[Sid James]

Hey all, just "fixed" what I was worried was going to be a monster problem and figured I'd share my experience and hopefully help out someone else. I came out to my 2004 Touareg the other afternoon and it was reading "Steering Defective Workshop" and had immobilized itself.

Ended up changing the battery in the parking lot at a restaurant like an idiot and that didn't do anything so I used one of my aaa tows and had it towed home. BTW, if you are ever immobilized and need to get it in neutral to tow, look under the car right below the shift lever and you can see the linkage coming down. Simply pull it off the little ball that is on the lever attached to the transmission case and just push that lever backwards into neutral. Easy.

So, got it home and gave a visible inspection to the wiring under the dash and saw no kinks or potential shorts or things that could be causing an open reading. Borrowed my neighbor's VAG-COM (VCDS) and eventually got it. I was nearly ripping my hair out by the time I figured out how to do it but I finally got it to read the error I was looking for. You're going to want to go under the Electronics 1 tab and go to Address 05: Acc/Start Auth. The tricky part was I was only able to get it to read the error by clicking the address 5 button and then when it started trying to scan to then turn and hold the key in the start position. It took like 3 days for me to figure that out.

1 Fault Found:
00288 - Steering Column Lock Actuator (N360)
014 - Defective

Continued holding the key and cleared the fault code, and it started right up. Don't know if it was just a bad battery or a loose wire that got jostled back into place and the error just needed cleared after or what. Bringing the old battery back tomorrow to get the core charge back and will have them test it just to see.

PS If you change the battery only undo the two front 10mm triple square bits on the floor at the front corners of the seat under the plastic covers. Seat then hinges back and there is the battery. Easy, don't screw around with taking the seat rails off with all 4 bolts by the rail.

Hope this helps someone else if they find themselves in this bind! Don't know if this is fixed forever, but it's fixed for now!

PPS if all you have is a t1 you can cheap out with a cheap kkl vag-com cable (~$15) and the vcds lite license for like a hundred dollars. Old tregs don't have CANBUS so you don't technically need the new expensive stuff ross-tech sells.
This guy solved this issue for me hope it helps

 

[New2Tregs]

Good to hear you got it going and hopefully it's fixed.
Hopefully you didn't do any damage to the 4motion system by towing it.
You might also want to post this fix to the other thread you started so others know the resolve there.

 

[Flash635]

Continued holding the key and cleared the fault code, and it started right up. Don't know if it was just a bad battery or a loose wire that got jostled back into place and the error just needed cleared after or what.

I've been reading about this, still am that's how I found this thread.
Yes, the engine will start after you clear the code.
I haven't done it myself yet, that's what I've learnt in my searches.

I also read where if the key won't turn because of this problem that there's a procedure you can go through to "wake the car up" so you can connect the VCDS.
To be honest it sounded like a practical joke.

Turn on the lights, pull on high beam, turn the hazard lights on and depress the brake pedal. I think that was it.

Then the dash lights up like the ignition is turned on and you can connect the VCDS.
I haven't tried it yet.

 

[RoPi]

Hey all, just "fixed" what I was worried was going to be a monster problem and figured I'd share my experience and hopefully help out someone else. I came out to my 2004 Touareg the other afternoon and it was reading "Steering Defective Workshop" and had immobilized itself.

Ended up changing the battery in the parking lot at a restaurant like an idiot and that didn't do anything so I used one of my aaa tows and had it towed home. BTW, if you are ever immobilized and need to get it in neutral to tow, look under the car right below the shift lever and you can see the linkage coming down. Simply pull it off the little ball that is on the lever attached to the transmission case and just push that lever backwards into neutral. Easy.

So, got it home and gave a visible inspection to the wiring under the dash and saw no kinks or potential shorts or things that could be causing an open reading. Borrowed my neighbor's VAG-COM (VCDS) and eventually got it. I was nearly ripping my hair out by the time I figured out how to do it but I finally got it to read the error I was looking for. You're going to want to go under the Electronics 1 tab and go to Address 05: Acc/Start Auth. The tricky part was I was only able to get it to read the error by clicking the address 5 button and then when it started trying to scan to then turn and hold the key in the start position. It took like 3 days for me to figure that out.

1 Fault Found:
00288 - Steering Column Lock Actuator (N360)
014 - Defective

Continued holding the key and cleared the fault code, and it started right up. Don't know if it was just a bad battery or a loose wire that got jostled back into place and the error just needed cleared after or what. Bringing the old battery back tomorrow to get the core charge back and will have them test it just to see.

PS If you change the battery only undo the two front 10mm triple square bits on the floor at the front corners of the seat under the plastic covers. Seat then hinges back and there is the battery. Easy, don't screw around with taking the seat rails off with all 4 bolts by the rail.

Hope this helps someone else if they find themselves in this bind! Don't know if this is fixed forever, but it's fixed for now!

PPS if all you have is a t1 you can cheap out with a cheap kkl vag-com cable (~$15) and the vcds lite license for like a hundred dollars. Old tregs don't have CANBUS so you don't technically need the new expensive stuff ross-tech sells.
This guy solved this issue for me hope it helps

hello! I have got a vw touareg 2004. A few months ago i had the same error " steering defective workshop". I read this and help-me so much so i could be able to start the car and drive. yersterday it stopped again with the error

00288 - Steering Column Lock Actuator (N360)
014 - Defective

I used a cable vcds and unlocked again. But now, as soon as i remove the key from ignition it activate again.

