2006 Passat woes, steering column problem?

Do-more

I have a 2006 (newer model) VW Passat estate.

Over the last 3 months or so I have had an intermittent problem when starting the car.

Then this morning it became much worse.

The car will start, give it one rev and then just dies again. Previously when this has happened after 3 or 4 goes the car will start OK but this morning it took more than 20 attempts to get the car started.

On occasions when starting the car I have had a message up to "move steering wheel".

Rang my local VW dealer where the car is always serviced and the earliest they offered to even look at the car was in 2 weeks time!

Brought it to an independent service place and they said that there were two error codes showing one for the steering lock and one for the immobiliser having received the wrong signal at some time, (one of my keys stopped operating the central locking some time ago but still starts the car, not sure if there is any connection).

Other than the error codes they couldn't say what the problem was.

Can anyone shed any light? I have heard mention here of a known steering column problem with Passats, is that what I'm looking at?

tossy

It's probably what you are looking at alright,the car doesn't know what the steering column is doing or thinking so therefore it tells the immobilizer not to start the car.

I'm not 100% but i think there maybe an easy enough fix for it,someone like George Dalton on here is the man to talk to/bring it to.

Do-more

Cheers Tossy, forgot to mention that I don't get any warning lights when this happens and anywhere else I have read about the problem people seem to get the steering warning light up so that is why I am unsure.

I hadn't done anything about it before today as I knew it would be due a service soon and the 1100km count down to service just came on this week.

The independent garage told me that as the car has 181K kms on it it is now due a cam belt and the brake discs front and back need doing so I am looking at a big feckin' bill!

creedp

Do-more wrote: »

Cheers Tossy, forgot to mention that I don't get any warning lights when this happens and anywhere else I have read about the problem people seem to get the steering warning light up so that is why I am unsure.

I hadn't done anything about it before today as I knew it would be due a service soon and the 1100km count down to service just came on this week.

The independent garage told me that as the car has 181K kms on it it is now due a cam belt and the brake discs front and back need doing so I am looking at a big feckin' bill!

Dont want to be cynical always but the last time I was in an independent for a service I was told on the phone that my rear pads had only 5% wear left and my fronts 15% so I should change all now. I said go ahead with rears but leave fronts alone. I was told it would be better to do all immediately as the fronts won't last until next service. 2 services later and the front pads are still surviving. Since then I always check them before a service.

Do-more

creedp wrote: »

Dont want to be cynical always but the last time I was in an independent for a service I was told on the phone that my rear pads had only 5% wear left and my fronts 15% so I should change all now. I said go ahead with rears but leave fronts alone. I was told it would be better to do all immediately as the fronts won't last until next service. 2 services later and the front pads are still surviving. Since then I always check them before a service.

In fairness it was I who asked about the brakes as I had felt a bit of a judder under heavy braking in the last week or so. The front discs don't look great to my eye bit I'm no expert.

Looks like I will just have to wait for a time with my local VW dealership and see what the pain is going to be.

I had planned to change next year but don't know what to do now. Easily the worst car I have ever owned. :mad:

tossy

creedp wrote: »

Dont want to be cynical always but the last time I was in an independent for a service I was told on the phone that my rear pads had only 5% wear left and my fronts 15% so I should change all now. I said go ahead with rears but leave fronts alone. I was told it would be better to do all immediately as the fronts won't last until next service. 2 services later and the front pads are still surviving. Since then I always check them before a service.

In fairness that's like saying "The last time i went to Spain it rained,it always rains in Spain? " no it doesn't and not all independents are like your last guy.

Plus to be fair to him he didn't know your driving style he might be applying his style and think you are particularly hard on brakes.

George Dalton

Electronic steering lock repair will cost you about €300.

creedp

tossy wrote: »

In fairness that's like saying "The last time i went to Spain it rained,it always rains in Spain? " no it doesn't and not all independents are like your last guy.

Plus to be fair to him he didn't know your driving style he might be applying his style and think you are particularly hard on brakes.

In fairness I can only impart my own experience and in no way did I say all independents are the same or that there was anything necessarily wayward about the independent I was dealing with. I simply said it might be worthwhile checking the pads before going for a service.

Do-more

So, rather than be fobbed off on the phone like yesterday, I drove in to my local VW dealers today to get a price on the service and steering column repair.

