Can I reset without a VAG-COM?

[arnard]

My wife's car recently fired off an airbag light. We had it looked at today and the dealer code came back as 01217 which is a bad driver side igniter. I know a lot of people have taken care of their airbag problems but unplugging and cleaning and reconnecting the wiring under the seat. I want to give this method a try before I shell out the $700.46 to have the dealer fix it.

I understand that airbag codes will not automatically reset. Can I reset the codes by disconnecting the battery? How would I know whether or not the wiring was the issue (which I really really hope it is).

[dunno513]

I used to unplug the battery to reset a light on a Ford p/u. Others will clear themselves after a few starts by fixing the problem. The least expensive way is to buy a cheap scan tool from amazon, or parts store. They will allow you to read, and clear the codes yourself. Paid 60 bucks for mine and love having the indipendence knowing I don't have to run to a dealer to get it checked. I recently saw one on sale at SEARS tool

Vag Com rep tried to say that the Actron readers wouldn't read the airbag codes, but I highly doubt that to be the case.