1st gen 3 0 TDI ALL Issues ua-cam.com/video/_so6yhV5qXE/v-deo.html 2nd gen 3 0 TDI ALL Issues ua-cam.com/video/272PBPSS2no/v-deo.html Buying a used Audi A8 (D3/4E) - 2002-2010 ua-cam.com/video/PijHDhQ3Gas/v-deo.html Buying a used Audi A6 (C6/4F) - 2004-2011 ua-cam.com/video/BbTeVU0kXl8/v-deo.html Buying a used Audi S6 (C6/4F) - 2006-2010 ua-cam.com/video/mpf5CgCOhM0/v-deo.html Buying a used Audi Q7 (4L) - 2005-2015 ua-cam.com/video/04o6oK1J5fM/v-deo.html Buying a used VW Golf MK6 (5K1) - 2008-2013 ua-cam.com/video/BgGyTSishKY/v-deo.html Buying a used VW Golf MK7 (AU) - 2012-2020 ua-cam.com/video/jSo4EHi9HMg/v-deo.html
Hello mate, Huge fan. Really like your videos. I would really love to meet you and let you check my Audi A6. I can come down anywhere you are in EU. Let me know if we are willing to make it happen. Thank you
I had this same issue with my Audi A6 2005 (C6). I fixed it by pulling the fuse (10A), then waiting a couple of seconds and putting it back in. The car started up like normal. My car is a right hand drive and this fuse is located in the fuse box on the drivers side. I believe the fuse was number 13, or it should say on the little diagram on the plastic something like 'Steering col.' I'm not sure if this will work for everyone but it is what worked for me.
I got the same car as you, in the avant form. I didn't seem to get the trick working with the hazards, high beam, brake light technique so I just put 12v power on the 7th fuse on the driver side which was for the diagnostic port if I recall correctly. That way I could access the codes and delete them. But it was the longest minute holding the damn 12v wire against the tiny metal on the fuse. This way I believe you could even reset codes without having any key on you while the doors are unlocked (obviously). Since then I just hit my steering wheel slightly or move it a little bit before putting the key in and it still works without any modifications or money spent.
VW passat b6 2.0 140 You just have to disconnect the battery for 5 minutes. In 6 years it happened to me once. I always had key 10 in the car but it only served once
Obd eleven, carista, are good tools and relatively user friendly, Genuine VCDS does a hell of alot however its not as user friendly, but it does have alot of extreamly useful balloons with details of variations etc, That with a good vag commander and there is not much you cant do, but can break it very easily if edited incorrectly
Yup, our 13 year old B6 Passat wagon 2.0T, reflex silver is on the second steering column as of three years ago. First one was a recall after three years of ownership and it failed 6 years afterward and of course the second one was an out of pocket expense. We still love the car though, mostly because there is nothing out there to replace it with and because it still drives like a proper German car after all these years.
I have a 2013 Mercedes C200 W204. Experienced a similar issue where the steering lock refused to disengage and the car refused to start. Happened a few times randomly. The Mercedes technicians said it was an intermittent fault, and the next time it happened I should have the vehicle towed to a dealership to diagnose and repair. Apparently, it was a common problem. I fixed it by changing the batteries in the key fob...
I like this video, even I don’t own an Audi. This channel should have more followers. There are too many useful information here that would help anyone who wish to buy used cars.
While Steering Wheel is unlocked, (Key inside, wheel movable) remove the cover under the Steering wheel and cut the black wire with the white stripe to the steering lock. That will leave the steering wheel unlocked forever but you won’t get stranded.
Yes !!! Yes !!!! Yes !!! Don't replace the steering column....don't replace the relays and switches,,,,,,, I did this a few years ago and couldn't be happier. Now I am free from always taking my laptop with me to reset the code......usually in the dead of winter. Here is a how to video. ua-cam.com/video/1yQXOCyZj2k/v-deo.html
Great review! I once had a Mercedes E320 W211 2003 with only 200.000 km on the odometer, as many Mercedes owners knows is nothing for it. But this problem occured, one morning when I was going to work. I put the key in the socket and the steering did not lock up. Neither could I search the problem with OBD
Thanks for this Awesome video. An A6 Avant just came in on a tow truck with the steering wheel turned and the park brake set. I couldn't clear code until I watched your tip with the lights. Now I can drive it in the bay.
Hello, Can you suggest me the scanner you used as I have a A6 C6 base but none of the people I show it to know what is wrong with it or they just can’t run it and the dealership is just too expensive. Thank you
@@rithwikrajmallam9430 I use rosstech VCDS for most VW and AUDI cars I work on. Many of the newer cars are becoming more complicated and may require factory scantool ODIS.
I had an A6 from 2005, a 2.7 biturbo.... It was the worst car ever!😱 When you reach 180 tkm it is ready for the junk yard! From 180 tkm to 230 tkm: camshaft bearings gone, gearbox broken, Torsen Diff broken, both turbos broken, water in the car by a broken connection to the rear wiper, started fire inside... plus a lot of minor issues like wiper motors, xenon lights und so on... The mileage was real, it was always at service by Audi and it even had a celebrity pre owner: Otto Rehagel Btw. Great channel👍
@@marcl637 they probably service it better and even if they dont they at least probably kept it on good roads and in garage that will still should increase the lifespan of the car
You can't do that on these cars, it's not a regular code. It's a code that can only be pulled with a vagcom or specific scanners that work with VAG's CANBUS
I had this issue with my A6 C6 Allroad. On a morning when the car was loaded ready for a long journey it would not start. I think the issue was caused by the tailgate being open for a long time and the interior light being left on and the battery voltage being low. The actuator motor in the steering column unit gets tired with time and therefore when you have a low voltage it is more likely to fail. If it happened again, before anything else I would charge the battery. In France Audi wanted 2500 Euros and in the UK £2200, because they wanted to change the whole column and then they needed direct connection with Audi computers in Germany to recode all the codes. I took the circuit box out myself, it was tricky but I had good instructions, then I sent it to Illinois USA where they changed all the tired components but kept all of the original codes. Cost $500 total, although you have to send a key with the circuit box and on return when it went through customs the key lost all its codes and had to be recoded by Audi. But if you get this fault, my advice is first charge the battery.
