2013 Steering Issues VAG COM Fix?

[drob23]

I believe they are still working on a fix. I would say 10-15% of 2013 S4 owners with this problem are members of any Audi forum nor are they aware of our fix. I haven't told my dealer that mine is fixed by this simple mod. I was told I would get a call when there was a fix. They must getting pestered on a daily basis about this fault. I see Audi cars driving around daily and when i do I see their cars with the blink I know they they have no idea about vagcom or any other com except for .com.

+1 Haha...yup I always notice this too. Actually, I have yet to see another Audi with the blink fix.

[thedollardoctor]

I agree 100% with Bzzz on this, my car's steering is now PERFECT! With the lowering springs, new rack, VAG COM mod, and USS and Eurocode goodies, I'm in love with the way this car drives. I doubt I'll let Audi do anything to "fix" my steering even if they do come up with something.....

[BzzzBom]

When I had my steering rack replaced I was in daily contact with Brad Hollister from AOA. He assured me that he would follow up with me at least every two weeks regarding my steering and to update me on their progress with the fix. I am still waiting for the first call.

[Khramov]

Hello from Russia)

I also encountered this problem. Bought the car in early May of this year, running at the moment is only 400 kilometers))) 10 days after the purchase went fine, but then suddenly the wheel at one point was an effort to spin at speeds of 20-25 miles per hour, and the feeling that in the zero zone and then stumbles though on what that invisible step and then goes in spurts, had to constantly hold the steering wheel in the straight position, I was very much annoyed, given that the car in just 2 weeks! I started looking for information on the issue. You will be surprised but in Russia very few people with this problem, Audi cars in our country a lot, but it was such a problem a little) I searched through all the information on the Internet, people began to ask about this problem in the largest Russian site audi-club.ru
Gained only 7-10 people who have such a problem, but how to solve it no one knows. We even have a dealer in Russia changed the steering rack under warranty, and this solved the problem, and the rest went and tormented. I found your forum and a solution to the problem you)
Diller went to in the city, showed him your forum and said that I need to turn off the DSR. We dealer equipment VAS (not VAG-COM). The dealer was very surprised that I had such a problem and said that they had never faced such a problem. Nevertheless, they switch off DSR. In their program (VAS) this is done is simple - select a block (44), and it shows which systems are working in this unit, they did just deactivated the DSR.

I can not say exactly the parameters of its block 44, but I just remembered that I have coding in it is this: 000000000001
In the ABS block with the coding does not give errors and runs diagnostics block OK!

Feels like after a nasty turn this system I can say that so far I do not understand if you still have 100% of the problem with the steering, because I just did today, that's all. But I can tell exactly what these nasty jerking steering gone! I hope that good!)

p.s. Sorry for my bad english)))

[Moose201]

Nice to hear from a Russian member. Your English is actually pretty good and you have a good vocabulary. Some syntax errors but keep working on it. Have you seen the "Driving in Russia" video on YouTube? Is it really that crazy there?

[Khramov]

Nice to hear from a Russian member. Your English is actually pretty good and you have a good vocabulary. Some syntax errors but keep working on it. Have you seen the "Driving in Russia" video on YouTube? Is it really that crazy there?

Yes, I have seen these videos. But we should not judge all drivers in Russia on this video. We only show what they want to show. In Russia a lot of cars, a lot of idiots on the road, and I can not defend them, all people are different. We have put many DVRs because they can really help in case of an accident on the road, because unfortunately in our country, police work is not perfect and sometimes video recording of accidents on the road help to see the real picture of the incident. I think it just all depends on the people themselves and not by country. Just in the U.S. DVRs are not as needed as we have in the country, but I do not think that in the U.S., all drive cars is perfect))) We have a very bad road, very snowy winter, and unfortunately our road services do not work well, and thus give rise to accidents on the roads. All of these video compilation can not give an accurate and complete picture of the drivers in Russia, it is only a small part of what is happening on the roads. A lot of good people, a lot of idiots, probably as well as anywhere.

Look better this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGEiA80ZL08

[Wusty]

Yes, I have seen these videos. But we should not judge all drivers in Russia on this video. We only show what they want to show. In Russia a lot of cars, a lot of idiots on the road, and I can not defend them, all people are different. We have put many DVRs because they can really help in case of an accident on the road, because unfortunately in our country, police work is not perfect and sometimes video recording of accidents on the road help to see the real picture of the incident. I think it just all depends on the people themselves and not by country. Just in the U.S. DVRs are not as needed as we have in the country, but I do not think that in the U.S., all drive cars is perfect))) We have a very bad road, very snowy winter, and unfortunately our road services do not work well, and thus give rise to accidents on the roads. All of these video compilation can not give an accurate and complete picture of the drivers in Russia, it is only a small part of what is happening on the roads. A lot of good people, a lot of idiots, probably as well as anywhere.

Look better this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGEiA80ZL08

That's an excellent video. Thanks for posting.

[Seinsmeld13]

Nice video Khramov.

