Volkswagen New Beetle. Manual - part 2042

Release steering column adjustment. Lock steering column in fully extended and lowered position. Release 
instrument cluster trim ring from mounting clips. Remove 2 screws and tilt instrument cluster toward passenger 
compartment. Disconnect instrument cluster harness connectors. Remove instrument cluster. To install, reverse 
removal procedure.  

PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE 

Removal & Installation 

1. Disable air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove glove box. 

Carefully pry passenger-side air bag cover up from instrument panel. See Fig. 5 . If air bag module has 
been deployed, swing cover up, remove nuts and air bag cover. Remove screws and lift air bag from 
supports. Disconnect connector and remove passenger-side air bag module. Remove air bag supports.  

2. To install, reverse removal procedure. Install NEW air bag supports if air bag has deployed. Tighten air 

bag module mounting bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Activate air bag 
system. Perform SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .  

Fig. 5: Identifying Passenger-side Air Bag 
Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC. 

SIDE AIR BAG MODULES 

Removal & Installation 

 

2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 

2003 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Volkswagen - Air Bag Restraint Systems

  

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1. Disable air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove front seat 

backrest frame and release backrest cover in area of air bag. See Fig. 6 . Remove side air bag module 
mounting bolts. Disconnect harness connector. Remove air bag module.  

2. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten side air bag mounting bolts to specification. See 

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Activate air bag system. Perform SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK . 

Fig. 6: Identifying Side Air Bag Module 
Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC. 

SIDE AIR BAG IMPACT (CRASH) SENSORS 

Removal & Installation 

1. Disable air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Impact (crash) 

sensors for side air bag modules are mounted under each front seat. See Fig. 7 . Remove appropriate front 
seat. Release carpet and insulation mat in area of sensor. Disconnect impact sensor harness connector. 
Remove mounting bolts and impact sensor.  

2. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten side air bag impact (crash) sensor mounting bolts to 

specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Activate air bag system. Perform SYSTEM 

 

2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 

2003 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Volkswagen - Air Bag Restraint Systems

  

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OPERATION CHECK .  

Fig. 7: Identifying Side Air Bag Impact (Crash) Sensor 
Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC. 

STEERING WHEEL 

Removal & Installation 

1. Disable air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove driver-side 

air bag module. See DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE . Remove steering wheel bolt. Disconnect 

 

2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 

2003 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Volkswagen - Air Bag Restraint Systems

  

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harness connectors. Remove steering wheel.  

2. To install, reverse removal procedure. Install new steering wheel bolt and tighten to specification. See 

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Activate air bag system. Perform SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK . 

SPIRAL SPRING 

Removal & Installation 

1. Disable air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Ensure front wheels 

are in straight-ahead position. Remove steering wheel. See STEERING WHEEL . Remove upper 
steering column cover.  

2. Release steering column height adjustment lever. Remove steering column height adjustment lever 

handle. Remove lower steering column cover. Disconnect harness connector from spiral spring. See Fig. 
8 . Release locking tabs and remove spiral spring. DO NOT turn or twist spiral spring after removal.  

3. To install, reverse removal procedure. NEW spiral spring has cable locking assembly in centered 

position. Remove cable tie before installing spiral spring. Ensure front wheels are in straight-ahead 
position. Activate air bag system. Perform SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .  

Fig. 8: Identifying Spiral Spring Assembly 
Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

 

2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 

2003 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Volkswagen - Air Bag Restraint Systems

  

Helpmelearn Repair Manuals 

 

Wednesday, December 14, 2005 8:54:15 AM

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© 2004 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.