[akicker]

For the second time in two months my 2008 V8 T2 has immobilized itself due to a steering lock fault, apparently requiring a new electronic steering lock.


Symptoms occur after parking on a flat surface, electronically locking the vehicle and returning within 20 minutes. Steering is locked and in the second occurrence the steering was definitely turned to the right as I turned off the vehicle, exited and locked.


In both cases the car unlocks electronically and all electrical systems are operational but the steering is locked and the gear shift will not release.


Moving the steering slightly, to free it (as you do when releasing steering lock) as I turn the key in the ignition does nothing.


The display still shows mileage, etc but does not respond to the key turn. Note: The key is recognised. If I try and start the car without the key, by pressing the start button, the display reports missing key.


I have not tried disconnecting the battery positive terminal.
I have tried replacing the ignition key battery - no change.


This is a significant issue because you never know when it is going to strike and when it does strike you are completely immobilized in the middle of nowhere.


Anyway, thoughts and ideas appreciated?


Thx

 

[akicker]

As an update the VW mechanics have advised that the ECU requires replacement and that the electronic steering lock is not at fault this time.


They also tried removing the battery positive but it did not release the lock...fortunately I am getting priority service as the tow truck driver put the vehicle right in the middle of the garage.
They will install the new ECU tomorrow...we shall see what happens.

 

[akicker]

So today we are fighting with the Insurance company who claim that from their knowledgebase the fault links to the ECU which monitors the engine sump, where the sensors leak oil along the wiring loom. Turns out the sensors are leaking but the VW specialists still want to replace the start/stop ECU but now also agree the engine sump ECU and wiring loom should be replaced irrespective of the fault.


I'll confirm whether it is an engine sump ECU or simply an engine ECU that has sump or crank case sensors tomorrow. Personally I can't see how that would have anything to do with the start/stop, immobilizing, steering lock issue.


Fortunately everything is covered by the insurance anyway so replace both ECU's and wiring loom if necessary but don't ask me to support your diagnostic and root cause analysis skills.

 

[akicker]

The workshop has replaced the start/stop ECU and the steering lock mechanism. They have ordered the wiring loom for the engine sensors and believe the ECU can be cleaned. Once the wiring loom arrives I'll go back in.


So for now the car is operational. I wonder if they actually replaced the steering lock in the first place...hmmm.