[Moose201]

Thanks for the video Khramov, I like it.

[achilleas101]

very cool video! never seen so many old ladies being helped to cross the street.

[Mbrad]

Just picked up my 2013 S4. I posted earlier that i would ask the dealer for a scan and post it here. When I asked the dealer for a scan the service department had no idea what I was talking about. I showed him what laakness posted and they said they had never seen anything like and that they had no way to know what the coding was for a particular module. (this is not where I will be servicing my car!). I pushed a bit but go no where.... Is the dealer being coy, stupid or am I missing something here. Anyways, there is gentleman local to me has a vag com so I have contacted him hoping he can take a look at it.

Not sure if i have the problem or not but I just drove home about 100 miles often felt like I was driving in really strong wind and was CONSTANTLY correcting at speed. Will update when I get more info.

[Gromit]

Khramov: that's an awesome video! You've got something all drivers, and all people, around the world should see. I've been driving for many years and can probably count on 2 or 3 fingers the number of times I've seen people do something like that. Maybe it's those Russian winters that make people want to help each other out. Thanks for posting. Now we just need you to translate that opening and ending text!

[S4owner]

Hi All

I have a 2013 S4 that does not have the symptoms of the steering issue. However, more out of curiosity (and believing that everything can be "reversed" easily), I went ahead and unchecked the steering recommendation to see if any difference can be detected in the overall feel. In my case (a Dec 2012 build), the car felt exactly the same after it was unchecked. HOWEVER, now the ABS error won't go away even after reversing it back to what it was before (checked). Please help, I am not sure what else got changed by accident and now I am stuck with the ABS error fault (see below). There is an error in 03 ABS and also for some reason at 5F Info elec (all I did was remove the speed dependent warning)

VCDS Version: Release 11.11.5 (x64)
Data version: 20121222

Tuesday,28,May,2013,19:17:48:28746

Chassis Type: 8R0
Scan: 01 02 03 05 08 09 13 15 16 17 19 22 36 3C 42 44 46 47 52 53
56 5F 62 6C 72 A9

VIN: WAUFGCFL0DA167383 Mileage: 2810km/1746miles

01-Engine -- Status: OK 0000
02-Auto Trans -- Status: OK 0000
03-ABS Brakes -- Status: Malfunction 0010
04-Steering Angle -- Status: OK 0000
05-Acc/Start Auth. -- Status: OK 0000
08-Auto HVAC -- Status: OK 0000
09-Cent. Elect. -- Status: OK 0000
13-Auto Dist. Reg -- Status: OK 0000
15-Airbags -- Status: OK 0000
16-Steering wheel -- Status: OK 0000
17-Instruments -- Status: OK 0000
19-CAN Gateway -- Status: OK 0000
22-AWD -- Status: OK 0000
36-Seat Mem. Drvr -- Status: OK 0000
3C-Lane Change -- Status: OK 0000
42-Door Elect, Driver -- Status: OK 0000
44-Steering Assist -- Status: OK 0000
46-Central Conv. -- Status: OK 0000
47-Sound System -- Status: OK 0000
52-Door Elect, Pass. -- Status: OK 0000
53-Parking Brake -- Status: OK 0000
56-Radio -- Status: OK 0000
5F-Information Electr. -- Status: Malfunction 0010
62-Door, Rear Left -- Status: OK 0000
6C-Back-up Cam. -- Status: OK 0000
72-Door, Rear Right -- Status: OK 0000
A9-Struct. Borne Sound -- Status: OK 0000

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 01: Engine (J623-CGXC) Labels: 06E-907-551-CGW.clb
Part No SW: 8K5 907 551 E HW: 4G0 907 551 A
Component: 3.0l V6 TFSIH07 0002
Revision: --H07---
Coding: 0A250034054600060000
Shop #: WSC 06208 000 00000
ASAM Dataset: EV_ECM30TFS0218K5907551E 001002
ROD: N/A
VCID: 387FF0328323C1D8D9C

No ASAM data for: "EV_ECM30TFS0218K5907551E" (AU48)
No fault code found.
Readiness: 0000 0000

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 02: Auto Trans (J217) Labels: 0B5-927-156.clb
Part No SW: 8K2 927 156 M HW: 0B5 927 156 J
Component: 0B5 30TFSINAR H01 0006
Revision: --H01---
Coding: 000001
Shop #: WSC 06325 000 00000
ASAM Dataset: EV_TCMDL501021 001010
ROD: EV_TCMDL501021_AU48.rod
VCID: 408F98D2DBF3891861C

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 03: ABS Brakes (J104) Labels: 8K0-907-379.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 907 379 CK HW: 8K0 907 379 CK
Component: ESP8 quattro H09 0100
Revision: -------- Serial number: --------------
Coding: 29150A
Shop #: WSC 06325 000 00000
VCID: 8407D4C2076BD538854