I've had this problem so many times, so I always traveled with the laptop to get rid of the error. In the end I bought a KIT on ebay, there are three relays to be replaced on the immobilizer board under the steering wheel. Difficult part, taking everything apart (the mechanic did it) taking out the steel box and opening it (very difficult). Remove the circuit board and take it to a tv repairer. Have the relays replaced and reassemble everything. I spent less than 100 euros. It's been two years and the problem is gone.
Great video man! Very funny picked up a Q7 yesterday & drove it 400 miles, Great drive, great transmission, but literallt got to my home and a emission light came on. I have a 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser so not used to these issues. Just about to buy an OBD reader. Cheers from Scotland!
2:05... first of April? My goodness. Also, there are video on UA-cam showing how to deactivate the steeringlock module by cutting 1 wire. Only works if it isn't locked already.
Mine was an Audi Avant S4 B8 2010. I had the dreaded 'Do not drive vehicle: steering defective' message and no ignition which could be overcome after an increasing number of key in/out attempts but eventually stranded the car. While waiting for a tow truck I couldn't release handbrake (no ignition) so I disconnected the battery in an attempt to release. On battery reconnection car sprang to life, no error message and worked as if nothing had happened!!. Sold car and ran away screaming.
Hey guys, i have a C6 as well and sometimes i am getting this shit situation. Currently im driving with the 2nd key in the car always(hidden) and if the 1st one does this the 2nd does not and it always starts. I am not sure if it's the same issue, but give it a shot and save urself some cash(possibly).
I got a 09 audi a6 quattro this problem does happen now and then first time it happened I panicked now I'm a pro. For the most part it only happens in the winter and when it does I take the key completely out the ignition wait 10 15min put key back in without turning it until I hear the wheel unlock then it starts right back up. It will say please take load of steering wheel on the dash
Can you just unplug the old unit on the car and plug in a second hand unit just to start and get you home as a temp fix or are these units coded to each individual car this if they are not coded is a good way to get you going and able to drive home to get the thing fixed properly this seems to be a common problem with the Audi i bought a second hand unit just in case mine went faulty but not tried fitting it i cut the wire to the steering lock motor so that doesn't work never concerned me no locking but just thinking that if these units not coded just plug the two wires and away you drive this gets you back on the road Great video straight talking
@@bezybhai2881 I am not from Germany. What you need to do is to find used steering lock column and replace it, then program it in to your car and it will start working. You need to find mechanic/electrician. This is a very common problem for Audi, VW, Cayenne.. This works fine for me right now, but I am still not sure sometimes if I should drive to far from home or not .. Audi a6 is a good car, but VERY problematic.
I’m experiencing this annoying problem and I can’t get my OBD2 scanner to connect to the car. Will a common hand scanner work or do I need the VCDS software? Thanks.
this issue happened to me a month after buying my 09 a6 3.0t and it seems to work when its warm but one cold night and i cant start it and i want it fixed i need to use my car but i dont know what to do
2005 Audi a8l 4-5 years old since I bought it used never had this issue once only something similar when my battery died. I also use push to start every time so maybe that's why
With regards to OBD2’s, what brand of scanner do you recommend? I find OBD2’s from $30 to $5,000 and unsure what “level” of diagnostics &/or code clearing is needed. Figuring an OBD2 in the trunk could be very handy. Thanks!
The cheapest bluetooth one on amazon will work. I have used a 10$ one and even tho it was considered "lite", it still is able to clear codes and tell u what the problem is.
I have a 2012 Audi A6. One of the key FOBs works fine but the other I had not used for some years. When I tried it recently it didn't work, so I replaced battery but still didn't work. I tried the manual lock unlock door and then try, still didn't work. Then tried placing FOB near the dashboard which shows key sign, and still nothing. Has the key got desynced from the car. What else can I try?
have 2 obd scanners just have to have them with me lol Thanks i'm thinking about getting a used 2014 Q7 and I always get a warranty thru my credit union when I buy a used car other wise I do my oil changes myself on all my cars thank you for the heads up if I get this car
A friend gave the module to a specialist to be refurbished and it works fine. We had to use the other trick of shorting one of the relays to power the gear selector and parking brake so we can get the car towed.
There is an emergency switch below the ash tray as far as I know, just like all automatics have (or should have). This would unlock the pin that locks the gear into P making it possible to shift without ignition.
Started having this issue in my 2006 B6 Passat 3C. tried the code delete, but didnt work. So far, only unplugging the battery witing 10 mins, and plugging it back in with key in the on position seems to be the only way to kind of unlock it, but sometimes it goes into `safe` mode and turns off seconds later. Gives me message saying electronic immobilizer activated. Just bought switches and relay to try to refurbish steering lock module myself, if that doesnt work, next step is buying either OBDeleven or VCDS cables. will report on how this works, but it started all of the sudden then twice a week, and now every single time I try to start the car it's at least 20 mins woth of my time.
