2013 Steering Issues VAG COM Fix?

[u2nelson]

I think the 48K8 is a winner. No issues and 150 miles since up date, freeway and mountain roads, the steering feel is great. I noticed the difference in "weight" right away, and its a good change IMO. Just saying. Another thing I have noticed is the centering feel is stronger, that is, the steering wheel stays centered better with no pulling either side of that center. I have not changed anything on the alignment or the tires, but the car now wants to go straight better, but not in an annoying way. IMO if the B8.5 electric steering felt this way from the beginning, there never would have been any complaints by anyone. Of course I need more miles and time before we can declare issue solved for sure.

[Moose201]

I think the 48K8 is a winner. No issues and 150 miles since up date, freeway and mountain roads, the steering feel is great. I noticed the difference in "weight" right away, and its a good change IMO. Just saying. Another thing I have noticed is the centering feel is stronger, that is, the steering wheel stays centered better with no pulling either side of that center. I have not changed anything on the alignment or the tires, but the car now wants to go straight better, but not in an annoying way. IMO if the B8.5 electric steering felt this way from the beginning, there never would have been any complaints by anyone. Of course I need more miles and time before we can declare issue solved for sure.

This is exactly my experience as well. What I would like to know is if there is now any added benefit to unchecking DSR.

[mattchat]

I can also report now that it is much better....I still wish we had a hydraulic tank in there somewhere but this is much much better, for now.

[Mbrad]

I had the 48K8 fix applied. It seemed great for about a day but the car is moving back towards the "drunk driver" feeling I had before. I have arranged with another AZ member who has a vag-com to do the change soon (this weekend hopefully) and will report after that. My guess is that part of the problem goes to the learned response feature of the car "undoing" the software update and then applying it to the DSR. The fix was great until DSR "learned" how to mess it up again?

Update, unchecked DSR and seems better. If I had to do it all over again, DSR and skip Audi fix as it lightened steering a little (not too much though).

[boss2k]

Update, unchecked DSR and seems better. If I had to do it all over again, DSR and skip Audi fix as it lightened steering a little (not too much though).

do you have both 48K8 and DSR unchecked, if so does the steering weight feels different under diff modes like comfort , auto just like the way it was before the 48K8 was applied

[Madbusy168]

I was finally able to uncheck my DSR in the vagcom. Car feels very nice now, has a very Neutral feel to it, no more constant "tugging and battling" the car anymore. I made an appt to have the 48k8 done to my car next Monday. I dont know if I should just cancel the update or not. I set my steering on Dynamic all the time cause I like that Stiff steering wheel feel, from what I am reading, some members are saying a softer steering wheel after the update, some are saying firmer. Really confused about this now. lol

[audibmi]

I was finally able to uncheck my DSR in the vagcom. Car feels very nice now, has a very Neutral feel to it, no more constant "tugging and battling" the car anymore. I made an appt to have the 48k8 done to my car next Monday. I dont know if I should just cancel the update or not. I set my steering on Dynamic all the time cause I like that Stiff steering wheel feel, from what I am reading, some members are saying a softer steering wheel after the update, some are saying firmer. Really confused about this now. lol

perhaps you can schedule at the same time as your appointment, a test drive of a new 2014 S4 with the 48k8 software update and compare if the dynamic mode in that vehicle is lighter or firmer than your current vehicle. you can then decide if you want to proceed with the change or not after a valid back to back comparison, and not simply based on the opinion of others.

[Roy34]

I got the 48K8 update and it has improved the steering considerably.

Softer but not squishy so it takes little effort to make adjustments. Also on long turns it feels easier to keep it smooth and in the zone.

Prior to update, the steering seemed to fight you on corrections.

[achilleas101]

I got the 48K8 update and it has improved the steering considerably.

Softer but not squishy so it takes little effort to make adjustments. Also on long turns it feels easier to keep it smooth and in the zone.

Prior to update, the steering seemed to fight you on corrections.

i just had it done too. i didn't have the steering issue from what i could tell, so i don't really see a difference. however, i drive in dynamic mode all the time, and it was always tough to turn the wheel at low speeds. if anything, that's a little lighter now. but that's about the only thing i've noticed so far.