1 Fault Found:
01044 - Control Module Incorrectly Coded
000 - - - Intermittent
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00100000
Fault Priority: 3
Fault Frequency: 1
Reset counter: 187
Mileage: 2817 km
Time Indication: 0
Date: 2013.05.28
Time: 18:46:16

Freeze Frame:
Hex Value: 0x0000
Hex Value: 0x0082
Hex Value: 0x0015
Hex Value: 0x1098
Hex Value: 0x0000


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 05: Acc/Start Auth. (J393) Labels: 8K0-907-064-05.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 907 064 GM HW: 8K0 907 064 FM
Component: BCM2 2.0 H11 0621
Revision: 00002001
Coding: 0D814000000000000000
Shop #: WSC 06325 000 00000
VCID: 8109DDD61879C010AE2

Subsystem 1 - Part No SW: 8K0 905 852 E HW: 8K0 905 852 E
Component: J764 ELV MLB H40 0046

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 08: Auto HVAC (J255) Labels: None
Part No SW: 8K1 820 043 T HW: 8K1 820 043 T
Component: KLIMA 3 ZONEN H04 0121
Revision: C1000000 Serial number: 01111120120351
Coding: 6600228000
Shop #: WSC 06325 000 00000
VCID: 3979F536B029D8D0262

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 09: Cent. Elect. (J519) Labels: 8K0-907-063.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 907 063 DJ HW: 8K0 907 063 DJ
Component: BCM1 1.0 H16 0103
Revision: 09016001 Serial number: 00000511561602
Coding: 26000096863CAFE2210048C300003D0D4F9CD308A209022100 0008004400010200040030000000
Shop #: WSC 06325 123 12345
VCID: 7AFB2A3AF5AF13C86F8

Subsystem 1 - Part No SW: 8K1 955 119 A HW: 8T1 955 119 Labels: 1KX-955-119.CLB
Component: WWS 121112 H07 0080
Coding: 00FD11

Subsystem 2 - Part No SW: 8U0 955 559 B HW: 8U0 955 559 B
Component: G397_RLFS H06 0002
Coding: 02005D

Subsystem 3 - Part No SW: 8K0 941 531 AS HW: 8K0 941 531 AS
Component: E1 - LDS H03 0031

Subsystem 4 - Part No SW: 4G0 907 410 A HW: 4H0 907 410 A
Component: USHL4.2 H30 0030

Subsystem 5 - Part No SW: 8K5 941 329 HW: 8K5 941 329
H01 0031

Subsystem 6 - Part No SW: 8K5 941 329 HW: 8K5 941 329
H01 0031

Subsystem 7 - Part No SW: 4H0 907 658 HW: 4H0 907 658
Component: AQ_Hum_Sensor H03 0003

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 13: Auto Dist. Reg (J428) Labels: None
Part No SW: 8K0 907 561 B HW: 8K0 907 561 B
Component: ACC3 H11 0100
Serial number: 00000000000000
Coding: 003348
Shop #: WSC 06325 000 00000
VCID: 3169CD16685910909E2

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 15: Airbags (J234) Labels: 8K0-959-655.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 959 655 P HW: 8K0 959 655 P
Component: AirbagVW-AU10 H45 0610
Serial number: 003KJD911ELF
Coding: 30454235473030303030554A304C384B3053
Shop #: WSC 06325 000 00000
ASAM Dataset: EV_AirbaECUVWAUDI010 003010
ROD: EV_AirbaECUVWAUDI010_AU48.rod
VCID: 4A9BBAFAEDCF4348BF8

Crash sensor for side airbag; driver side:
Serial number: 6334MSME73204F116

Crash sensor for side airbag; passenger side:
Serial number: 6344MSME720249042

Crash sensor for side airbag; rear driver side:
Serial number: 6352QSME3323266CE

Crash sensor for side airbag; rear passenger side:
Serial number: 6362QSME2125365CE

Crash sensor for front airbag; driver side:
Serial number: 63732SME36253D660

Crash sensor for front airbag; passenger side:
Serial number: 63832SME5E23044C1

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 16: Steering wheel (J527) Labels: 8K0-953-568.clb
Part No SW: 8R0 953 568 S HW: 8R0 953 568 S
Component: Lenks.Modul H07 0171
Revision: 00000000 Serial number: 20121112000610
Coding: 00003E
Shop #: WSC 06325 000 00000
VCID: 51A9AD9608997090FE2

Component: E221 - MFL H03 0004

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 17: Instruments (J285) Labels: 8T0-920-xxx-17.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 920 931 N HW: 8K0 920 931 N
Component: KOMBIINSTR. H35 0553
Revision: 00000000 Serial number: RBV28KG5D
Coding: 8BA709008E010008020000
Shop #: WSC 06325 000 00000
VCID: 3979F536B029D8D0262

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 19: CAN Gateway (J533) Labels: 8T0-907-468.clb
Part No SW: 8R0 907 468 P HW: 8R0 907 468 D
Component: GW-BEM 5CAN-M H11 0055
Revision: 1Z100027 Serial number: 2741Z12A198045
Coding: 80C303FF00
Shop #: WSC 06325 000 00000
VCID: 4C97BCE2EFBB5D788D4