I had an A6 suddenly just not start for me a number of years ago. Trouble is, I'M Jeff. Luckily, I'm Jeff. So, I left the car where it was, then went back for it the next day, and it started up like nothing was ever wrong. I don't still have that car, but I did really like it.
No need to search for deactivation, I just fixed my self, clear codes as mentioned in video and make sure steering lock is not active and cut the back/red wire which goes to lock actuarot on 3pin connector.
Kasparas Žulkus i think Ima do it. My only problem is I need someone with a good enough scanner to clear the code. My steering wheel is still locked. Thank you!
Hi does this issue fix Audi Q7 s-line quattro 3.0 TDI 2016 Hard/Stiff Steering I had a similar issue. Sudden loss of power steering at slow speed, tight turns left or right
I have a 2007 Audi Q7 3.6 litre. Mechanic said it is my steering column module. Said the cost to replace it is $4,000. He was able to clear the code and I drove it home. There is no way I'm dumping that much money into this car. I am using a Zurich zr13 OBD2 scanner to try and reset the code. The Auto Link option isn't working and neither is the manual config. I just keep getting communication error even after going through the steps described in this video. I know that the battery is low but I have been charging it for the past couple of hours. Any other suggestions?
@@erictittle7531 Believe it or not it turned out to be the battery. After I spent the money for the steering column module I took it to a different mechanic to replace the battery which is located under the seat. He called me when he was doing the work to tell me that the battery was not the correct battery and that was what was causing all of the error codes. Since I replaced the battery no issues holding a charge.
That's is the problem with german cars in general. To much tech and when one unit fails, the whole car is disabled. But i guess that is the price you pay for a luxury cars.
I have a ancel vd500 scanner that won’t connect. Does anyone know of the lowest cost scanner that will connect to my 2008 Audi a6 using the technique described?
This isn't the worst case. Worst - putting it in neutral from drive unaware your steering column immediately locked up on you. You won't be able to get it back into drive and you are about to drift into oncoming traffic. Sound like a lawsuit? Only if you're lucky enough to live thru it. Happened to me yesterday exiting a car wash and entering two way traffic. With no time to think and about to be either rear ended, broadsided or both, quick! What would you do with cars exiting the car wash behind you?? I pumped the brakes and rattled the shift between neutral and drive. It started working ten seconds later, which turned out to be JIT. Don't waste your time checking the Audi Owner's Manual. That has to be the most obscure 400 pages of instructions ever written.
Yongsi Liu, my 2002 A4, 3.0 Quattro has a mechanical interface not prone to electronic sensor malfunctions. However I have enough other electronic issues to keep me occupied. LOL . Good luck.
(Audi A8 D3) I have this issue now for about a half year. But a little bit diffrent. A cold start works every time. But if i drive for a while and after turning off the ignition and try to start it 20 mins later it wont. I am not able to get it run like you. But my only solution is to wait. Sometime it takes 5 min. Sometimes it takes 20 min. After that my car starts. Sometime while driving my car says SAFE on the dayly milage. I have never seen an error code like this with vcds. Does it delete by itself when the car is able to start? My steering lock seems not to work right. When it should be locked i can still move my steering. But it makes loud noises.
this issue just happened to my 2012 Q7 with 80000km on the clock the key does not start the car but my push button works and starts the car I have tried it few times still not working, I really don't want to take it to a dealer as it cost an arm and a leg here in Australia to get anything done on these cars, just to mention one head light globe will cost more than $1000 to replace one head light as a whole over $3000.00
That's a real shame. I never have a dealer service my Audi. The headlight replacement was $300. Now, if you have to replace the whole headlight unit you're talking $1500.
First of all it is not always that bad, i had the same problem and i could connect vag com without waking it up, delete the fault code and start the engine. Second of all I dont know where did you get those prices from. I got it fixed for £50 but i had to take off the actuator. That prices are rip off
I have that problem and can't start the car, I changed all of them, and don't work again. Should I programed it somewho, is there something more to be done?
It's not a big problem if you fancy trying to fix it yourself by removing the steering column control module and replacing the faulty components - Step by step video - ua-cam.com/video/O9iPJQfZgbo/v-deo.html) - Components kit for around £40 - www.ebay.co.uk/itm/STEERING-LOCK-MODULE-4F0905852B-REPAIR-KIT-FOR-AUDI-A6-C6-Q7-2004-2009-4F0910852/223729640146?hash=item34175362d2:g:IXYAAOSwfW5du0Qa) - Alternatively you can pay for the service to have someone do this for you for around double that price, a few companies on eBay - £95 - www.ebay.co.uk/itm/REPAIR-SERVICE-Audi-A6-C6-Q7-Steering-Lock-module-Relay-micro-switch-faults/132244158313?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649 - £85 - www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Audi-A6-C6-Q7-Steering-Lock-module-Repair-Service-Relay-micro-switch-faults/254413840197?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649 - Finally you can take your car to a garage (assuming you’ve cleared the error code with VCDS) and they can do the whole job (i.e. remove the control unit, replace the components, test and replace control unit) at more a costlier £280 (Hayes Garage 07872965883) Hope that helps, I don’t think anyone should just give up for this one annoying problem, the A6 B6 is a fantastic car
I tried this on a 2007 Audi Q7 and it did not work as far as waking the ECU. Is there a different sequence of pressing buttons etc for the 2007 Audi Q7 to wake the ECU? I am using one of those little blue ELM327 Bluetooth obd2 adapters and I don't know if perhaps it isn't the appropriate one for this particular situation but it works on every other car I've tried it on. I really appreciate your video, just hoping for some advice so I know how to proceed. Thank you!
