Audi A4: Safety Precautions
Safety Precautions when Working on Vehicles with Start/Stop System
There is a risk of injury due to the engine starting
unexpectedly.
The engine can start unexpectedly on vehicles with an activated
Start/Stop System. A message in the instrument cluster indicates
whether the Start/Stop System is activated.
- Deactivate the Start/Stop System: Switch off the ignition.
Safety Precautions when Working with Pyrotechnic Components
Note
Pyrotechnic components include:
- Airbag units
- Belt tensioners
- Seat belt force limiter (depending on vehicle equipment)
- Battery cut-out elements (depending on vehicle equipment)
General
- Testing, assembly, and repair work may only be performed by
qualified personnel.
- There is no change interval for airbag units.
- Never test with a test light, volt meter or ohm meter.
- The pyrotechnic components may be checked only when they are
installed and with a Vehicle Diagnostic Tester approved by the
manufacturer.
- When working on the airbag system (pyrotechnic components,
Airbag Control Module -J234-, wiring), the battery ground cable
must be disconnected when the ignition is SWITCHED ON. Then
cover the negative terminal.
- Wait for 10 seconds after disconnecting the battery.
- The ignition must be SWITCHED ON when connecting the battery.
Nobody should be inside the vehicle when doing this. Exception:
Vehicles with a battery inside the passenger compartment.
- If the ignition is not switched on after the battery is
reconnected - the indicator lamps in the instrument cluster do
not turn on - the ignition (key/button) may be switched on while
sitting in the driver seat with the seat all the way back.
- Follow the steps after connecting the battery. Refer to
→ Electrical Equipment; Rep. Gr.27; Battery; Battery,
Disconnecting and Connecting.
- The technician must discharge static electricity before handling
pyrotechnic components for the restraint system, For example,
before disconnecting the connector. Touching grounded metal
parts will discharge the static electricity, For example by
touching the door striker.
- Wash hands after touching ignited restraint system pyrotechnic
components.
- Pyrotechnic components may not be opened nor repaired; always
use new parts (risk of injury).
- Pyrotechnic components that have fallen onto a hard surface or
show signs of damage must not be installed in the vehicle.
- Pyrotechnic components should be installed immediately upon
removal from shipping package.
- If the procedure must be stopped for awhile, put the pyrotechnic
component back into its shipping package.
- It is not permitted to leave a pyrotechnic component out
unattended.
- When connecting restraint system pyrotechnic components, only
the person performing the work should be in the vehicle.
- Do not use any grease, cleaning solutions or similar substance
on pyrotechnic components.
- Replace the airbag unit if any contaminants such as oil, grease,
paint, dye or solvents have penetrated the fabric.
- Pyrotechnic components must not be exposed to temperatures over
100 ºC (212 ºF), even for a short time.
Special Information regarding driver and front passenger airbags
- Store the driver and front passenger airbag units in the
uninstalled state so that the cushioned side faces upward.
When replacing airbag units, the following sequence must be
followed exactly:
1 - Remove the old airbag unit and store with the cushion side
facing up.
2 - Remove the new airbag unit from the shipping packaging and store
it with the cushion side facing up.
3 - Place the old airbag unit in the shipping packaging immediately.
4 - Install the new airbag unit in the vehicle.
Special Information regarding Belt Tensioners
- Use extreme care when removing and installing belt tensioner
units. Improper handling of belt tensioner units is very
dangerous and could result in serious personal injury.
- Belt tensioner units that are mechanically damaged (dents,
cracks) must always be replaced.
- The open end of the belt tensioner should never be pointed at
anyone.
- When connecting a belt tensioner, all mechanical parts,
including those in the three-point seat belt, must be secured
correctly. If it is not possible to connect the belt tensioner
because of insufficient space, the seat belt webbing must be
rolled up completely prior to connection. In this case there is
no increased safety risk, if all other safety instructions are
followed. This particularly includes the notes regarding the
disconnection of the battery and the static discharging of the
technician prior to connecting the belt tensioner.
- Even after a crash, it is possible that the belt tensioner
ignited, but the seat belt force limiter did NOT. Treat these
components as if they had not ignited.
Airbag, Belt Tensioner and Battery Cut-Out Units, Storing, Transporting
and Disposing (Pyrotechnic Components)
- Storage must conform to national legislation.
- Transport must conform to national and international guidelines,
whereby packaging, identification and shipping documents are
regulated to the greatest detail.
- Undeployed pyrotechnic components must be disposed of in an
orderly manner in their original packaging, that conforms to
national legislation. Contact the importer for questions.
- Only pyrotechnic components, which have been ignited completely,
may be disposed in industrial waste.
WARNING
- This does not apply to belt tensioners that function
according to the Wankel pretensioner principle. These
are to be treated like undeployed pyrotechnic components
(such as airbags, seat belts, pyrotechnic battery
cut-out elements).
- Background: Workshop equipment cannot determine if belt
tensioners have deployed all pyrotechnic materials
according to the Wankel pretensioner principle.
READ NEXT:
WARNING
After every removal and installation of the Airbag
Control Module -J234-, the "inertial sensor basic
setting" must be performed.
If the Airbag Control Module -J234- is replaced w
Special tools and workshop equipment required
Vehicle Diagnostic Tester
The airbag control module must be replaced
If the display "Control module faulty" appears after checking
the DTC memory
A
WARNING
The seat belt system must be inspected systematically
after every accident. If damage is determined at any
inspection point, the customer must be informed that it
is necessary to r
SEE MORE:
Overview - Mechatronic
1 - Transmission Fluid Pan
Removing and installing. Refer to
→ Chapter "Transmission Fluid Pan, Removing and Installing".
2 - Bolt
Tightening specification and sequence. Refer to
→ Fig. "Transmission Fluid Pan - Tightening Specificat
Explanation of warning symbols:
Observe all warnings - there is
a risk for injury!
Always follow the
instructions in the operating
manual.
Electrolyte fluid is highly
corrosive. Always
wear protective gloves and eye protection.
First aid: if electrolyte fluid enters the
eyes, immediatel