Subsystem 1 - Part No SW: 8T0 915 181 HW: 8T0 915 181
Component: J367-BDMHella H03 8041

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 22: AWD (J492) Labels: 8K0-907-163.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 907 163 B HW: 8K0 907 163 A
Component: 4 Wheel Drive H13 0100
Serial number: 002210120001146
ASAM Dataset: EV_AllWheelDiffeQSPCAN 003019
ROD: EV_AllWheelDiffeQSPCAN.rod
VCID: 2F6DCB6E766D0660886

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 36: Seat Mem. Drvr (J136) Labels: 8T0-959-760.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 959 760 D HW: 8K0 959 760 D
Component: MEM-FS H06 0076
Revision: AA000000 Serial number: 00000044064461
Coding: 00581B00000000000000
Shop #: WSC 06325 000 00000
VCID: 3B75EF3EBA15EAC034E

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 3C: Lane Change (J769) Labels: None
Part No SW: 8T0 907 566 B HW: 8T0 907 566 B
Component: SWA Master H03 0060
Serial number: 0187427834
Coding: 010211
Shop #: WSC 06324 000 00000
ASAM Dataset: EV_LaneChangAssis 001020
ROD: EV_LaneChangAssis.rod
VCID: 3F8D9B2EA60DF6E0186

Lane Change Assistant 2:

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 42: Door Elect, Driver (J386) Labels: 8K0-959-793.clb
Part No SW: 8T0 959 793 P HW: 8T0 959 793 G
Component: TSG FA H09 0304
Revision: -------- Serial number: --------------
Coding: 011C13204E00410001
Shop #: WSC 06325 000 00000
VCID: 56A35E8A217717A82B0

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 Serial number: 0025998620
Coding: 100000010001
Shop #: WSC 06324 123 12345
ASAM Dataset: EV_RCEPSAU48X 006012
ROD: EV_RCEPSAU48X.rod
VCID: 3365C71E9A452280ECE

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 46: Central Conv. (J393) Labels: 8K0-907-064-46.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 907 064 GM HW: 8K0 907 064 FM
Component: BCM2 2.0 H11 0621
Revision: 00002001 Serial number: 0187160000
Coding: 0106023A00FA400580B0013200000000
Shop #: WSC 06324 000 00000
VCID: 8109DDD61879C010AE2

Subsystem 1 - Part No SW: 8K0 959 719 B HW: 8K0 959 719
Component: GTO BF H01 0080

Subsystem 2 - Part No: 1K0 951 605 C
Component: LIN BACKUP HO H05 1501

Subsystem 3 - Part No SW: 8K0 959 591 B HW: 8K0 959 591
Component: J245 PS050 H08 0043

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 47: Sound System (J525) Labels: 8T0-035-223-BOM.clb
Part No SW: 8T1 035 223 A HW: 8T1 035 223 A
Component: DSP Prem H05 0030
Revision: 00005001 Serial number: 94813007864102
VCID: 2D51D16674617470BAA

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 52: Door Elect, Pass. (J387) Labels: 8K0-959-792.clb
Part No SW: 8T0 959 792 P HW: 8T0 959 792 G
Component: TSG BF H09 0304
Revision: -------- Serial number: --------------
Coding: 011C13204E00410001
Shop #: WSC 06325 000 00000
VCID: 55A159863C711CB022A

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 53: Parking Brake (----) Labels: 8K0-907-801-V2.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 907 801 L HW: 8K0 907 801 J
Component: EPB-4 H01 0003
Revision: -------- Serial number: 00000001208842
ASAM Dataset: EV_ParkiBrake 001027
ROD: EV_ParkiBrake.rod
VCID: 387FF0328323C1D8D9C

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 56: Radio (R) Labels: Redir Fail!
Part No SW: 4G0 035 082 E HW: 4G0 035 082
Component: Radio U SIRIU H60 0121
Revision: AB001007 Serial number: 156K80C7665169
Coding: 020007010000000001
Shop #: WSC 06325 000 00000
VCID: 224B325A3DBFBB08178

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 5F: Information Electr. (J794) Labels: 4E0-035-6xx-5F.clb
Part No SW: 8R1 035 664 C HW: 8R1 035 664 B
Component: H-BN-NA H44 0624
Revision: -------- Serial number: 203KY0C7512843
Coding: 110200000206C9EF75028B4E00000403F40000020000000000
Shop #: WSC 06325 000 00000
VCID: 3663FE0A813737A8CB0

Subsystem 1 - Part No: 8R0 060 884 BA
Component: NAR 2013 0703

Subsystem 2 - Part No SW: 8R0 919 604 HW: 8R0 919 604
Component: DU7 High H41 0104

Subsystem 3 - Part No SW: 8T0 919 611 L HW: 8T0 919 611 C
Component: E0380 Bedient H02 0030