Funny enough my one is only happening when car is been running for a wile... put key on ignition nothing happens and after 20min al of the sudden everything comes on and starts it self if I already turned the key to all positions...
You need to hold it, but this didn't work for me when it happened a while ago. I just put 12v power on the 7th fuse on the driver side fuse box if I recall correctly and then could access the ECU and reset codes. It was however the longest minute of my life holding the 12v power to the tiny fuse metal thing.
This only temporary solution to always clear authorization ecu error. Need to repair replace microswitches and some more. It is common problem with c6. Repairing Audi for over 10 years as electrician.
guys I had the same issue in 2008 a5 twice. Will this trick with headlights,hazards and break switch will work on it too?? i got full VCDS cable/software :)
@@rodgers5511 hello On mine there was a loose plug under steering wheel for the steering column lock. Few cable ties and trick with switching system on and reseting with VCDS worked
1st gen 3 0 TDI ALL Issues ua-cam.com/video/_so6yhV5qXE/v-deo.html
2nd gen 3 0 TDI ALL Issues ua-cam.com/video/272PBPSS2no/v-deo.html
Buying a used Audi A8 (D3/4E) - 2002-2010 ua-cam.com/video/PijHDhQ3Gas/v-deo.html
Buying a used Audi A6 (C6/4F) - 2004-2011 ua-cam.com/video/BbTeVU0kXl8/v-deo.html
Buying a used Audi S6 (C6/4F) - 2006-2010 ua-cam.com/video/mpf5CgCOhM0/v-deo.html
Buying a used Audi Q7 (4L) - 2005-2015 ua-cam.com/video/04o6oK1J5fM/v-deo.html
Buying a used VW Golf MK6 (5K1) - 2008-2013 ua-cam.com/video/BgGyTSishKY/v-deo.html
Buying a used VW Golf MK7 (AU) - 2012-2020 ua-cam.com/video/jSo4EHi9HMg/v-deo.html
Hello mate,
Huge fan.
Really like your videos.
I would really love to meet you and let you check my Audi A6.
I can come down anywhere you are in EU.
Let me know if we are willing to make it happen.
Thank you
Ñ
I had this same issue with my Audi A6 2005 (C6). I fixed it by pulling the fuse (10A), then waiting a couple of seconds and putting it back in. The car started up like normal. My car is a right hand drive and this fuse is located in the fuse box on the drivers side. I believe the fuse was number 13, or it should say on the little diagram on the plastic something like 'Steering col.' I'm not sure if this will work for everyone but it is what worked for me.
I got the same car as you, in the avant form. I didn't seem to get the trick working with the hazards, high beam, brake light technique so I just put 12v power on the 7th fuse on the driver side which was for the diagnostic port if I recall correctly. That way I could access the codes and delete them. But it was the longest minute holding the damn 12v wire against the tiny metal on the fuse. This way I believe you could even reset codes without having any key on you while the doors are unlocked (obviously). Since then I just hit my steering wheel slightly or move it a little bit before putting the key in and it still works without any modifications or money spent.
ua-cam.com/video/2vWsvRoPaIk/v-deo.html
According to this video it's not number 13. Do you recall which fuse it was?
@@PsRetrogamer You have the wrong video buddy, that's for the C5. This video is about the C6.
Oh…he’s your buddy huh.
That explains a lot.
VW passat b6 2.0 140 You just have to disconnect the battery for 5 minutes. In 6 years it happened to me once. I always had key 10 in the car but it only served once
Vcds is mandatory to own when using old Audis as daily drivers!
I hear the obd eleven is a great alternative to vagcom
@@dubbin465 possible, all I know (from personal experience) is that vagcom/VCDS is working well for me.
Obd eleven, carista, are good tools and relatively user friendly,
Genuine VCDS does a hell of alot however its not as user friendly, but it does have alot of extreamly useful balloons with details of variations etc,
That with a good vag commander and there is not much you cant do,
but can break it very easily if edited incorrectly
@@dubbin465 OBDeleven it's worth all the money!
ECS Tunnig has the Pro version on sale for $80!
lol you call a new a6 old, cute
Never, leave your house without your trusty OBD scanner!
Yup, our 13 year old B6 Passat wagon 2.0T, reflex silver is on the second steering column as of three years ago. First one was a recall after three years of ownership and it failed 6 years afterward and of course the second one was an out of pocket expense. We still love the car though, mostly because there is nothing out there to replace it with and because it still drives like a proper German car after all these years.
I have a 2013 Mercedes C200 W204.
Experienced a similar issue where the steering lock refused to disengage and the car refused to start.
Happened a few times randomly.
The Mercedes technicians said it was an intermittent fault, and the next time it happened I should have the vehicle towed to a dealership to diagnose and repair. Apparently, it was a common problem.
I fixed it by changing the batteries in the key fob...
I like this video, even I don’t own an Audi. This channel should have more followers. There are too many useful information here that would help anyone who wish to buy used cars.
Just cut red with black signal wire of steering column when steering is unlocked so it doesnt lock it ever again and problem solved.
Will the mot get passed with that please?
While Steering Wheel is unlocked, (Key inside, wheel movable) remove the cover under the Steering wheel and cut the black wire with the white stripe to the steering lock. That will leave the steering wheel unlocked forever but you won’t get stranded.
I'm having a immobilizer problem with my 2005 A8L have to put the scanner and cleared a cold a lot to start the car
Yes !!! Yes !!!! Yes !!!
