Auto Airbag System Repair: 2001 VW Driver Side Airbag, driver side airbag, vw jetta

Question
I have a well used 2001 VW Jetta TDI. I also have the software from Ross-Tech to receive all the Scan Tool codes and current information on the car's running order. I ran the software after the airbag light illuminated. I have checked the airbag ECM to ensure it was not one that was recalled. I have a code for the driver side airbag initiator resistance being high. Could it be worn brushes in the steering column or some other component other than the initiator? What would be the average repair cost at the dealer?

Answer
Hello Jim:
Typically when a driver's airbag circuit is in question, the probable culprit is the SIR Coil (clockspring).  The part runs from $50-$75 depending on where you buy it.  the labor to install it is fairly simple however you will need a special too to remove the driver's airbag to access it.
With the correct tools it should take you less than an an hour
If a dealer was to perform the repair you can expect to pay between $200 & $300 for the entire job.
I hope this helps you
FYI, you may want to check out our company website...www.airbagsolutions.com and specifically these pages
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/Clk.aspx
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/vidclk.aspx
The purpose of our website and company is to help people diagnose and repair airbag problems themselves without taking them to the dealer (if possible).   It offers all the photos and data you need to understand your airbag system, read the codes and reset the light.  It’s a pay site, but it certainly is worth the money ($14.95 for 1 day full access)
There’s a place to check if your car is listed on the home page

This is quite a complete website with pictures, descriptions and factory fault code charts as well as a working demo that shows just how easy these repairs can be.  Although it does not give step by step instructions, there is enough information in the pictures and the "how-to" pages that most people can do it themselves.
Lots of insurance companies and body shops use this site for the information they need to repair your car.
Lastly, there's a page in this site that tells you which cars need a scan tool and which ones can be done without one

http://www.airbagsolutions.com
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/vehicles_list.aspx
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/demo.aspx
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/scanlist.aspx