Subsystem 4 - Part No: 8R0 060 961 E
Component: CD-Database 4949

1 Fault Found:
03157 - Functionality limited due to Communications Disruption
000 - - - Intermittent
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00100000
Fault Priority: 6
Fault Frequency: 1
Reset counter: 181
Mileage: 2801 km
Time Indication: 0
Date: 2013.05.26
Time: 22:24:27

Freeze Frame:
Bin. Bits: 00000001 00000000
Bin. Bits: 00000000 00000000
Bin. Bits: 00000000 00000000
Bin. Bits: 00000000 00000000
Bin. Bits: 00000000 00000000


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 62: Door, Rear Left (J388) Labels: 8K0-959-795.clb
Part No SW: 8T0 959 795 Q HW: 8T0 959 795 H
Component: TSG HL H07 0304
Revision: -------- Serial number: --------------
Coding: 010C13204000210001
Shop #: WSC 06325 000 00000
VCID: 59B955B6506938D0062

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 6C: Back-up Cam. Labels: 4L0-910-441.clb
Part No SW: 8T0 907 441 C HW: 4L0 907 441 B
Component: J772__Rearview 0040
Revision: --H07--- Serial number: 525PA8-J2894VQ
Coding: 1000006
Shop #: WSC 06325 000 00000
VCID: 387FF0324B23C1D8D9C

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 72: Door, Rear Right (J389) Labels: 8K0-959-794.clb
Part No SW: 8T0 959 795 Q HW: 8T0 959 795 H
Component: TSG HR H07 0304
Revision: -------- Serial number: --------------
Coding: 010C13204000210001
Shop #: WSC 06325 000 00000
VCID: 59B955B6506938D0062

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address A9: Struct. Borne Sound (J869) Labels: 4H0-907-159.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 907 159 HW: 4H0 907 159 A
Component: SAS-GEN 2 H06 0005
Serial number: 121003200255
ASAM Dataset: EV_SoundActuaGen2AU64X 002005
ROD: EV_SoundActuaGen2AU64X.rod
VCID: F2EB821A25DFEB88A78

No fault code found.

End ---------------------------------------------------------------------

[drob23]

Dumb question, but you cleared the fault code, correct? Make sure you go into the module and directly clear the code rather than using the clear all codes option from the home menu of VCDS (found problems with this before).

Looks like the steering module has the correct default coding of 100000010001.

[S4owner]

Thank you. I am new to this so I am not sure how to clear the code directly in the module... what button do I press or what do I do? Sorry for the naive question.

[1MORLAP]

Thank you. I am new to this so I am not sure how to clear the code directly in the module... what button do I press or what do I do? Sorry for the naive question.

You have to go to 03 - ABS, there you can read and clear codes for just ABS. Same with 5F, there is a button for each. Play around, you can't break things by just reading and snooping around. Clear codes is safe too.

[shipy]

Just changed back to standard, as i found the steering very light but no tug, but just enabled drive select lite (no sat nav) and the car has become a joy to drive no longer miss my old quattro quite as much.

[Joe Bloggins]

I have a 2014 S4 lined up for late September delivery. My concern, after reading dozens of blogs and chats is still this notchy/wavering steering issue that seems to be present due apparently to the electromagnetic steering. I spent over two hours at my local dealer discussing this issue with both the service advisor whom I know personally and because of the fact that she is basically on the front lines when it comes to any complaints (so I trust her take on this). At one point she went and got the head techy who has been with this Audi dealer for over 20 years. He is suggesting all this talk about changing the steering rack will not help anything in this regard. He did state that wheels, rims, tires and you name it could all be contributing factors to what people are experiencing. When I first read about this issue I believed that this was Audi's first attempt at using this technology. He immediately stated that this technology for the B8 machines has been around since 2006 and used in the A3 with complete success. He agreed that this technology does feel and drive somewhat differently. They had a car in today in fact where the owner believed something was not right about his steering. They have given him a loaner while they continue to check out his vehicle. The techy also stated that they had already run all the diagnostics and that he took it for a drive on a variety of roads and felt nothing unusual. The issue around attempting to duplicate the scenario when the techies are present shouldn't matter because if there has been a failure at any time prior to the check, the diagnostic equipment has a built in data retrieval feature that brings back any previous failure of this component. They are, however going to continue to keep this gentleman's car while the customer drives the loaner. When he returns the loaner I will be driving this A4 all day to see if it exhibits these strange characteristics that are being played out in these blogs and chat lines. I have incidentally driven a 2013 S4 (brand new) for about an hour but the dealer did not want me to run up the miles thus I didn't really notice anything unusual but in fairness did not get to put it through its paces in any unusual driver situations. Certainly I will be taking this loaner in myriad driving conditions to ascertain whether the steering is an issue. Audi must know about the 1000's of concerns out there and for them to just ignore these concerns seems inappropriate to say the least. Particularly, when people are now throwing out the 'Lemon Law' scenario. Thinking about this situation it reminds me of the Apple Corporation who never admits to any flaw or defect in their product. i.e. battery issues etc., etc. Whenever I have made contact with them they always suggest that it's the first they've heard of such an issue. Utter nonsense of course! Fortunately even though I have a vehicle coming, if I choose not to get it my local dealer will just move it on to some other customer. I haven't even had to put any $$$$ down. Cheers, will be interested in hearing any other perspectives on this.
Joe

[1MORLAP]

Joe:

Have you read any reviews from Automotive press? I think EVERY review mentions how bad the new steering is. Before you jump into that A4, drive a 2011 BMW 3 series, and you will immediately know what we are all talking about.

