Airbag fault

My 2000 Passatt has the airbag sensor going off everytime I start up. I took it to the dealer and they diagnosed that the airbag wiring harness under the drivers seat must be replaced. They also said it would cost over $700.00. Has anyone experienced this problem? And if so is there a cheaper fix.
Your help is geatly appreciated.

I had airbag light on, I bought VAG-COM and reset the airbag light. The error said that the passenger door crash sensor was stuck or something like that. I reset, and knock on wood, it has not come back yet.

Thank You for your reply. I had the dealer scan the computer and they said that the airbag harness under the driver seat had to be replaced with the airbag for around $ 700.00 plus. I told them to clear the fault which they did and I imagine it will come back to show the fault again. Where is this sensor on the door? How much is the vag computer scanner?

Do a search on web for VAG-COM, and it's about $85 -$250 USD. The error might not come back.

www.ross-tech.com

They sell vag com software but you need a palm or laptop to use it.

Vag-com software is free (basic edition), but the cable with OBDII plug to laptop costs money.