[thedollardoctor]

I was finally able to uncheck my DSR in the vagcom. Car feels very nice now, has a very Neutral feel to it, no more constant "tugging and battling" the car anymore. I made an appt to have the 48k8 done to my car next Monday. I dont know if I should just cancel the update or not. I set my steering on Dynamic all the time cause I like that Stiff steering wheel feel, from what I am reading, some members are saying a softer steering wheel after the update, some are saying firmer. Really confused about this now. lol

Cancel Bro! If you are happy with how your car feels with DSR disabled, why take the chance that you will be dissatisfied after the software update from Audi. The reviews on the Audi fix are very inconsistent in terms of levels of satisfaction.

[achilleas101]

yikes. i take my earlier comment back. after driving a little more after having the "fix" applied, the steering felt just sloppy in general. it was lighter the entire time, felt more like comfort mode even in dynamic. and it was just... not tight at all. i did NOT like it. So i went ahead and disabled the DSR, now it's back to how it felt before the fix (with DSR still on), albeit a taaad lighter in dynamic, but nowhere NEAR as sloppy as with the "fix".

[Mbrad]

yikes. i take my earlier comment back. after driving a little more after having the "fix" applied, the steering felt just sloppy in general. it was lighter the entire time, felt more like comfort mode even in dynamic. and it was just... not tight at all. i did NOT like it. So i went ahead and disabled the DSR, now it's back to how it felt before the fix (with DSR still on), albeit a taaad lighter in dynamic, but nowhere NEAR as sloppy as with the "fix".

^^^^exactly

[rs4dreams]

yikes. i take my earlier comment back. after driving a little more after having the "fix" applied, the steering felt just sloppy in general. it was lighter the entire time, felt more like comfort mode even in dynamic. and it was just... not tight at all. i did NOT like it. So i went ahead and disabled the DSR, now it's back to how it felt before the fix (with DSR still on), albeit a taaad lighter in dynamic, but nowhere NEAR as sloppy as with the "fix".

I didn't notice a difference with DSR on/off after I got the fix. I agree that the steering feels too light after the fix, but it's at least predictable and consistent around the 12 o'clock position now. One issue I have now is a lack of difference between comfort and dynamic.

[stactum]

I can't make up my mind whether I should go ahead with the "fix" and why reviews are soo different.
I have DSR disabled - car feels great. I mostly drive in Comfort (highway) and occasional Dynamic (back roads/passing) and can't be happier how steering feels with DSR disabled. Even in Comfort it's tight and predictable, has solid weight to it.

Since people are commenting how fix lightens the steering I guess I'll have to pass on it. Anyone else feeling the same way?

No Fix, DSR disabled = way to go!

[gendry]

Yes I feel the same way. If it ain't (any longer) broke, than don't fix it.

I can't make up my mind whether I should go ahead with the "fix" and why reviews are soo different.
I have DSR disabled - car feels great. I mostly drive in Comfort (highway) and occasional Dynamic (back roads/passing) and can't be happier how steering feels with DSR disabled. Even in Comfort it's tight and predictable, has solid weight to it.

Since people are commenting how fix lightens the steering I guess I'll have to pass on it. Anyone else feeling the same way?

No Fix, DSR disabled = way to go!

[thedollardoctor]

I can't make up my mind whether I should go ahead with the "fix" and why reviews are soo different.
I have DSR disabled - car feels great. I mostly drive in Comfort (highway) and occasional Dynamic (back roads/passing) and can't be happier how steering feels with DSR disabled. Even in Comfort it's tight and predictable, has solid weight to it.

Since people are commenting how fix lightens the steering I guess I'll have to pass on it. Anyone else feeling the same way?

No Fix, DSR disabled = way to go!

The Audi "fix" is junk. If you are already happy with the steering, as I am, why mess with it at all?

[achilleas101]

if you're ok with your steering, then, after my experience, i'd have to say don't do it. look at it this way: you can always have it applied later if you develop some problem. But you can't ever undo it.

[drob23]

Unfortunately, Audi probably paid a supplier who developed the EPS a sizable check to implement the "DSR" feature, which is often how German OEM's prefer to do their engineering. They aren't gonna simply "turn it off," but try and fix it either with band-aids or serious re-designs. Guessing that whatever they put out is a band-aid special, which is pretty unbelievable considering steering is one of the highest priorities on the safety list. Balls...I'm assuming the SA will respect my request not to have my steering ecu updated during my 15k maintenance visit.