In addition to just being bad, there are also two issues with it. These occur on some but not all cars. Notchines and slip. These will likely be addressed by Audi soon.

[Gromit]

In addition to just being bad, there are also two issues with it. These occur on some but not all cars. Notchines and slip. These will likely be addressed by Audi soon.

I was wondering if anyone had any updated info on the status of Audi's long-promised fix. Do you know something new?

[kooltechie]

I was wondering if anyone had any updated info on the status of Audi's long-promised fix. Do you know something new?

+1

[Wusty]

I have a 2014 S4 lined up for late September delivery. My concern, after reading dozens of blogs and chats is still this notchy/wavering steering issue that seems to be present due apparently to the electromagnetic steering. I spent over two hours at my local dealer discussing this issue with both the service advisor whom I know personally and because of the fact that she is basically on the front lines when it comes to any complaints (so I trust her take on this). At one point she went and got the head techy who has been with this Audi dealer for over 20 years. He is suggesting all this talk about changing the steering rack will not help anything in this regard. He did state that wheels, rims, tires and you name it could all be contributing factors to what people are experiencing. When I first read about this issue I believed that this was Audi's first attempt at using this technology. He immediately stated that this technology for the B8 machines has been around since 2006 and used in the A3 with complete success. He agreed that this technology does feel and drive somewhat differently. They had a car in today in fact where the owner believed something was not right about his steering. They have given him a loaner while they continue to check out his vehicle. The techy also stated that they had already run all the diagnostics and that he took it for a drive on a variety of roads and felt nothing unusual. The issue around attempting to duplicate the scenario when the techies are present shouldn't matter because if there has been a failure at any time prior to the check, the diagnostic equipment has a built in data retrieval feature that brings back any previous failure of this component. They are, however going to continue to keep this gentleman's car while the customer drives the loaner. When he returns the loaner I will be driving this A4 all day to see if it exhibits these strange characteristics that are being played out in these blogs and chat lines. I have incidentally driven a 2013 S4 (brand new) for about an hour but the dealer did not want me to run up the miles thus I didn't really notice anything unusual but in fairness did not get to put it through its paces in any unusual driver situations. Certainly I will be taking this loaner in myriad driving conditions to ascertain whether the steering is an issue. Audi must know about the 1000's of concerns out there and for them to just ignore these concerns seems inappropriate to say the least. Particularly, when people are now throwing out the 'Lemon Law' scenario. Thinking about this situation it reminds me of the Apple Corporation who never admits to any flaw or defect in their product. i.e. battery issues etc., etc. Whenever I have made contact with them they always suggest that it's the first they've heard of such an issue. Utter nonsense of course! Fortunately even though I have a vehicle coming, if I choose not to get it my local dealer will just move it on to some other customer. I haven't even had to put any $$$$ down. Cheers, will be interested in hearing any other perspectives on this.
Joe

Get access to a vagcom, uncheck the Driver Steering Recommendation box, problem solved! It's as easy as that. There's not a second more time you need to spend on worrying about the steering.

[S4owner]

Just for the record, I wanted to let everyone know that I don't have any of the steering issues on my 2013 S4 which was delivered in Jan 2013. While the steering is a tad light and artificial in comparison to say, an older BMW or older Audi's with hydraulic steering, the overall feel is still very good (especially if you put the steering on dynamic mode). Also, at least in my car, unchecking the driver steering recommendation made NO DIFFERENCE whatsoever in the steering feel, so I guess the new S4s which do not exhibit these issues do not require this mod. Audi must have recalibrated or retuned the software to deal with the issue with vehicles produced in 2013 calendar year, so I am assuming that 2014s won't have any issues.

And just to clarify, I have to date driven over 6,000 cars as a professional automotive evaluation specialist, so I have had plenty of chance to compare the S4's steering to many other cars. In fact, I've recently driven the 2013 and 2014 Audi S5, S6, S7, and S8 and frankly, even with the electric steering, the S4 felt the best (though the S8 is surprisingly good).

I wouldn't worry about the issue for 2014 S4s, since the late production 2013 S4s don't seem to have that issue any longer.

