[rufioclark]

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.

 

[MannyK]

Hi
My car seems to have come up with this fault and Im curious to know whether this problem came back again for your vehicle? And if so, how long after?
Also did you use a VCDS Hex-V2 cable? VW have told me I need to remove my steering column so Im looking at other options.
Thanks,
Manny

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.

 

[rufioclark]

Hi
My car seems to have come up with this fault and Im curious to know whether this problem came back again for your vehicle? And if so, how long after?
Also did you use a VCDS Hex-V2 cable? VW have told me I need to remove my steering column so Im looking at other options.
Thanks,
Manny

Since I have an 04 I ended up buying a generic ebay cable and bought the light software from ross-tech, which is adequate for my car. Call ross-tech and ask them what is the most inexpensive scan tool for your vehicle and they will help you out, good people there, very helpful. Don't spend a dollar at the dealer until you exhaust the possibilities yourself. Unfortunately, I don't remember much more about this that what I posted here.

I do remember that I had the car parked with the wheel nearly hard over, just because of the nature of the spot I parked in and for some reason had the tilt unusually high for something I was doing that day and I think one or a combination of those two things caused it.

Remember the dealer doesn't really want to help you out, and most of the guys at the dealership aren't necessarily any better (many may be much worse) at diagnosing anything than you would be if you can research, think outside the box, and keep from getting frustrated. Why would they spend their own man hours diagnosing a problem when they could just say you need to replace the steering column or some BS and pass the cost on to you?

And no it never came back. I've had three or four problems like this where I thought it was going to be the end of the car because it would cost more to fix than the car was worth and it turned out to be a code that needed reset/cleared or something as simple as a fuse needing replaced.

Depending on where you live you may be able to find someone on the forum near you who will let you borrow their vcds or come help you for a six pack for an hour or two some afternoon. It's a pretty friendly group on here. While touaregs can be complicated and temperamental, there is a great support community.

 

[rufioclark]

Also, feel free to drop your number and I'll give you a call and you can delete it off the board after, since you're probably still to new to PM anyone.

 

[noobytoogy]

Anything you post on here is here for good after 30 minutes - there is no cancellation, change or delete opportunity after that - so don't post anything personal like names, email addresses or phone numbers!

 

[mu meson]

Thank you rufioclark!! I was able to rent a VagCom for the day off craigslist for $10 and fixed the Steering Defective Workshop error right away. Huge relief!

Mine is 2005 V8 Touareg and the battery had run down.

Thanks again!

 

[rufioclark]

Awesome man! Glad I was able to help in some way. I would recommend buying a cheapo ebay cable and vcds lite from rosstech for the next crisis while you're not also worried about money for a pending repair as well. Hopefully the next one is a long ways off, but I feel like there is always a dark cloud looming not too far off in the distance...

 

[Vw2004t]

hello im new to the vw touareg family yesterday my 2004 v6 touareg died i got the battery replaced and all but ita still doing the same this and that is i can open the doors and that will show up and everything the lights inside the car clme on but no dash or anything and the s defective steering comes up is there any way to fix this someome please help

 

[shivtaureg]

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.

Hi!

I have run into the same problem and the car is sitting at the Dealer in West Chester, PA. They want me to spend $1600 to replace the steering column and if that does not work then they want to import a part from Germany that will cost around $2400. AAGH.... Can someone help me in this West Chester area 19382 ...

 

[N867LC]

The immobilizer module has locked everything out when the battery goes dead. I could not access the computers, windows were locked, transmission was locked, steering column was locked...Dumb feature...but it is what it is.


1) Replace the battery(s)
2) Try to start vehicle. If steering column fault is shown or nothing works follow these steps. (mine showed the steering column fault only after I replaced the main battery)
3) Put key in ignition.
4) Plug VCDS (Vag Com) cable into port and fire up VCDS on laptop
5) Have someone hold key in crank (start) position until after #7. This is the ONLY WAY to get power to the computers!
6) Go into VCDS, then Electronics 1, then 25-immobilizer and clear all fault codes.
7) Close out of VCDS
#8 Release key from crank / start position...take a deep breath and then try to start vehicle.


