Air Bag Light is on

[Old Gray Hair]

The air bag light is on in my daughters beetle. 2005 1.8t nbc.
What do you all suggest be my first step in tracking this down?

Thanks.

[pencilneck]

Without knowing what the fault code(s) are, there is no way for any one to offer any good advice. I can ramble off several things I've done over the years in to fix airbag system issues, but they may not apply to your vehicle.

Have the car scanned. If I know what the fault codes are, I can give you some solid advice, otherwise, it is a guessing game.

Also, once said issue is resolved, you have to clear the fault code(s) out to turn off the airbag light.

[ubugnme04]

I seem remember there being a recall on my 04 NBC when the airbag light came on, my memory isn't what it used to be, but I think it was a sensor and it had to be replaced because it disabled the airbag system.

[ubugnme04]

Just did a quick google search and found the recall that was on the 2004. The recall ID is 35066
Recall Date:
SEP 29, 2003
Model Affected:
2004 Volkswagen Beetle
Summary:
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE PASSENGER DETECTION FUNCTION OF THE PASSIVE OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM (PODS) MAY BECOME DISABLED.
Consequences:
SHOULD THE PODS CONTROL UNIT MALFUNCTION, THE AIR BAG SYSTEM IN THE VEHICLE WILL NOT WORK AS DESIGNED AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT OCCUPANTS IN A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE PODS. OWNER NOTIFICATION ORIGINALLY BEGAN OCTOBER 3, 2003. VW HAS DETERMINED THAT ADDITIONAL VEHICLES NEED TO BE REPAIRED. THE RECALL FOR THE ADDITIONAL VEHICLES IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON DECEMBER 17, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.
Potential Units Affected:
333
Notes:
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

Read more: Used 2004 Volkswagen Beetle Recalls - 2004 VW Beetle Recall Reports - Motor Trend Magazine

[Old Gray Hair]

I have seen that the 2005 nbc has had a recall. I will have it checked out. The previous owner may have taken it in for that recall but i have no way of knowing, so I'll just take it in top have it checked out.
I have also ordered a scanner tool from ECS Tuning to see why my light is on. It was the $59.99 tool. It claims to be able to read and reset codes.

[58and03beetles]

check the drivers seat belt buckle, a wire inside often breaks as it gets bent every time you buckle up, and this will throw the light!

[jbugj]

A regular code scan tool does not work for the seatbelt, convertible top, and other systems on VW's. These systems are a proprietary system and require a diagnostic tool specially made for these proprietary systems. RossTech sells them - they are a little spendy, but MIGHT save you some money in the long run.

[jbugj]

....and air bags. Seat belts are part of the airbag system.