[Gromit]

Just for the record, I wanted to let everyone know that I don't have any of the steering issues on my 2013 S4 which was delivered in Jan 2013. While the steering is a tad light and artificial in comparison to say, an older BMW or older Audi's with hydraulic steering, the overall feel is still very good (especially if you put the steering on dynamic mode). Also, at least in my car, unchecking the driver steering recommendation made NO DIFFERENCE whatsoever in the steering feel, so I guess the new S4s which do not exhibit these issues do not require this mod. Audi must have recalibrated or retuned the software to deal with the issue with vehicles produced in 2013 calendar year, so I am assuming that 2014s won't have any issues.

And just to clarify, I have to date driven over 6,000 cars as a professional automotive evaluation specialist, so I have had plenty of chance to compare the S4's steering to many other cars. In fact, I've recently driven the 2013 and 2014 Audi S5, S6, S7, and S8 and frankly, even with the electric steering, the S4 felt the best (though the S8 is surprisingly good).

I wouldn't worry about the issue for 2014 S4s, since the late production 2013 S4s don't seem to have that issue any longer.

Did the S4 you test drove have the full ADS, by that I mean with the adjustable dampers? Did you by any chance test drive S4's with and without that feature? I ask because I now understand that the steering system in cars with "full ADS" is somewhat different from those that don't, and that may explain part of what I'm experiencing.

I test drove a full ADS car but ultimately bought one without the adjustable dampers so I could put the money toward coilovers. That may (or may not) explain why the steering in my car feels lighter and sloppier than the one I test drove.

Thoughts?

[drob23]

Did the S4 you test drove have the full ADS, by that I mean with the adjustable dampers? Did you by any chance test drive S4's with and without that feature? I ask because I now understand that the steering system in cars with "full ADS" is somewhat different from those that don't, and that may explain part of what I'm experiencing.

I test drove a full ADS car but ultimately bought one without the adjustable dampers so I could put the money toward coilovers. That may (or may not) explain why the steering in my car feels lighter and sloppier than the one I test drove.

Thoughts?

Why would the adjustable dampers change the steering system? Handling will be different with adjustable dampers, and I think it's the case that the rear springs are on a perch so ride height might vary slightly. But the steering rack is the same unless you have evidence otherwise.

[thedollardoctor]

Joe, personally I disagree with "S4owner" who is of the opinion that this issue doesn't exist anymore. It took some people up to 10,000 miles driven on their brand new S4 before these issues arose.

That being said, it appears that in some instances Audi has manually disabled the Driver Steering Recommendation feature (the very software that has been causing the "slip" issue) which is most likely the reason some have not ever experienced this. And may be the reason "S4owner" feels this issue is gone.

But like one other poster mentioned, the main issue is VERY easy to fix with this simple VAG COM mod and to all of our knowledge Audi has changed the steering rack that is being used now and that has fixed the "notchiness" issues.

I would, with GREAT confidence, and knowledge of the steering issues and "repairs" for these issues, order a 2014 Audi S4.

[13S4]

Why would the adjustable dampers change the steering system? Handling will be different with adjustable dampers, and I think it's the case that the rear springs are on a perch so ride height might vary slightly. But the steering rack is the same unless you have evidence otherwise.

When you get the full ADS system it does change the steering. It was advertised to have "Dynamic" steering, where as the Sports Differential "ADS" Lite has a steering option but it only changes how heavy the steering feel is. On the Audi website they have a good explanation of what Dynamic Steering is.

[Jim1969]

So you feel that the cars without the adjustable suspension drive sloppier than those with?

[Gromit]

So you feel that the cars without the adjustable suspension drive sloppier than those with?

Why would the adjustable dampers change the steering system? Handling will be different with adjustable dampers, and I think it's the case that the rear springs are on a perch so ride height might vary slightly. But the steering rack is the same unless you have evidence otherwise.

The issue isn't the adjustable dampers themselves, it's the steering ratio change (as opposed to steering boost) that comes as part of the package with the "full ADS". I've done some additional research since my last post and have confirmed this is the case. It's discussed in at least the three threads listed below and show in the video noted.

-http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/450829-How-to-enable-ADS-Dynamic-mode-for-a-car-without-the-sport-diff-and-no-NAV
-http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/465930-Audi-Drive-Select-Questions
-http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/439487-ADS-VS-stock
-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ge7huVZANC4&feature=player_detailpage

This confirms what I suspected from driving four different S4s. The first S4 I test drove at one dealer had very sloppy, vague, imprecise steering that almost resulted in me bailing on the idea of buying an S4. Unfortunately, I wasn't paying attention to whether it had full or "lite" ADS and the salesperson's assistant who was with me was worthless in being able to explain anything. When I went to a better dealer, the S4 I drove had significantly better steering: firmer and more precise, although still on the soft side and not as firm as I would have liked coming from my 987 Boxster. I know that car had full ADS. The car I ultimately bought did not have full ADS and it has the sloppy, vague, imprecise steering. So does the S4 loaner I'm driving now, which also does not have full ADS.