All functions should return. windows, radio, steering, transmission, etc.


I have the V10 version so I have 2 batteries. My main cranking battery dropped a cell (10VDC) and could not crank the engine. I could not access anything until I figured out that the key had to be in crank. The dealership(s) know this, but it is a way for them to get $$$$ out of their customers. because replacing the steering column STILL requires them to go into the computer and program the new column and the immobilizer module would still be active because it is a separate module.

 

[Markuhri]

You can unplug the steering lock wiring.plug it back in. Reset the codes. Should start

 

[Alyssajoy20]

Hi everyone! I really need some help. I am a college student and I am having the same steering defective workshop notification. My car ended up being towed to the dealership and they are saying the only option is for me to get the column replaced for 1700. I keep asking questions to exhaust all options because I can not afford that, but they keep talking down on me either because I am a girl or young. Either way, please send your suggestions!!!!!
Thank you!

 

[Malick]

My vw touareg 2.5tdi 2003. Will not spark or cranking with a warning steer wheel defective workshop pls can some help

 

[Malick]

Pls send someone tips pls. Is there anything i do right now am stock on the road pls.

 

[Malick]

Steer wheel defective workshop on my vw touareg 2.5tdi and it will start no crank but lights are on. Just will start pls any help plea

 

[rmcclain54]

Hi N867LC,
I would like some clarification on this:

1) Replace the battery(s)
2) Try to start vehicle. If steering column fault is shown or nothing works follow these steps. (mine showed the steering column fault only after I replaced the main battery)
3) Put key in ignition.
4) Plug VCDS (Vag Com) cable into port and fire up VCDS on laptop
5) Have someone hold key in crank (start) position until after #7. This is the ONLY WAY to get power to the computers!
6) Go into VCDS, then Electronics 1, then 25-immobilizer and clear all fault codes.
7) Close out of VCDS
#8 Release key from crank / start position...take a deep breath and then try to start vehicle.

All functions should return. windows, radio, steering, transmission, etc.

I have a '04 Phaeton, which shares the same electronic architecture, instrument cluster, 2 batteries etc, and I am experiencing the Steering Defective Workshop as well. The car is bricked basically. A few things work, lights, security (including key fob lock and unlock), but no ignition, just the SDW message.

I have VCDS and natch it can't connect because there is no power. The procedure at step 5 says hold the key in the crank positions until after #7. If I am interpreting this correctly while holding the start key in the crank position VCDS could connect, and you could execute step 6. Is that correct or am I miss-understanding? I ask because I tried that and did not have any success, VCDS still did not connect.

Thanks for any input ...

Bob

 

[Laan]

Hi N867LC,
I would like some clarification on this:



I have a '04 Phaeton, which shares the same electronic architecture, instrument cluster, 2 batteries etc, and I am experiencing the Steering Defective Workshop as well. The car is bricked basically. A few things work, lights, security (including key fob lock and unlock), but no ignition, just the SDW message.

I have VCDS and natch it can't connect because there is no power. The procedure at step 5 says hold the key in the crank positions until after #7. If I am interpreting this correctly while holding the start key in the crank position VCDS could connect, and you could execute step 6. Is that correct or am I miss-understanding? I ask because I tried that and did not have any success, VCDS still did not connect.

Thanks for any input ...

Bob

when the PC starts to search for the module crank your key and it should connect... then clear the codes

my touareg have made this twice. im looking for a way to code out the locking function. it should be cheaper, anyway who need steering lock nowdays?

 

[rmcclain54]

when the PC starts to search for the module crank your key and it should connect... then clear the codes

my touareg have made this twice. im looking for a way to code out the locking function. it should be cheaper, anyway who need steering lock nowdays?

Thanks for the reply. I have done that, but no luck, will try again. There could be a broken wire or three near the base of the steering column according to others. Haven't dug into that yet, but that is also an avenue of investigation.

 

[Robert Armstrong]

This worked for me thanks allot for posting?

 

[Thebuzz62]

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.