[thedollardoctor]

Continental is the company that deigned the DSR software...... FAIL

[jauri]

hey man, do you have a vagcom?

I was finally able to uncheck my DSR in the vagcom. Car feels very nice now, has a very Neutral feel to it, no more constant "tugging and battling" the car anymore. I made an appt to have the 48k8 done to my car next Monday. I dont know if I should just cancel the update or not. I set my steering on Dynamic all the time cause I like that Stiff steering wheel feel, from what I am reading, some members are saying a softer steering wheel after the update, some are saying firmer. Really confused about this now. lol

[Madbusy168]

hey man, do you have a vagcom?

Yes

[jauri]

Yes

do you want to wanna help me out with some vagcom mods for some cash or beer? let me know. thanks.

[jdyeah]

I took my car in yesterday for a separate issue and they updated the software which included a steering fix.

[kooltechie]

^^ and how's the steering after the update???

[drob23]

^ Hmm thanks for the note, I'll check it out on my car sometime soon and see if it's possible to flip those two bits. Guessing not, but who knows...

[audibmi]

Coding of early 2013 models with DSR on:
Address 44: Steering Assist (J500) Labels: 8K0-909-144.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 909 144 E HW: 8K0 909 144 B
Component: RCEPS H37 0506
Revision: 00001000
Coding: 100000010001
Shop #: WSC 06324 000 00000


Coding of newer cars with factory DSR off
Address 44: Steering Assist (J500) Labels: 8K0-909-144.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 909 144 E HW: 8K0 909 144 B
Component: RCEPS H37 0506
Revision: 00001000
Coding: 010000010001
Shop #: WSC 06324 000 00000

Are those scans before or after the 48K8 update? The reason I ask is that my part no SW is version F, but your scans still indicate version E.

[audibmi]

These are scans before the 48k8. I added this info in my previous posts. I don't have a vag com right now so I cannot get a scan after 48k8. Can you provide your scan after the 48k8?

It's all detailed here:

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...=1#post9018062

[thedollardoctor]

A quick WTF update for everyone who watches this thread I started.........

Started the car up about a week ago, pulled out of parking lot and my steering was a TOTAL MESS. it was like "the slip" but in all angles across the steering. Slip, grab, slip, grab, slip, grab. It was awful. Turned the car off, opened doors to fully shut down electrical system, restarted the car, steering perfect again. This is the FIRST and ONLY time I have ever had any issues at all with my steering since disabling DSR with VAGCOM and I have had not even a glimpse of an issue since this bizarre behavior.......

Thought it was worth reporting though in case anyone else runs into this. Overall steering is still perfect for me except for this one strange occurrence. I figure it was something in the software for the car that didn't boot up right or something. Have not had a chance to run a scan with VAG COM yet, will try to do so soon and report back any findings.

[drob23]

A quick WTF update for everyone who watches this thread I started.........

Started the car up about a week ago, pulled out of parking lot and my steering was a TOTAL MESS. it was like "the slip" but in all angles across the steering. Slip, grab, slip, grab, slip, grab. It was awful. Turned the car off, opened doors to fully shut down electrical system, restarted the car, steering perfect again. This is the FIRST and ONLY time I have ever had any issues at all with my steering since disabling DSR with VAGCOM and I have had not even a glimpse of an issue since this bizarre behavior.......

Thought it was worth reporting though in case anyone else runs into this. Overall steering is still perfect for me except for this one strange occurrence. I figure it was something in the software for the car that didn't boot up right or something. Have not had a chance to run a scan with VAG COM yet, will try to do so soon and report back any findings.

Sounds like the "notch" or "MMI knob" issue that people had fixed with a replacement rack. Interesting to hear that it was an isolated issue, almost certainly meaning it's software related, like the "slip". Please keep us posted, unlikely that the power steering ecu threw a code but you never know...

[thedollardoctor]

Sounds like the "notch" or "MMI knob" issue that people had fixed with a replacement rack. Interesting to hear that it was an isolated issue, almost certainly meaning it's software related, like the "slip". Please keep us posted, unlikely that the power steering ecu threw a code but you never know...

