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Audi 90 Air Bag Relays

Audi 90 Air bag relays

Starting at $15.95, AutoBuffy stocks 1 air bag relays from Standard Ignition for the Audi 90. The air bag relay is the switching component that arms the supplemental restraint system (SRS), allowing the airbag control module to trigger deployment. A failed relay can prevent airbags from deploying in a crash or trigger false warning lights, making prompt replacement a genuine safety priority.

Signs your Audi 90 needs a new air bag relay

  • SRS or airbag warning light illuminates and stays on with no other obvious cause
  • Airbag system fault codes stored in the SRS module point to relay circuit failure (B-codes related to squib or arming circuit)
  • Airbag warning light flashes a specific blink-code pattern indicating the relay supply circuit is open or shorted
  • SRS self-test fails during startup — the airbag light does not extinguish after the usual ignition-on check cycle
  • Seat belt pretensioners also fail to function, since many relays supply power to the entire SRS circuit simultaneously
  • Intermittent airbag warning light that clears on its own, suggesting a relay with degraded internal contacts making poor connection

Which air bag relay should you buy for your Audi 90?

Air bag relays for the Audi 90 vary primarily by OEM specification compliance and build quality of internal contacts. Because this relay is a safety-critical component, matching the correct current rating, connector footprint, and activation voltage to your SRS module is essential — a wrong-spec relay may not arm the system reliably. Review your factory service manual part number before choosing.

OEM-equivalent (direct-fit)
Best for
Owners who want a guaranteed plug-and-play fit with factory-matching resistance and current specs
What you get
Exact connector, coil rating, and contact material matched to the Audi 90 SRS module; no calibration needed
Premium aftermarket
Best for
Daily drivers seeking a longer-service-life upgrade at moderate cost
What you get
Reinforced internal contacts, sealed housing for moisture resistance, and verified SRS-grade current ratings
Standard aftermarket
Best for
Budget-conscious repairs where an OEM-spec unit is unavailable or cost is a primary concern
What you get
Meets minimum OEM current and voltage specs; suitable for normal driving conditions but may have fewer environmental protections
Dealer/OEM part
Best for
Owners under warranty or those who require documented OEM provenance for insurance or fleet records
What you get
Factory part number match, OEM packaging, and full dealer warranty backing; highest upfront cost

Air bag relays brands we stock for your Audi 90

Standard Ignition
1 option · from $15.95

Replacing the air bag relay on a Audi 90

Advanced⏱ 30–90 minutesSRS-compatible OBD scan toolBasic socket and screwdriver setDigital multimeterSafety glasses

Before touching any SRS component on the Audi 90, disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait at least 15–30 minutes to allow the backup capacitor in the SRS module to fully discharge — this prevents accidental airbag deployment. Once the system is de-energized, locate the relay using the fuse box diagram, pull the old relay, seat the new one firmly, then reconnect the battery and use a scan tool to clear SRS codes and confirm no new faults are present.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to replace air bag relays on a Audi 90?
Parts start at $15.95 for the Audi 90 at AutoBuffy. Labor at an independent shop typically adds to the total, though the relay itself is often accessible without major disassembly. Total cost varies by shop rate and whether SRS fault codes need to be cleared with a scan tool after the swap.
Is it safe to drive a Audi 90 with a faulty air bag relay?
No — a failed air bag relay means the SRS may not deploy in a collision. The airbags and pretensioners rely on the relay to receive arming power from the control module. Until the relay is replaced and the system verified, the vehicle's occupant protection in a crash is compromised. Treat this as an urgent repair.
Can I replace the air bag relay on my Audi 90 myself?
Replacement is possible for experienced DIYers, but SRS work carries real risk. The system must be properly disabled — battery disconnected and allowed to discharge — before touching any SRS component. Incorrect handling can trigger accidental airbag deployment. If you are not familiar with SRS precautions, professional installation is strongly recommended.
Where is the air bag relay located on a Audi 90?
On most Audi 90 applications the air bag relay is found inside the main underhood fuse and relay box or a secondary SRS relay block near the steering column. Some models integrate it into the SRS control module housing itself. Consult your owner's manual or a factory wiring diagram for the exact location before beginning work.
Will replacing the air bag relay clear the SRS warning light on my Audi 90?
Replacing the faulty relay removes the root cause, but the SRS warning light will usually remain on until the stored fault codes are cleared with an SRS-compatible scan tool. Simply swapping the part does not automatically reset the system. Confirm the new relay tests within spec before clearing codes and returning the vehicle to service.
How do I know if the air bag relay is the problem and not the SRS module on my Audi 90?
An SRS-capable scan tool will log a specific diagnostic trouble code pointing to the relay supply circuit, arming voltage fault, or relay coil open/short. A relay can also be bench-tested for coil resistance and contact continuity. If the module logs faults only in the relay circuit and the module itself passes self-diagnostics, the relay is the likely culprit.

Shop air bag relays by year for the Audi 90

199519941993199119901989

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