Don't replace the steering column....don't replace the relays and switches,,,,,,,
I did this a few years ago and couldn't be happier. Now I am free from always taking my laptop with me to reset the code......usually in the dead of winter. Here is a how to video.
ua-cam.com/video/1yQXOCyZj2k/v-deo.html
Red and black on mine.
Great review! I once had a Mercedes E320 W211 2003 with only 200.000 km on the odometer, as many Mercedes owners knows is nothing for it. But this problem occured, one morning when I was going to work. I put the key in the socket and the steering did not lock up. Neither could I search the problem with OBD
Thanks for this Awesome video. An A6 Avant just came in on a tow truck with the steering wheel turned and the park brake set. I couldn't clear code until I watched your tip with the lights. Now I can drive it in the bay.
Hello, Can you suggest me the scanner you used as I have a A6 C6 base but none of the people I show it to know what is wrong with it or they just can’t run it and the dealership is just too expensive. Thank you
@@rithwikrajmallam9430 I use rosstech VCDS for most VW and AUDI cars I work on. Many of the newer cars are becoming more complicated and may require factory scantool ODIS.
I had an A6 from 2005, a 2.7 biturbo.... It was the worst car ever!😱 When you reach 180 tkm it is ready for the junk yard! From 180 tkm to 230 tkm: camshaft bearings gone, gearbox broken, Torsen Diff broken, both turbos broken, water in the car by a broken connection to the rear wiper, started fire inside... plus a lot of minor issues like wiper motors, xenon lights und so on... The mileage was real, it was always at service by Audi and it even had a celebrity pre owner: Otto Rehagel
Btw. Great channel👍
what has a celebrity pre owner to do with the condition of the car?
Vorsprung Durch tec... errrrrrrrr... Oh bollocks!!!! Not again. ..
@@marcl637 they probably service it better and even if they dont they at least probably kept it on good roads and in garage that will still should increase the lifespan of the car
Or just disconnect battery and reconnect to clear code? thats what I do to clear codes on my C5
Ain't that easy on the q7 since the battery is under the driver's seat
You can't do that on these cars, it's not a regular code. It's a code that can only be pulled with a vagcom or specific scanners that work with VAG's CANBUS
Besides when I try to disconnect the battery the car alarm goes off. It has a secondary battery placed somewhere.
I had this issue with my A6 C6 Allroad. On a morning when the car was loaded ready for a long journey it would not start. I think the issue was caused by the tailgate being open for a long time and the interior light being left on and the battery voltage being low. The actuator motor in the steering column unit gets tired with time and therefore when you have a low voltage it is more likely to fail. If it happened again, before anything else I would charge the battery. In France Audi wanted 2500 Euros and in the UK £2200, because they wanted to change the whole column and then they needed direct connection with Audi computers in Germany to recode all the codes. I took the circuit box out myself, it was tricky but I had good instructions, then I sent it to Illinois USA where they changed all the tired components but kept all of the original codes. Cost $500 total, although you have to send a key with the circuit box and on return when it went through customs the key lost all its codes and had to be recoded by Audi. But if you get this fault, my advice is first charge the battery.
How about disconnecting the battery to get rid of the fault codes in case of an emergency like that.
I've had this problem so many times, so I always traveled with the laptop to get rid of the error.
In the end I bought a KIT on ebay, there are three relays to be replaced on the immobilizer board under the steering wheel.
Difficult part, taking everything apart (the mechanic did it) taking out the steel box and opening it (very difficult). Remove the circuit board and take it to a tv repairer. Have the relays replaced and reassemble everything.
I spent less than 100 euros.
It's been two years and the problem is gone.
I almost went that route but found a better/easier fit. Simple to do.
ua-cam.com/video/1yQXOCyZj2k/v-deo.html
Great video man! Very funny picked up a Q7 yesterday & drove it 400 miles, Great drive, great transmission, but literallt got to my home and a emission light came on.
I have a 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser so not used to these issues. Just about to buy an OBD reader.
Cheers from Scotland!
I just want to say I loved your video. It was a great for laughs. It also helped me fix my problem thank you so much!!!
I LOVE WHAT YOUR POSTING AND I LEARN FROM IT
2:05... first of April? My goodness.
Also, there are video on UA-cam showing how to deactivate the steeringlock module by cutting 1 wire.
Only works if it isn't locked already.
I had this issue last time, what I did is I put off the Fuse for steering lock and re-pluged it. It sort of restarted it.
I am going to try this and hope for the best
@@Jtkapsar Make surer you tell me if it worked
@@Jtkapsar Did it work?
Thank you pulling #13 fuse worked on my 09 Audi 3.0t.
@@TheFerrarimovement glad I helped
Ever since Sesame Street went off the air, the COUNT started narrating UA-cam car DIY's
Brroken Audi.. Ahh, ahh
😂😂😂😂
Mine was an Audi Avant S4 B8 2010.
I had the dreaded 'Do not drive vehicle: steering defective' message and no ignition which could be overcome after an increasing number of key in/out attempts but eventually stranded the car. While waiting for a tow truck I couldn't release handbrake (no ignition) so I disconnected the battery in an attempt to release. On battery reconnection car sprang to life, no error message and worked as if nothing had happened!!. Sold car and ran away screaming.
Hey guys, i have a C6 as well and sometimes i am getting this shit situation. Currently im driving with the 2nd key in the car always(hidden) and if the 1st one does this the 2nd does not and it always starts. I am not sure if it's the same issue, but give it a shot and save urself some cash(possibly).