I have replacement rack already and am very familiar with that issue. This was totally different.

[tomaszp72]

A quick WTF update for everyone who watches this thread I started.........

Started the car up about a week ago, pulled out of parking lot and my steering was a TOTAL MESS. it was like "the slip" but in all angles across the steering. Slip, grab, slip, grab, slip, grab. It was awful. Turned the car off, opened doors to fully shut down electrical system, restarted the car, steering perfect again. This is the FIRST and ONLY time I have ever had any issues at all with my steering since disabling DSR with VAGCOM and I have had not even a glimpse of an issue since this bizarre behavior.......

Thought it was worth reporting though in case anyone else runs into this. Overall steering is still perfect for me except for this one strange occurrence. I figure it was something in the software for the car that didn't boot up right or something. Have not had a chance to run a scan with VAG COM yet, will try to do so soon and report back any findings.

I had this issue twice this week for the first time. DSR dissabled. Seems like excatly what you described. At low speeds. It was in a cooler weather. Today the weather is warmcgain and the steering is perfect again.

[thedollardoctor]

No, neither I or Tomasz have had the software applied. We came up with the disable DSR steering fix.

Tomasz, mine also occurred during a cold morning. Will be interesting to see what happens as winter sets in....

[tomaszp72]

No, neither I or Tomasz have had the software applied. We came up with the disable DSR steering fix.

Tomasz, mine also occurred during a cold morning. Will be interesting to see what happens as winter sets in....

For me when it happened first time it was in the lower 50s. I noticed that the steering is way worts in those temps then when it is warmer. Likewise the winter is coming it will be interesting to see how bad it will get.
I also felt like this was mostly occurring at the lower speeds. When you go faster, especially if you accelerate hard the wheel will tighten up and feels better all around.

[thedollardoctor]

For me. Turning the car off and restarting it made it go away.

Tomasz, do you have the new steering rack?

[tomaszp72]

For me. Turning the car off and restarting it made it go away.

Tomasz, do you have the new steering rack?

I think I di. I picked my car in April 2013.

[tomaszp72]

The other thing I noticed the steering wheel is perfect when you drive the car really hard, it's bad when you drive slow in the traffic or in the 25mph zone.

[Roy34]

I got the 48 update 3 weeks ago. Really improved things, but it didn't last. Steering on mine is poor again. It fights you.

[spl1011]

A quick WTF update for everyone who watches this thread I started.........

Started the car up about a week ago, pulled out of parking lot and my steering was a TOTAL MESS. it was like "the slip" but in all angles across the steering. Slip, grab, slip, grab, slip, grab. It was awful. Turned the car off, opened doors to fully shut down electrical system, restarted the car, steering perfect again. This is the FIRST and ONLY time I have ever had any issues at all with my steering since disabling DSR with VAGCOM and I have had not even a glimpse of an issue since this bizarre behavior.......

Thought it was worth reporting though in case anyone else runs into this. Overall steering is still perfect for me except for this one strange occurrence. I figure it was something in the software for the car that didn't boot up right or something. Have not had a chance to run a scan with VAG COM yet, will try to do so soon and report back any findings.

That's the crap I've been dealing with (and trying to communicate) for almost a year now with everyone thinking I was a quack.
Turning DSR off helped but on some cold starts there are hints of the symptoms.
I got the 48K8 updated done this morning, drove about 30 miles and so far its great. Seems like it has been a great fix for those without ADS (I don't have ADS). Folks that have had it haven't returned complaining. Those with ADS seem to have the most complaints.
I'm not claiming victory yet... Ill give it a couple of weeks.

[GC001]

Mine had to go in to have the rear bumper painted as the laquer peeled off and the software update was completed at the same time.

They sugguested it as a 'recall'.

I had already turned off DSR and was satified with the change but the notchiness appeared as the weather went cooler. Just been on a drive out (via a secret KFC drive throu visit!!) and it feels great. Really pleased with the car.

Hope it doesnt fight me in a few weeks time.

[chet]

I actually might support that comment. When I switched from the stock 19" peelers to 20" aftermarket wheels, the really intense notchiness all but disappeared. The only thing I'm left with is the wacky slipping from the center.

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