There are many DIY's that recommend that you disconnect the battery prior to performing them.

If I disconnect the battery:

1. Do I have to reset the active steering? (full turn left, full turn right, recenter and restart car)
2. Does the dealer have to "ReRegister" the battery in the computer?
3. Something else? Or, does the car not care?

Also, does disconnecting the battery ensure that the Air Bags can be unplugged without fear of them accidentally going off?

TIA

 

1. Yes. Can't tell how since I don't have AS.
2. No.
3. None.

And you can unplug the airbags, but let the car stand some time before touching anything, so that every component has time to drain out.

 

Do I need to disconnect the battery before unplugging the air bags? It would be great if I didn't.

 

you dont need to disconnect the battery when playing about with the air bags, but if you dont, you will get an air bag error light (red) on the dash, but you can reset it at a garage.
be carefull with any pyrotechic though. air bags can reach upto 4 feet when they go off.

 

Been my experience that the AS will reset after a short drive ... maybe 30 seconds. In that time it will feel like no power boost.

sixcard

 

Don't b afraid to disct the batt. it's simple and painless. You don't have to take the batt out, just disct cables.

 

I always unplug the battery if I'm about to disconnect ANY plug to prevent ANY messages.
And especially when handling airbags. Just a bit of misfortune, and it may go PUFF !

edit: Well, not disconnecting the battery if removing iPod or block heater cable haha!

 

When you disconnect the battery;

You need to reset the Active steering as above.
You will need to reset the time and date.
All your radio presets will stay as they were.
Your Auto gearbox may reset it's memory, but it will soon "learn" your driving style again.

Mike

 

Thanks everyone! This has been very helpful.

Take care.