So the full service with cam belt, water pump and brakes front and back (I'm not sure if they included discs, it may have been just pads, they said that brakes were due for replacement on the next service) came to just over €2,000! :eek:

The service receptionist was trying to fob me off with saying they would check out the steering column issue when it was in for service but I said no way, I was pretty sure what the issue was and before committing to spend that much I wanted to know if VW were going to do the steering column on goodwill.

So I ended up speaking to the service manager and a mechanic and the mechanic said that on some cars it requires a full replacement of the steering column and on others a cheaper repair can be done and they would have do a diagnostic on the car to see which it would be.

End result after waiting around for over an hour the service manager came out and said they would do it for half price and it would cost €890!

I hit the roof and said that I knew it was a manufacturing fault which he agreed with and as we only have VW's in the family and had planned to change it for a new Golf estate next year that if they couldn't do better than that it would be the last VW we would ever have.

So he is going to ring me back in the morning after consulting with the head office.

As the car is only worth max. €5,000 there is little point in spending the thick end of €3,000 on a service especially as it is easily the worst car I have ever owned so lord knows what is going to go wrong with it next and I don't even enjoy driving the damn thing.

I should point out that before telling me that this lad or that lad can do all the work on it for X amount, I'm in Sweden so offers are no good to me.:(

ba_barabus

Do-more wrote: »

I should point out that before telling me that this lad or that lad can do all the work on it for X amount, I'm in Sweden so offers are no good to me.:(

So the car is in Sweden too?

Do-more

ba_barabus wrote: »

So the car is in Sweden too?

Yes, I thought that was self evident having said that I drove it to my local dealer today.

ba_barabus

Do-more wrote: »

Yes, I thought that was self evident having said that I drove it to my local dealer today.

Yes and no. I just wanted to be sure.

To be fair you are comparing prices from two very different countries. I'd expect things to be more expensive in Sweden. Is the used value of the car not higher than here? I know they are only worth about 6k over here but I'm surprised that's all it's worth in Sweden. they generally have high used car values. Also can you not take it to a specialist over there?

Do-more

ba_barabus wrote: »

Yes and no. I just wanted to be sure.

To be fair you are comparing prices from two very different countries. I'd expect things to be more expensive in Sweden. Is the used value of the car not higher than here? I know they are only worth about 6k over here but I'm surprised that's all it's worth in Sweden. they generally have high used car values. Also can you not take it to a specialist over there?

Apologies I thought you were being smart.

Second hand prices generally are higher here in Sweden than in Ireland, I paid about €12,500 for the car a little over 3 years ago when it had 125k kms on the clock.

But bottom has really fallen out of the value of '06/'07 Passats here in the last year or so. There are a number of fully serviced cars on the small ads for just over €5,000-€6,000 so being realistic with all the work to do on it I can't see mine fetching €5,000.

ba_barabus

Do-more wrote: »

Apologies I thought you were being smart.

Second hand prices generally are higher here in Sweden than in Ireland, I paid about €12,500 for the car a little over 3 years ago when it had 125k kms on the clock.

But bottom has really fallen out of the value of '06/'07 Passats here in the last year or so. There are a number of fully serviced cars on the small ads for just over €5,000-€6,000 so being realistic with all the work to do on it I can't see mine fetching €5,000.

No worries

Have you sought out any good specialists or independent garages? I can't imagine they will be anyway nearly as expensive as a main dealer.

Do-more

ba_barabus wrote: »

No worries

Have you sought out any good specialists or independent garages? I can't imagine they will be anyway nearly as expensive as a main dealer.

I need to see if I can find an independent VW specialist in Malmö which is about 35mins away from me. Very few independent garages in Trelleborg which is where I live.

There is a chain of independent service stations called Mekonomen here and I was with one of them yesterday, they were quoting me very close to main dealer price for the service and cam belt and quoted around €900 for discs and pads all round! Other than read the fault codes they hadn't a clue what the problem was with the steering column.

I'm only living here for 3 years so don't have the depth of local knowledge I would like in regard to good independent service garages.

Do-more

I still haven't got my problem sorted as I am still waiting for my Volkswagen dealer to come back to me with a reasonable solution.

However I have found out how the problem can be fixed by replacing two micro switches in the steering lock, this allows for all other original parts to be retained and no re-coding is required.

The details can be found here, scroll down the page to "Steering lock unit".

Not sure if I can find someone to do this for me but it might help someone else.

