Airbag Fault Not Communicating with VCDS

[Buddha]

Hi guys,

I appreciate any advice in advance with this one I'm really banging my head against the wall with it.

I have been working through a bunch of issues on a Mk5 Golf, an auction purchase so fully aware of the buyer beware aspects of that but a lover of the cars all the same.

I have an Airbag Fault warning message, but a lack of the airbag warning light at any stage, including start up (so I am suspicious this may have been covered in the instrument panel but yet to rip that out). The Airbag Control Module is not communicating with VCDS.

As a side issue but possibly related fault, my driver door electrics are not working.

I have done the following:

Scanned VCDS to no avail, clearing any other codes but none relevant.
Checked the connections and used some compressed air for the control module and under seat wiring.
Passenger seat looks to have possible been removed before, the wiring cover is missing.
Removed the a Pillars both sides hoping to have a loose T10p connection from another forum post but there is no wiring in my driver side A pillar at all, which I feel like I should be suspicious about (but not sure).
Checked all fuses.
Disconnected reconnect the battery (have disconnected it for any airbag related tasks).
Looked at the wiring under the dash on the driver side to the best of my ability. There is nothing plugged into 'G' socket but I'm not sure if that's relevant.
I have a replacement control module but I'm reluctant to do anything with this without their being any communication with VCDS.
I have checked every connection I can to a point but I am open to any suggestions.

So let's say a previous owner has tried to hide an airbag fault for a Road Worthy inspection, could they have unplugged or removed a vital piece of the communication wiring from the module to the vehicle that I could potentially find and replace. I'd be very appreciative of any suggestions to try to resolve the issue.

Thank you.

[MIG]

You can use the output test function in vcds under the cluster to turn on each light, but the airbag light should come on for 1-2s when the key is turned.

Can you post your VCDS autoscan here, then we can take a look.

No coms at all to the unit plus no led, means something dodgy has gone on.

Powers grounds should be checked at the airbag units main connector

[kamold]

The airbag module uses it's metal casing as a ground. If it's not securely mounted it won't be grounded, so not powered, therefor won't communicate.

[Buddha]

Thanks MIG and kamold,

I have removed and replaced the control module to ensure it is grounded. No change. I did remove the instrument panel and confirmed some dodgy-ness... black texta has been used to colour in the LED and the back of the airbag symbol.

I do only have VCDS-Lite but get no communication with it at all from that. The report just shown brake light switch for the engine and transmission no fault codes. It doesn't seem to connect to anything else when I run the scan. To be honest I don't where to start with it.

The two major problems seem to be power to/or communication to the airbag control module and power to the driver door.

[Buddha]

I did just read that VCDS-Lite can only read the Engine so i'll look deeper at what I need to do here.

[MIG]

Well, that’s not great, they have hid things. let’s hope it’s not like the car on here the had the sunroof glued shut.


Pull the rubber boot back on the doors wiring harness and check the connector, with any luck the warning is to do with the connection to the side impact sensor in the door.