It seems the difference in all three cars is likely due to the steering ratio adjustability when you have full ADS. Unfortunately I don't recall that any of the sales folks I dealt with explained this steering ratio adjustment with full ADS. I think that aspect of full ADS makes it a more appealing feature, although I don't know why Audi doesn't just make the steering ratio adjustability standard (or at least come with the Prestige trim) on a $60k car. Nonetheless, I still feel I make the right decision to skip full ADS and plan to use the money save on coilovers, and I look forward to the Eurocode USS system providing me much of the steering feel that I want.

[drob23]

When you get the full ADS system it does change the steering. It was advertised to have "Dynamic" steering, where as the Sports Differential "ADS" Lite has a steering option but it only changes how heavy the steering feel is. On the Audi website they have a good explanation of what Dynamic Steering is.

Sigh, I think this is a case of me mis-interpreting which "ADS"...the acronym is slightly overused when it comes to the S4

[drob23]

The issue isn't the adjustable dampers themselves, it's the steering ratio change (as opposed to steering boost) that comes as part of the package with the "full ADS".

Sorry, I was thinking you meant the adjustable suspension. The dynamic steering is definitely something else. My uneducated guess is that the tuning on the variable steering rack was better carried out and probably specifically targeted for the higher level sport variants while the standard rack is probably used on every car/wagon built on the B8 platform. You should go with the EC setup and see if that alleviates some of your concerns, but it's unlikely the setup will mirror the "feel" of the variable steering system - for better or worse.

[Madbusy168]

I also have a 2013 that I took delivery in late march, I have a vag.com cable and I tried to uncheck the driver assist thing today but my car rejected the code. I tried it twice and same results again..

[guestlinger]

I also have a 2013 that I took delivery in late march, I have a vag.com cable and I tried to uncheck the driver assist thing today but my car rejected the code. I tried it twice and same results again..

did you VAG with ignition on and engine off? I need to be in this state for my VAGCOM coding to be accepted!

[13S4]

did you VAG with ignition on and engine off? I need to be in this state for my VAGCOM coding to be accepted!

I had the same issues. I turned my car on and off a couple times and it eventually worked.

[drob23]

I also have a 2013 that I took delivery in late march, I have a vag.com cable and I tried to uncheck the driver assist thing today but my car rejected the code. I tried it twice and same results again..

There's also something where you need to set the service center location or some other VCDS setting. Not sure why you don't need this for other modules, but I remember a specific problem with getting code accepted by the steering ECU. Try googling or poking around here for more info on how to properly configure VCDS to have coding accepted - search specifically for the error message you get.

[Madbusy168]

I had the key on and engine off, otherwise there is no communication at all. I'm really really computer retarded, my buddy had the entire vag.com thing downloaded and set up in my laptop and lend me his cable to use. Idid a few mods successfully and the only thing that I can't get to work are, the window roll up and down, and the battery on display. I got the wink done, double beep when unlocking door, interior foot lighting, even video in motion.

[100Daily]

I am really confused by this whole slip thing, and people endlessly complaining about the steering. I have tracked my car. Gone 155 in it. Power drifted everywhere. Raced up and down mountains. No slip. No problems at all. I guess I will just count my lucky stars, but I have never experienced any issues at all with my steering.

If its software, shouldn't all cars be experiencing the same thing with the Audi default setting? Why would one car be fine with that setting, and another make someone feel like they were about to lose control of their vehicle it was so bad? This doesn't make sense to me. Sorry if i missed it, but does the steering software adjust to your driving?

I was really asking for it with this post, and sure enough the dreaded slip came to my car. Now unfortunately I know it all too well. One day I was driving down the road and it started, and hasn't stopped since. The car was delivered back in October of 2012 FWIW. I disabled the module and KAZAAM! I got the error code as well.

01044 - Control Module Incorrectly Coded
000 - -
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 01100000
Fault Priority: 3
Fault Frequency: 1
Reset counter: 138
Mileage: 19490 km
Time Indication: 0
Date: 2013.06.16
Time: 12:29:32

Freeze Frame:
Hex Value: 0x0000
Hex Value: 0x00A2
Hex Value: 0x0015
Hex Value: 0x1094
Hex Value: 0x0000

I have yet to drive it, but will post back a bit later.

EDIT: I can immediately tell it solved the issue. THANK YOU! I definitely recommend it. Initially I was thinking if I had the ABS error, I would switch it back to avoid causing a new issue. But after driving it I don't care if it throws a code on my VCDS, I am just be glad to be rid of that annoying slip. At least it doesn't show a MIL on the dash, that would drive me insane. Thanks again for the tip.

[Silica666]

The audi tech at my local dealership has just contacted me saying I can book my car in for the awaited software update next week!!!!

[mattchat]

Say what? The fix is out, just like that without any of the others piping in?? You sure this isn't the older TSB?

The audi tech at my local dealership has just contacted me saying I can book my car in for the awaited software update next week!!!!

[thedollardoctor]

The audi tech at my local dealership has just contacted me saying I can book my car in for the awaited software update next week!!!!

No thanks, I'll stick with my perfectly functioning electric steering that I fixed MYSELF! :-)