It's a bit of a bodge to be honest. I know VW introduced a new part, the steering wheel lock unit on it's own (part number 3C0905861H or part number 3C0905861D) to fix this problem without the need to replace the entire column.

Not sure what it costs elsewhere but I believe it costs £52.23 + vat in the UK.

What I'd like to know is if I buy the new steering lock unit can I swap over the micro switches to my existing unit?

Anyone know the answer?

Do-more

Just a update on this problem with the steering lock on my 2006 Passat B6.

I finally got around to getting this fixed last week.

Having searched the net for solutions I found a post that claimed the problem in most cars stems from dry solder joints on the PCB in the steering lock unit.

The post was on a forum that you have to register to view so to save the trouble here is a screen shot.



This board is in the steering lock unit at the base of the steering column, so you need to remove the steering column to get at it. If you feel up to the task of doing this yourself there are instructions to be found on the net.

I got a guy to do this for me and sure enough when he took out the board there were bad solders on it which he re-made.

Reports on the net that this alone solves the problem with most cars but true to form when he put the column back in the car it showed the message "steering locked" and was totally immobilised.

Out the column came again and further investigation found that one of the two micro switches which are described in my previous post was faulty.

As a temporary measure he cleaned it up and got it working again but it will probably need to be replaced in the future.

For the moment anyhow the car is starting fine with no glitches.

Anyway just thought I'd post this fix as it may help someone else in the future.

winterwonder

Hi, I hope the moderators don't mind me posting on an old thread, I can open a new one if so.

Like everyone above, I have the steering lock problem in my 06 passat, I thought this was only an issue with starting the car until the car cut out mid journey doing 90km per hour, luckily I managed to get off the road safety.

I've been in contact with my dealer and Volkswagen who say that it is not a known issue or is it a safety issue, even though there was no warning previous to it just loosing power and turning off, can anyone advise me weather I have any claim of getting this fixed as a goodwill gesture as I believe it is a known issue with vw and in my option it is certainly a safety issue, the car is out of warranty from when I bought it, thanks

JHet

Let me know if you have any luck getting this done on goodwill. Mine started doing it the other day aswell. Mines a 05 B6. Its intermittent at the moment but from what I've read it gets worse with time. I haven't had a situation where it cuts out at 90km per hour though. :eek: It is a well know issue. There is even a recall for it in the US, however as per usual VW owners in europe get treated like mugs, and vw deny all knowledge.

George Dalton

Guys with the price some of the dealers are doing this repair for now compared to the cost of it in the past you may as well be getting a goodwill contribution.

winterwonder

I got it fixed for 330 euro, not a hope of getting goodwill gesture, glad to have it fixed now though, it was so dangerous and such a nuisance, still think it should be covered as it is a known problem with vw, anyhow, all sorted now

Lyn83

Hi it have the same problem 2 of my local garages won't do it they said it has to go to a main dealer where did you get yours done winter wonder??

winterwonder

Lyn83 wrote: »

Hi it have the same problem 2 of my local garages won't do it they said it has to go to a main dealer where did you get yours done winter wonder??

I went to my local garage first but he couldn't do it so went to the main vw dealers

George Dalton

Lyn83 wrote: »

Hi it have the same problem 2 of my local garages won't do it they said it has to go to a main dealer where did you get yours done winter wonder??

Where are you located?

The cheapest place in the country for this job that I am aware of is Cumiskeys in Dundalk, €250.

JHet

You don't happen to know where the cheapest is in Dublin?

George Dalton

I think all the Dublin dealers are €350-400.

Black_Knight

Yeah. Got mine done in January. Rang around in Dublin (MLS Park motors) and I think it was €350 or so. Moores in Athlone said around €300 so I got it done there (im from Athlone anyways). Ended up costing €280.

Ring around, but certainly Dublin was more expensive.