Did you fix it, I'd suggest buying a VAGCOM on AliExpress if you're tight on cash and it will save you many times.
@@ali1t I haven't really delt with it since it happens once on couple of months and i am always prepared. But thanks for the tip i will use it.
VAG Drive Box EDC15 ME7 OBD2 IMMO Deactivator Activator, 10€ from Aliexpress.
link please
I got a 09 audi a6 quattro this problem does happen now and then first time it happened I panicked now I'm a pro. For the most part it only happens in the winter and when it does I take the key completely out the ignition wait 10 15min put key back in without turning it until I hear the wheel unlock then it starts right back up. It will say please take load of steering wheel on the dash
Thanks for the info. I have a 2009 Volkswagen CC VR6 and I live in Texas.
Can you just unplug the old unit on the car and plug in a second hand unit just to start and get you home as a temp fix or are these units coded to each individual car this if they are not coded is a good way to get you going and able to drive home to get the thing fixed properly this seems to be a common problem with the Audi i bought a second hand unit just in case mine went faulty but not tried fitting it i cut the wire to the steering lock motor so that doesn't work never concerned me no locking but just thinking that if these units not coded just plug the two wires and away you drive this gets you back on the road Great video straight talking
Have 3 Citroens with 400k km in family and we were always able to start and drive even with some faults (those were cheap to fix).
sadly that issue happened to me apart from my mmi system wouldnt even work and couldnt get the key to eject
My 09 a5 is doing this now...completely immobilized. What was the fix for yours?
Hey Boss, Sorry but I just got this problem and your comment was so similar. What did you do ?
Excellent and very funny video, thanks for this information, really helpful
It happened to me tho. I found a person who can fix it. New steering lock with work cost me - 150 eiros and I have no more problems with that. :)
Belij19 do you have contact number of that person?i am from germany
@@bezybhai2881 I am not from Germany. What you need to do is to find used steering lock column and replace it, then program it in to your car and it will start working. You need to find mechanic/electrician. This is a very common problem for Audi, VW, Cayenne.. This works fine for me right now, but I am still not sure sometimes if I should drive to far from home or not .. Audi a6 is a good car, but VERY problematic.
Hi, i have same problem with my A6, where did you get yours repaired?
I can deactivate it, but i am from czech republic
Ahoj, a kde Vám to dělali a co to stálo děkuji
I’m experiencing this annoying problem and I can’t get my OBD2 scanner to connect to the car. Will a common hand scanner work or do I need the VCDS software? Thanks.
this issue happened to me a month after buying my 09 a6 3.0t and it seems to work when its warm but one cold night and i cant start it and i want it fixed i need to use my car but i dont know what to do
Should of watched this last week, just bought a Le Mans A6 and 4 days later this has started.
2005 Audi a8l 4-5 years old since I bought it used never had this issue once only something similar when my battery died.
I also use push to start every time so maybe that's why
With regards to OBD2’s, what brand of scanner do you recommend? I find OBD2’s from $30 to $5,000 and unsure what “level” of diagnostics &/or code clearing is needed. Figuring an OBD2 in the trunk could be very handy. Thanks!
The cheapest bluetooth one on amazon will work. I have used a 10$ one and even tho it was considered "lite", it still is able to clear codes and tell u what the problem is.
@@skylerbrehm1443 did you get it to work with the vehicle off?
I have a 2012 Audi A6. One of the key FOBs works fine but the other I had not used for some years. When I tried it recently it didn't work, so I replaced battery but still didn't work.
I tried the manual lock unlock door and then try, still didn't work.
Then tried placing FOB near the dashboard which shows key sign, and still nothing.
Has the key got desynced from the car. What else can I try?
have 2 obd scanners just have to have them with me lol Thanks i'm thinking about getting a used 2014 Q7 and I always get a warranty thru my credit union when I buy a used car other wise I do my oil changes myself on all my cars thank you for the heads up if I get this car
Does this happen only on the 2005 models onwards
Nice and very helpful video. Thanks mate
Could you please tell me the problems that the 2.0tdi 170hp BRD engine has ?
Flying Thin I thought generally all 2.0 diesels are reliable?
@@TotalFreshness Depends , some of them have oil pump related issues and injectors.
@@antoniostepan2396 yup, i had the 140hp version in an A4 and it fired its pump through the front of the engine block at 167k miles, game over
Which OBD scanner software are you using?
A friend gave the module to a specialist to be refurbished and it works fine. We had to use the other trick of shorting one of the relays to power the gear selector and parking brake so we can get the car towed.
There is an emergency switch below the ash tray as far as I know, just like all automatics have (or should have). This would unlock the pin that locks the gear into P making it possible to shift without ignition.
Started having this issue in my 2006 B6 Passat 3C.
tried the code delete, but didnt work. So far, only unplugging the battery witing 10 mins, and plugging it back in with key in the on position seems to be the only way to kind of unlock it, but sometimes it goes into `safe` mode and turns off seconds later.
Gives me message saying electronic immobilizer activated.
Just bought switches and relay to try to refurbish steering lock module myself, if that doesnt work, next step is buying either OBDeleven or VCDS cables.
will report on how this works, but it started all of the sudden then twice a week, and now every single time I try to start the car it's at least 20 mins woth of my time.
For what it's worth, this issue was also a huge problem on my 2008 bentley continental GT speed
Just been through this!
Thanks for posting
I had an A6 suddenly just not start for me a number of years ago. Trouble is, I'M Jeff. Luckily, I'm Jeff. So, I left the car where it was, then went back for it the next day, and it started up like nothing was ever wrong. I don't still have that car, but I did really like it.
