Help with Air Bag fault on dash

[Woodgrub]

Hi All,
I have aquired a mk4 GTI after it hit a wombat and was classed as repairable write off. The problem I have now is an "AIR BAG" fault showing on the dash. The air bags didn't deploy in the accident, only mild damage was caused, radiator support panel, radiator etc. We changed the seats from leather to cloth as previous owner bought another identical car and wanted leather, I have also pressure washed all of engine bay due to oil leak so maybe these two activities may have caused the fault but not sure. If anyone can provide advice It would really be appreciated.
Regards
Woodgrub

[stotto]

I would say its throwing a code because you changed the seats. Did you take the battery out when you did this ?.
I took my seats out to strip the carpet from the car but had to move the car before the seat went back in, reconnecting the battery with out the seat in threw a code. My Vchecker cleared the code and it never came back.

[Umai Naa!!]

I'd clear the code, and see what happens.

I reckon it's related to pulling the seats out.

[Woodgrub]

Hi mate, thanks for the speedy reply. The battery was disconnected at time of seat removal. Excuse my ignorance but what is a Vchecker and how do I get one please

[Woodgrub]

Thanks for your input. Replied to stotto as he suggested clearing code with Vchecker but I don't have any idea what a Vchecker is or where to buy one, can you help?

[JustCruisn]

vChecker is a device which can scan and set the diagnostics on the car, there are a few different brands. Some are handheld others use a laptop and usb cable.
Good mechanics have this tool and scan the car before working on it. It often tells them exactly what is wrong.
The air bag light needs to be turned off with this tool / software.
Ask your mechanic or dealer to do it for you. Should take all of 2 minutes to complete. I had this light when I had my seats out to be reupholstered. I asked Gavin to reset it at the Brisbane meetup.

[Transporter]

vChecker is a device which can scan and set the diagnostics on the car, there are a few different brands. Some are handheld others use a laptop and usb cable.
Good mechanics have this tool and scan the car before working on it. It often tells them exactly what is wrong.
The air bag light needs to be turned off with this tool / software.
Ask your mechanic or dealer to do it for you. Should take all of 2 minutes to complete. I had this light when I had my seats out to be reupholstered. I asked Gavin to reset it at the Brisbane meetup.

It never tells you exactly what is wrong. It points you to direction where the fault may be, but often there are many additional things you need to check as well. The scanner doesn't know, if the sensor is faulty or the fault is in the wiring or caused by low voltage or something else on the same circuit or even mechanical condition.

There is no magic box (scanner) that tells you what's wrong. :)

The vChecker and similar cheap scanners are good for the DIY only to reset the fault light after the battery disconnect or if you want to know what the problem COULD be.

[h100vw]

I can look at the that if you are going past Narangba sometime. PM for my number if you have no luck finding it on the forum.

Gavin

[Woodgrub]

Thanks Gavin, Trouble is I need to get a Roadworthy and then get it taken off WOVR before I can register it. Will ask those doing R/Worthy if they can check for me.
Regards
Jon

[Woodgrub]

Thanks for your help. See note to Gavin.
regards
Jon

[MCiN7]

Keep in mind that not all MK4 seats had airbags