Air Bag On-off Switch problems of the 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle

Airbag light illuminated. No operator reason for this; I. E. , no vehicle impacts, no work done on car other than brake light switch replaced one week prior. Research indicates airbag system is inoperative if this light is on. Research also indicates this is a very common problem that is expensive fix and is not always reliable. Cannot be diagnosed with obd ii reader; needs expensive ($250+) diagnostic software and cable to use with laptop computer for reliable diagnosis. Vw dealers typically charge in excess of $100 to read diagnostic codes and then price of repairs is unaffordable. This is a safety issue--occupant protection systems are at least as important as emissions systems and should be reliable for more than 70,000 miles.

Air bag light intermittent. 3rd time for service to air bag system. 1st event was in warranty - replace clock spring, 2nd and 3rd events were not covered - over 50k miles and extended warranty claims they do not cover safety related systems including air bag systems. 2nd issue, was too short in length of wiring harness leading to clock spring. 3rd issue was due to seat belt switch, now light is again on. Have not taken car back to dealer yet.