I did not fit the caps prior to re-installing the new shocks, (to give easier access to the three fixing nuts). Subsequently I could not get the caps back on no matter what I did. So I left them off. No adverse effects.
As has been stated the airbag module is very robust but @ Timmus is the man to ask
I suggest disconnecting the battery and leaving it for an hour or so and see what happens when you reconnect. What does a VCDS scan s