Steering Column VW Passat

Moanin

Morning all,
Anybody have problems with a warning light for steering column on the new shape VW Passat?
I believe it's a common enough problem and can cause the steering wheel to feel as if no power steering. A friend of mine had his replaced recently at a cost of €1k odd!
Mines a 2006 2.0TDI with 116,000 KM and is out of warranty. This light comes on now and again when I try to start the car but by removing the key and re-inserting it the car will start.
I hope that I don't have to go down the route of replacing the bloody thing at such a high cost.

Thanks

dard003

My 2006 passat hitting 55k miles, is now six months out of warranty and I have started to have issues with the steering column. It started with the car just suddently cuttiing out on ignition.. after a week I got the yellow warning light on the first attempt to start. On re-inserting the key a few times this yellow light flashes and then momentarily turns red. A very distinct clunking noise can be heard from the steering column suggesting a mechanical failure. After about five attempts the car starts and runs without issue.I've done an internet search and have found thousands with ths same complaint. Without question a manufacturers failure.
Coincidently there has been an atricle in the irish times documenting the problem, and giving a helpline number.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/motors/2009/1104/1224258021839.html
I have called the 'Helpline' number only to be told that they 'may' make a goodwill contribution to the repair (Which I have seen others been charged €1500)... And I was told this was based on having a full VW service history. Absolute bollox. I have the car booked in for diagnostic next week to verify the deraded steering column failure... If it costs me I'm NEVER BUYING VOLKSWAGEN AGAIN!

R.O.R

Welcome to the wonderful world of 2006 Passat TDi ownership. Quality, reliable, German Enginering.

Once that's replaced at a cost of around €1,500 you can also look forward to forking out for the following:

Handbrake button
Fuel Pump (part under warranty on that though)
Clutch and dual mass flywheel
Injectors

And any number of smaller issues too.

Totally useless heaps of cars from that era.

Neilw

Got this info from vagdrivers

[Nov 10 2009, 10:04 PM' post='357215']
I think there was a post (s) here a while back on steering lock faults on 3C passats and the need to replace the complete steering column and convience control unit costing in region of €1200 we just got new info that the latest update to VAS5051x will allow coding/adaption of new steering column (ESCL) to existing Convience control unit/immo so should reduce the cost of getting this job done by approx €400-€500 so if any1 waiting to get it done be sure you dont get charged or told you need both

If you thinking of 2nd hand dont, had to fit a complete kit 2nd hand to a passat(customer insisted) you need convience control unit, column & keys if you want to go down this road and then the Engine control unit can be adapted to 2nd hand stuff , issue is the chassis of car you get the parts from will now be the chassis in all ecu's and to order spare key it has to be ordered to crashed/2nd bits cars chassis,he saved a lot by going 2nd hand but wouldnt recommend it
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vw4life

£700-800 to get it fixed in Newry,I'd advise you get it sorted before it fails completely