Service light and Airbag light

**MEDEL51480** · 06-30-2008 04:00 PM

I've been trying to follow the steps in this DIY for resetting the service light, (http://www.audiworld.com/tech/elec26.shtml) but for some reason its not working for me. I have a 99.5 A4 1.8tqm.

1. Insert your key into the ignition.
2. Push in the odometer reset button, hold it in, and turn the key to the first click. The display should read either "oil" or "service" if it does not, repeat steps #1 and #2.
3. To reset, pull out your instrument light dimmer button at the bottom of the tachometer.
4. Turn the ignition to the off position. When the ignition is turned back on, the display should be back to the trip odometer.

On step 2, I get the "OIL" indication in the display, and when I move onto step 3 and pull out on the left knobb on the cluster, I get "---" indication in the display which I assume is normal. Now I've tried this while releasing the knobb or holding the knobb out, then switching the ignition to off, and go back to 'On' like normal, but I still get the "Service INSP" indication in the display. For some reason this process isn't working for me, does anyone know if I am missing something here?

Also, I have an Airbag light on as well, from searching these forums, there's no easy fix for that one is there. I have to take it in and get Audi to look at it for $135 which is what my stealership will charge me. Is there a way that I can just reset the Airbag system and see if it comes back on?

Thanks!

A pic because everyone likes pics

BTW, this car will be up for sale very soon because I'm moving to Germany!!!

**erikas3** · 06-30-2008 09:08 PM

Originally Posted by MEDEL51480

I've been trying to follow the steps in this DIY for resetting the service light, (http://www.audiworld.com/tech/elec26.shtml) but for some reason its not working for me. I have a 99.5 A4 1.8tqm.

1. Insert your key into the ignition.
2. Push in the odometer reset button, hold it in, and turn the key to the first click. The display should read either "oil" or "service" if it does not, repeat steps #1 and #2.
3. To reset, pull out your instrument light dimmer button at the bottom of the tachometer.
4. Turn the ignition to the off position. When the ignition is turned back on, the display should be back to the trip odometer.

On step 2, I get the "OIL" indication in the display, and when I move onto step 3 and pull out on the left knobb on the cluster, I get "---" indication in the display which I assume is normal. Now I've tried this while releasing the knobb or holding the knobb out, then switching the ignition to off, and go back to 'On' like normal, but I still get the "Service INSP" indication in the display. For some reason this process isn't working for me, does anyone know if I am missing something here?

Also, I have an Airbag light on as well, from searching these forums, there's no easy fix for that one is there. I have to take it in and get Audi to look at it for $135 which is what my stealership will charge me. Is there a way that I can just reset the Airbag system and see if it comes back on?

Thanks!

A pic because everyone likes pics

BTW, this car will be up for sale very soon because I'm moving to Germany!!!

Once you see the "-----" lines, keep holding the dimmer button pulled out until the lines count down and the odometer appears. That's how I reset mine.. Sorry, but I can't help with the airbag light since I have one that needs to be reset too. Vagcom possibly?

**Kaytek** · 07-01-2008 07:10 AM

Originally Posted by MEDEL51480

Also, I have an Airbag light on as well, from searching these forums, there's no easy fix for that one is there. I have to take it in and get Audi to look at it for $135 which is what my stealership will charge me. Is there a way that I can just reset the Airbag system and see if it comes back on?

Yes, you need to get your car scanned with a VAG COM. Look for someone in your area with a VAG COM or a small shop that might do it for free. Takes a few moments anyway; definitely not worth $135 just for a quick check. Once you do get it scanned, post up your results. I got rid of my airbag light over two years ago so there is some hope.

Cheers,

Kaytek

**ct1.8t4me** · 07-01-2008 11:42 AM

A common trigger for the airbag light is a connector under the seats - it tends to loosen or corrode with constant adjustment of the seats (or even occasional) and just from time (corrosion). Try disconnecting them and cleaning the contacts and then reconnecting them firmly. Maybe even a zip-tie to secure the connector. If this is the problem (as would be evidenced by the VAG-COM scan with a "Driver's Seat Airbag resistance too high" or something similar), then the light will go off on its own after making the adjustments.

**MEDEL51480** · 07-01-2008 03:41 PM

Originally Posted by erikas3

Once you see the "-----" lines, keep holding the dimmer button pulled out until the lines count down and the odometer appears. That's how I reset mine.. Sorry, but I can't help with the airbag light since I have one that needs to be reset too. Vagcom possibly?

I tried this but it didn't work either. Then I was getting frustrated and trying all kinds of series of button pushing/pulling combinations and somehow got it fixed! I don't know what I did exactly, but the service light doesn't come on anymore and I'm happy now!! Thanks for the help!

I'm taking the car to a shop today to get the VAGCOM hook up and see whats wrong with the airbag light, more to come...

**MEDEL51480** · 07-01-2008 08:23 PM

So I took the car to Exklusiv Motorsports here in Phoenix and there was a code for the Airbag seat harness being bad. Its gonna be about ~$135 for parts and an hour labor. I guess I should get this fixed soon since the entire Airbag system is disabled with this harness being bad. This sucks, another thing to fix....

**Kaytek** · 07-02-2008 05:37 PM

Originally Posted by ct1.8t4me

A common trigger for the airbag light is a connector under the seats - it tends to loosen or corrode with constant adjustment of the seats (or even occasional) and just from time (corrosion). Try disconnecting them and cleaning the contacts and then reconnecting them firmly. Maybe even a zip-tie to secure the connector. If this is the problem (as would be evidenced by the VAG-COM scan with a "Driver's Seat Airbag resistance too high" or something similar), then the light will go off on its own after making the adjustments.

Yeah what he said. If you had the 'resistance too high code' then all you'd need to do is disconnect it, clean the contacts and then stick it back together. I recommend some tape to make sure the connection is secure. I tried a zip tie once but it didn't do squat for me. If you're paranoid, disconnect one of the battery terminals before you do the work (make sure you have your radio code if you're going to disconnect the battery). It's an easy fix that won't cost you $200+. It may require a code reset with a VAG COM but I can't remember for sure.

Cheers,

Kaytek

**MEDEL51480** · 07-03-2008 11:24 AM

Yeah that's what I had, "resistance too high". Which one of the connectors has to be disconnected? Theres a few down there, like a yellow, purple, black, etc. Which one is the Airbag connector?