2000 Jetta Airbag Light...

About a year ago part of the drivers side seat broke...a long spring on the underside...ever since my airbag light has been on. To fix the problem the dealer wants $500.00. I've been told conflicting info; someone told me that this will not affect that functionality of the airbag if I have a head on collision the other said it would... Regardless I want to figure out a way to get the light off without having to pay $500.00... Any ideas..?