Can someone help me how to solve? Thanks in advance.

 

[bluedoggiant]

Sounds like a great tip, thanks for that.

Also sounds like if this happens then your steering lock is up for service

 

[Lars_NM]

This happened to me. The issue happened when i turned off the car (luckily in my driveway in a good spot), and the car was not able to lock the steering due to a malfunction in the steering lock. It doesn't sound like the OP actually fixed the problem and it will be coming back.

If the car detects a fault in the steering lock, the security module locks down everything, even VCDS access. There is a procedure to allow VCDS access, which will allow you to clear the codes and then start the car and drive it somewhere but when you turn off the ignition it will lock up again.

The procedure is to hold the key in the start position for 10+ seconds while trying to connect with VCDS. once you connect you can release the key from the start position and clear the codes. (do not try to scan the car for errors, you need to go directly in and clear the error) Once cleared, you can move the key to start and can start the car. If you remove the key or turn off the ignition you need to start over again.

That is the best i can remember. Maybe OP can document the procedure since it is fresh in his mind. The timing is tricky on this and it can take several try's to figure it out. I suggest you get a battery charger on your car when you do this.

The most common cause for this error is the relays in the steering wheel lock mechanism start to fail.

The steering wheel lock isn't available as a separate part, you need to buy a new steering column and the dealer needs to update the security system to accept the serial number of the new steering lock mechanism. Only the dealer can do that. You will be looking at $3000+ dollars and several months of down time.

I found a procedure to remove the steering wheel lock and replace the relays on the internet. The two miniature relays cost $10 delivered from china. It is pretty involved and you need soldering skills. It fixed the problem and it has been working for more than 6m no issues. Since you retain the same steering wheel lock PCB it doesn't need to be re-registered by the dealer.

This Link shows removal of the steering wheel lock. This is the first step. It is a little easier if your steering lock is in the unlock position (mine was). When you assemble this put LOCTITE on the lock slider torx bolt.

If it is locked you need to drill a hole to undo the torx bolt. When you assemble this put LOCTITE on the lock slider torx bolt.

Here is the repair Video (this guy is good):

I am still looking for my order for the relay which was ~$10 delivered. The OE relay is a Tyco miniature relay. Make sure you get Tyco. Here is a kit that includes the motor, its an example, not what I ordered and not sure if relays are Tyco, I will continue to look for my source:

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256809225220637.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.19.47cdteR8teR8U6&algo_pvid=13392162-0231-4d12-a090-3db60417cef2&algo_exp_id=13392162-0231-4d12-a090-3db60417cef2-18&pdp_ext_f={"order":"-1","eval":"1"}&pdp_npi=4@dis!USD!69.59!45.93!!!69.59!45.93!@2103246617518231305788857e1014!12000049016535316!sea!US!752808504!X&curPageLogUid=HgxSSMuKCaFC&utparam-url=scene:search|query_from:

​

Here I a link for the OE Tyco relays. I'm sure you can get them cheaper, but the guy who made the video gets a cut so thats something (I think I did a search on the part number and found them--see above relay picture):
Volkswagen Touareg No Ignition Lights No Start Repair FIX SellOff

 

[RoPi]

This happened to me. The issue happened when i turned off the car (luckily in my driveway in a good spot), and the car was not able to lock the steering due to a malfunction in the steering lock. It doesn't sound like the OP actually fixed the problem and it will be coming back.

If the car detects a fault in the steering lock, the security module locks down everything, even VCDS access. There is a procedure to allow VCDS access, which will allow you to clear the codes and then start the car and drive it somewhere but when you turn off the ignition it will lock up again. I don't remember what the procedure was, It was something like holding the key in the start position for a certain amount of time and then returning to on. Maybe OP can document the procedure since it is fresh in his mind. The timing is tricky on this and it can take several try's to figure it out. I suggest you get a battery charger on your car when you do this.

The most common cause for this error is the relays in the steering wheel lock mechanism start to fail. The steering wheel lock isn't available as a separate part, you need to buy a new steering column and the dealer needs to update the security system to accept the serial number of the new steering lock mechanism. Only the dealer can do that. You will be looking at $3000+ dollars and several months of down time.

I found a procedure to remove the steering wheel lock and replace the relays on the internet. The two miniature relays cost $10 delivered from china. It is pretty involved and you need soldering skills. It fixed the problem and it has been working for more than 6m no issues.

You’re right. The problem is not fixed yet. Quem you remove the key after turning off the car the error comes and lock the steering. The procedure to unlock is using a vcds cable. Put the key on ignition. Turn it to right side (holding for 10 seconds or inútil the vcds program recognise car Computer) than go immobilizer and clear de code).

can you share the link and vídeo of the procedure to remove the steering wheel lock and replace the relays? I Will aprecciate.

Thanks in advance!
i

 

[Lars_NM]

You’re right. The problem is not fixed yet. Quem you remove the key after turning off the car the error comes and lock the steering. The procedure to unlock is using a vcds cable. Put the key on ignition. Turn it to right side (holding for 10 seconds or inútil the vcds program recognise car Computer) than go immobilizer and clear de code).

can you share the link and vídeo of the procedure to remove the steering wheel lock and replace the relays? I Will aprecciate.

Thanks in advance!
i

I will Update my original post #6 to include all information.

 

[RoPi]

The car return to normal condition (unblocked by it self). I dont know for how long. it seems that there is random error activating it.