Is it really possible to deactivate permanently the Steering Column lock actuator using VCD only? Has anybody successful done it?
No need to search for deactivation, I just fixed my self, clear codes as mentioned in video and make sure steering lock is not active and cut the back/red wire which goes to lock actuarot on 3pin connector.
I saw another video cutting the same cord but Im scared to do it. What could go wrong?
@@AR-oi4hg alredy driving with such fix for 2 month. Main thin cut wire when steering wheel is unlocked. No errors.
Kasparas Žulkus i think Ima do it. My only problem is I need someone with a good enough scanner to clear the code. My steering wheel is still locked. Thank you!
I have this issue but my steering is not locked. Could i cut this , and then erase code?
@@AR-oi4hg i did it nothing happen on a audi q7 2007
Should have disconnected battery to reset codes. No need for a OB reader.
Hahahha iq200 im doing that on my vw mk4 whan i have failcode
It can damage the ECU though.
It's happened to me, and cost me 25E to clean all errors. Cince then passed a year and works fine
What scanner u used
can a TopGuru OBD or similar delete this function on the faulty part?
I liked the video so you get thumbs up. I wish however to include into the tittle the very topic you are discussing here. Thank you.
Ironic that this module prevents a thief from stealing a car that nobody wants!
Never leave home without your code reader , tool chest and one of each spare part !!!!
no bull😂
Hi does this issue fix Audi Q7 s-line quattro 3.0 TDI 2016 Hard/Stiff Steering I had a similar issue. Sudden loss of power steering at slow speed, tight turns left or right
I have a 2007 Audi Q7 3.6 litre. Mechanic said it is my steering column module. Said the cost to replace it is $4,000. He was able to clear the code and I drove it home. There is no way I'm dumping that much money into this car.
I am using a Zurich zr13 OBD2 scanner to try and reset the code. The Auto Link option isn't working and neither is the manual config. I just keep getting communication error even after going through the steps described in this video. I know that the battery is low but I have been charging it for the past couple of hours. Any other suggestions?
Any updates? I have the same year & model.
@@erictittle7531 Believe it or not it turned out to be the battery. After I spent the money for the steering column module I took it to a different mechanic to replace the battery which is located under the seat. He called me when he was doing the work to tell me that the battery was not the correct battery and that was what was causing all of the error codes. Since I replaced the battery no issues holding a charge.
I got similar issue with my Audi A6 2011 model. The issue has really messed me up
That's is the problem with german cars in general. To much tech and when one unit fails, the whole car is disabled. But i guess that is the price you pay for a luxury cars.
Although generally reliable, strong and all that technology being pushed flawlessly. It's a marvel that's for certain.
I love the way you present your videos.....verbal abuse, angry wife etc... Funny
Good Video and info thank you. VW crafter also got that. it is standard. and yes can come with 35.000 or with 200.000km.
Can I just go buy any obd scanner that can clear codes ??? 👀
I never use the key! Start engine button does the trick!
I have a ancel vd500 scanner that won’t connect. Does anyone know of the lowest cost scanner that will connect to my 2008 Audi a6 using the technique described?
Can you suggest an OBD Scanner to purchase to do this?
This isn't the worst case. Worst - putting it in neutral from drive unaware your steering column immediately locked up on you. You won't be able to get it back into drive and you are about to drift into oncoming traffic. Sound like a lawsuit? Only if you're lucky enough to live thru it.
Happened to me yesterday exiting a car wash and entering two way traffic. With no time to think and about to be either rear ended, broadsided or both, quick! What would you do with cars exiting the car wash behind you?? I pumped the brakes and rattled the shift between neutral and drive. It started working ten seconds later, which turned out to be JIT. Don't waste your time checking the Audi Owner's Manual. That has to be the most obscure 400 pages of instructions ever written.
Why would you shift from drive to neutral while on the move?
Never seen that on any of our audis. But the other option is unhook battery and hook it back up and just start it. FREE!
Jon Doe Hi! Does it still need to clear the code with scanner? Thank you ;)
Yongsi Liu eventually. Un hooking the battery will reset everything until it detects a problem again.
Or third option, disconnect the battery cable, wait a few minutes and reconnect. It’ll clear the codes for a time.
Art Tafil Hi! Will that still need the scan? Thank you:)
Yongsi Liu, Most definitely. This is just an emergency temporary fix.
Yongsi Liu, my 2002 A4, 3.0 Quattro has a mechanical interface not prone to electronic sensor malfunctions. However I have enough other electronic issues to keep me occupied. LOL . Good luck.
the return of Count DRACULA!
thats not an issue with the 2009-2011 A6 C6, and the Q7 after the 3.6 motor I belive
i hope not
Not true. Happened to me second time right now, 2 years after changed steering columne with new one (yes, 1400€ :/ )
so this isn't an issue with Gen 2 Audis? 2016+ it is then.... Thanks again for sharing!
Please how can I get in touch with you because am having a problem with my Audi Q7 mmi . Am from Ghana west Africa
So is the steering wheel lock?!
(Audi A8 D3) I have this issue now for about a half year. But a little bit diffrent. A cold start works every time. But if i drive for a while and after turning off the ignition and try to start it 20 mins later it wont. I am not able to get it run like you. But my only solution is to wait. Sometime it takes 5 min. Sometimes it takes 20 min. After that my car starts. Sometime while driving my car says SAFE on the dayly milage. I have never seen an error code like this with vcds. Does it delete by itself when the car is able to start? My steering lock seems not to work right. When it should be locked i can still move my steering. But it makes loud noises.