Lynn coyle

I know it's been a while since you posted this but I'm having issues with my 05 passat neighbour hit my car after that steering wheel column lock defective and airbag sensor in a main dealer since mon and just got a quote of 2700 to replace steering column lock and it won't recode so everything with a brain now has to be replaced including keys locks and brain. How can they justify that amount of money car was starting and running and driving perfect now they can't get it to start after changing steering wheel column lock.

slimjimmc

Post split out from Consumer issues to new thread in Motors

Lynn coyle

Iv this problem but doesn't stop my car from starting or driving but sent car in to main vw dealers on mon and they replaced part which will be 480 including cost for diagnosis and then they can't recode new part so my car that was actually driving well except for steering wheel column lock defective error and airbag sensor flashing my car now won't start and they just rang to say it will cost 2700 all in as they will have to get new programmed units change keys and locks can this actually be right or because I'm a lady being taken for a mug

Lynn coyle

Left my 05 passat into vw on mon morning it was driving perfectly except for 2 faults showing on the dash steering wheel column lock defective and airbag sensor. Car was driving perfect was told on mon they would have to replace column lock at a cost of 480 including price for diagnosis. So after they replaced it the car just can't be recoded at all and got a call today stating they will have to change locks keys and basically the brains of the car at a cost of all in 2700 am I actually being taken for a mug or this actually the truth. Car is immaculate inside and out for being 9 years old plus only has 120 on it for a diesel. Can't understand at all. Wonder if anyone can help me or have and advice or information for me please.

Black_Knight

Lynn coyle wrote: »

Iv this problem but doesn't stop my car from starting or driving but sent car in to main vw dealers on mon and they replaced part which will be 480 including cost for diagnosis and then they can't recode new part so my car that was actually driving well except for steering wheel column lock defective error and airbag sensor flashing my car now won't start and they just rang to say it will cost 2700 all in as they will have to get new programmed units change keys and locks can this actually be right or because I'm a lady being taken for a mug

Hi Lynn. Really hard to read your post without any punctuation, but I gather VW replaced your steering column lock sensor for €480, but didnt recode the part? And because they didnt recode, you continued to get the "steering column lock" error on your dash?

Now, your car wont start?


I got my steering column lock sensor (i believe that was the problem) replace in January this year, in a main VW dealer. €280 for everything. If you're saying VW fixed the issue for €480 but the error remained I wouldnt of paid.

As for your car not starting now, is this related to the steering column lock? VW gave me a warranty on mine when I got it. Cant remember how long the warranty was, but my memory tells me it was something between 6 months and 2 years. Cant be sure.

Lynn coyle

Hi,

sorry went on a rant.

my car is st in vw garage as they can't recode the new part. So I'm car less and they are now looking for another 2200 on top of the 480 so 2700 all in. Luckily I've handed no money as of yet

TBi

Get a second opinion from another garage. Might be better off with an independent specialist.

Lynn coyle

I would have to take my car out on a tow truck as it's not starting or anything now but thanks for your input. Only reason I went to vw was my neighbour hit the front of my car and that's when all the lights came on. I might be claiming of my neighbours insurance as I definitely couldn't afford 2700 for repairs.

Black_Knight

I dont know all the facts, but it sounds like THEY broke your car while fixing the 2 error codes you had. Sounds like they're trying to spend your money to fix a problem they created.
ie.
"We changed X, which broke Y"
"Replace Y"
"Replacing Y didnt work, how about Z?"
etc etc
Again, im only speculating, but I wouldnt be happy giving my car in for a fairly common fault to be fixed, and then be told its an extra 2200 because the car wont start after they "fixed" it.

Where's George, he knows everything VW related.

Lynn coyle

Totally agree with you. But I'm kinda in limbo as I can't understand how I handed in a car that was driving 100% no issue as the lights weren't causing any starting or running issue. Now I've a car sitting in a main vw dealers and won't start. Wonder if this has happened to anyone else or am I just a mug.

Black_Knight

Lynn coyle wrote: »

Totally agree with you. But I'm kinda in limbo as I can't understand how I handed in a car that was driving 100% no issue as the lights weren't causing any starting or running issue. Now I've a car sitting in a main vw dealers and won't start. Wonder if this has happened to anyone else or am I just a mug.

Friend of mine got his tyres changed off a tyre garage last year, got a call to collect the car, and when he arrived they were all scratching their heads over the engine bay.

Between putting the car on the ramp, and taking it down something went badly wrong. Was told all sorts, and Volvo (volvo car) were saying it would be thousands to fix it, needs new computers etc. At some stage electrics would work, but car wouldnt start, then car would start but electrics wouldnt work, or only half the electrics would work.
In the end, he was lucky. Volvo unplugged all the CPUs, left them for a bit, and then plugged them back in 1 by 1. Car worked.

Dont read too much into the above, im just trying to say that sometimes things just go wrong big styley. Certainly dont go accepting that its anything but their fault.