http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...%28Audi-TSB%29

So after some research it always came back to the airbag connection on the backside on the steering wheel clock spring/slip ring. Of course since I installed the podi gauge I was messing around in that area, but this connection is known to be quite loose. Mine was so loose I just barely pushed it and it slipped off. It does make a locking sound when you push it back on but don't let it fool you. You can just barely push on it again and it will pop back off. Not really a whole lot of options here. I've read guys using some sort of zip tie contraption and others just go for trusty electrical tape to hold it in place. I went the electrical tape route and it seems to be holding just fine. I just wrapped it around the backside and pulled it tight to hold it in place.

Below are the pictures I took of the connection in question:



Once you get it seated nice and tight, *The Airbag lights can only be cleared by Vagcom*

And of course one last one with the light finally gone

[cheemn]

Interesting. Thanks for the heads up and clear explanation with pics. This might save a few people some headaches. :-) I am sure a dealer would charge a TON to fix this.

[A-BlacK_MambA-4]

Interesting. Thanks for the heads up and clear explanation with pics. This might save a few people some headaches. :-) I am sure a dealer would charge a TON to fix this.

No problem man. I think pics always help so people know what they are getting into. And after researching it seems to be quite common actually. Not sure if its based on age or type of connection or what. I have an 05.5 so I'd like to see say an 07 or 08 to see if audi changed anything with that connection.

[Sanjman]

Bringing up old thread: Anyone know if I need to take the steering wheel off to access this back connector? Is there a DIY for it or for the PODI install?

Nevermind: found a thread in audiforums that shows I just need to take the cover off. peace
http://www.audiforums.com/forum/diy-...ts-pics-48087/