Did you solve this problem? I have have almost the same issue, A8 2006. I just have to try several times. Don't have to wait several minutes.
this issue just happened to my 2012 Q7 with 80000km on the clock the key does not start the car but my push button works and starts the car I have tried it few times still not working, I really don't want to take it to a dealer as it cost an arm and a leg here in Australia to get anything done on these cars, just to mention one head light globe will cost more than $1000 to replace one head light as a whole over $3000.00
That's a real shame. I never have a dealer service my Audi. The headlight replacement was $300. Now, if you have to replace the whole headlight unit you're talking $1500.
The obd scanner saved my car. Numerous times. All you gotta do is clear the code:(
Interesting, thank you good to know bought 2002 A6 Avante putting work into in it's coming along great but very expensive
Can you tell me some things to watch out about those? I'm about to get one
Nice video, it was fun to watch
I'm lucky man, I bought in 2023 an A6 that has replaced the complete column in 2022 by the dealer. 🎉🎉
Do you need to open the switch
First of all it is not always that bad, i had the same problem and i could connect vag com without waking it up, delete the fault code and start the engine.
Second of all I dont know where did you get those prices from. I got it fixed for £50 but i had to take off the actuator. That prices are rip off
Hey Adam, How and where did you get yours fixed from £50?
Where can I find a tool to recode the battery. I don't want to spend $500 for a battery replacement.
Happened to my W204 c class a while ago. Dealer wanted 500 euros to replace it.
Does it work with vcds also this technique?
yes it should
I have that problem and can't start the car, I changed all of them, and don't work again. Should I programed it somewho, is there something more to be done?
It's not a big problem if you fancy trying to fix it yourself by removing the steering column control module and replacing the faulty components
- Step by step video - ua-cam.com/video/O9iPJQfZgbo/v-deo.html)
- Components kit for around £40 - www.ebay.co.uk/itm/STEERING-LOCK-MODULE-4F0905852B-REPAIR-KIT-FOR-AUDI-A6-C6-Q7-2004-2009-4F0910852/223729640146?hash=item34175362d2:g:IXYAAOSwfW5du0Qa)
- Alternatively you can pay for the service to have someone do this for you for around double that price, a few companies on eBay
- £95 - www.ebay.co.uk/itm/REPAIR-SERVICE-Audi-A6-C6-Q7-Steering-Lock-module-Relay-micro-switch-faults/132244158313?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
- £85 - www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Audi-A6-C6-Q7-Steering-Lock-module-Repair-Service-Relay-micro-switch-faults/254413840197?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
- Finally you can take your car to a garage (assuming you’ve cleared the error code with VCDS) and they can do the whole job (i.e. remove the control unit, replace the components, test and replace control unit) at more a costlier £280 (Hayes Garage 07872965883)
Hope that helps, I don’t think anyone should just give up for this one annoying problem, the A6 B6 is a fantastic car
Had this happen to me in my 2004 a8 and I cleared the code with a fixd scanner would’ve been stranded otherwise.
jek38kgb6g3 and bhÿ8
On my car I always use keyless entry and keyless start and never engage the steering lock manually. so will this avoid the problem you describe?
101 %
Steering wheel lock is electronic. No mater you starting car with key or with switch. Anyway steering wheel is unlocked, and after use locked.
Thanks....a good video and tip+
LOL. I LOVE THIS GUY HE IS TOTALY REAL
I need hwlp please I got this problem but I can connect me obd2 to the car I try all u show u on video
Manually power the 7th fuse on the driver side so the car can communicate with OBD scanner without key in ignition. Reset codes and you're set.
Wow.. Very frightening. Does this problem occurs to all the cars in these models...?
It's occur most of time with ECM and abs sensor fail .Not all of them .
I tried this on a 2007 Audi Q7 and it did not work as far as waking the ECU. Is there a different sequence of pressing buttons etc for the 2007 Audi Q7 to wake the ECU?
I am using one of those little blue ELM327 Bluetooth obd2 adapters and I don't know if perhaps it isn't the appropriate one for this particular situation but it works on every other car I've tried it on.
I really appreciate your video, just hoping for some advice so I know how to proceed. Thank you!
Did you eventually fix the issue with your Q7?
I had this issue happen to me 2 days ago on my '07 Audi Q7, V6. Any updates?
Funny enough my one is only happening when car is been running for a wile... put key on ignition nothing happens and after 20min al of the sudden everything comes on and starts it self if I already turned the key to all positions...
Does anyone know if the access procedure to the dead electrics is the same for the w204 Mercedes? Switching on high beam etc.
Do i have to hold brake pedal or just press once?
You need to hold it, but this didn't work for me when it happened a while ago. I just put 12v power on the 7th fuse on the driver side fuse box if I recall correctly and then could access the ECU and reset codes. It was however the longest minute of my life holding the 12v power to the tiny fuse metal thing.
Can obdeleven clean this code or ancel vd500 or autophix v007? Love to know it please..
Yes I have done it several times on the A6 2005 C6 3.2L with OBDEleven and VCDS
This only temporary solution to always clear authorization ecu error. Need to repair replace microswitches and some more. It is common problem with c6. Repairing Audi for over 10 years as electrician.
guys I had the same issue in 2008 a5 twice. Will this trick with headlights,hazards and break switch will work on it too?? i got full VCDS cable/software :)
My 09 a5 is doing this now, what was the fix for yours?
@@rodgers5511 hello
On mine there was a loose plug under steering wheel for the steering column lock. Few cable ties and trick with switching system on and reseting with VCDS worked