2013 Steering Issues VAG COM Fix?

[zee007]

Interesting, so your car did not come with ADS but you added the ADS "Lite" functions. Did you install the physical buttons or do you just use the MMI to control?

So it may be possible to turn of DSR and get rid of the ABS code by implementing ADS Lite functions. Man it's like 3 letter acronym soup...

Thanks,

Correct. No buttons (yet). ADS lite via MMI (enabled engine and steering).

[[email protected]]

Correct. No buttons (yet). ADS lite via MMI (enabled engine and steering).

OK so folks, for those of you who do not have ADS which includes Dynamic Steering it looks like the way to get rid of the ABS incorrect coding error is to turn on ADS "Lite". See David @ Audienthusiasts excellent write up to do this and sounds like that code will go away:

http://www.audienthusiasts.com/Project_ADS.html

Always big props to David on these projects. I'll give this a shot later today probably and report back.

Thanks too for Zee helping!

[tomaszp72]

OK so folks, for those of you who do not have ADS which includes Dynamic Steering it looks like the way to get rid of the ABS incorrect coding error is to turn on ADS "Lite". See David @ Audienthusiasts excellent write up to do this and sounds like that code will go away:

http://www.audienthusiasts.com/Project_ADS.html

Always big props to David on these projects. I'll give this a shot later today probably and report back.

Thanks too for Zee helping!

Alex, I don't have ADS and haven't enabled it yet (planning on doing it this weekend) and I don't have the ABS error code. 2013 Q5.

[[email protected]]

I took some time to run out and code the ADS Lite and get that all set. It worked, supposedly I now have control of the engine and steering.

However I still get the ABS incorrect coding error when the Driver Steering Recommendation is turned off.

So considering another 2013 Allroad here has the exact same setup but is not getting the ABS module code would make me think it's coding in another module that's effecting this. Something isn't behaving harmoniously.

Cheers,

[zee007]

Interesting. Let me know if you want me to brainstorm options or modules. I can take a look this weekend.

[thedollardoctor]

I am sorry if i am asking this question again but can you please define slip issue ?

Is it with the hands on steering or without it

By doing this setup change can the car throw any error , i read somewhere above that it threw ABS error

Just want to understand whether i have this issue and decide if i need to do this setup for better steering feel. As of now i dont see any issues with my steering.

Definition of "the slip" is given in the original post. To my knowledge, no S4 owner who had made this adjustment has had any ABS error codes or any error codes at all. Also, S4 owners appear to be having greater success with this being a "fix" than other car model owners.

[[email protected]]

Interesting. Let me know if you want me to brainstorm options or modules. I can take a look this weekend.

What would be great is if you sent over a full Auto-Scan. If you can do that this would be awesomely helpful: [email protected]

Thank you!

[Seinsmeld13]

Update guys. Corrected the slip issue 750 km ago. I also adjusted my Bielsteins from full soft to 4 all around four days ago. Feels like a new car. I was seriously considering selling the car, that's how bad it was, just awful. Anyway thanks to the OP and Thomasz for finding this fix, I gotta go now and find some twists with my new ride.

[Doc Brown]

So, I have been following this thread and many others. My steering has been fine, and for that I consider myself blessed. I am old enough that sayings like, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" ring true for me. I had planned to leave it alone

Last night driving home, the car got kinda "wandery" on the highway. Yeah, I was traveling "at a good clip" with cross winds, but I did not think they were THAT bad and the car was dancing quite a bit. Steering never felt "loose" but I did need to correct a lot.

So this morning, I got out the VAG and found that in my car this French Driver Assist thing was already disabled. Mmmph. I guess that explains why my steering has not been sucking. Never had the notchiness. It is no M3, but the steering is direct and more than adequate, if a bit artificial in feel. No complaints. Never convincingly had the slip issue, but the steering did behave "oddly" with inappropriate boost on two occasions a few months ago which made the car a bit challenging to drive. Braking hard into low speed turns, to be exact. Control was never compromised, but it was a real event

My car was built in October, delivered in November and had its first service visit in late Feb. I will say that when I picked my car up from first service (5K miles), the steering felt different to me. I never thought it felt bad, but it felt different - or so I thought.

I attributed it at the time to my having just driven the Q5 loaner (a lovely vehicle) and getting back in an S car. I wonder now if Audi has also figured this out and is quietly turning off this feature at service visits until it can come up with a real fix. There was no mention of coding on my work receipt and the other VAG mods I made previously are still there. I recall one other poster on this thread (perhaps more) noting that the code was turned off in his/her car as well.

Anyone else connect the VAG and find this feature already disabled?

[Gotchaa]

So, I have been following this thread and many others. My steering has been fine, and for that I consider myself blessed. I am old enough that sayings like, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" ring true for me. I had planned to leave it alone

Last night driving home, the car got kinda "wandery" on the highway. Yeah, I was traveling "at a good clip" with cross winds, but I did not think they were THAT bad and the car was dancing quite a bit. Steering never felt "loose" but I did need to correct a lot.

So this morning, I got out the VAG and found that in my car this French Driver Assist thing was already disabled. Mmmph. I guess that explains why my steering has not been sucking. Never had the notchiness. It is no M3, but the steering is direct and more than adequate, if a bit artificial in feel. No complaints. Never convincingly had the slip issue, but the steering did behave "oddly" with inappropriate boost on two occasions a few months ago which made the car a bit challenging to drive. Braking hard into low speed turns, to be exact. Control was never compromised, but it was a real event

My car was built in October, delivered in November and had its first service visit in late Feb. I will say that when I picked my car up from first service (5K miles), the steering felt different to me. I never thought it felt bad, but it felt different - or so I thought.

I attributed it at the time to my having just driven the Q5 loaner (a lovely vehicle) and getting back in an S car. I wonder now if Audi has also figured this out and is quietly turning off this feature at service visits until it can come up with a real fix. There was no mention of coding on my work receipt and the other VAG mods I made previously are still there. I recall one other poster on this thread (perhaps more) noting that the code was turned off in his/her car as well.

Anyone else connect the VAG and find this feature already disabled?

Doc my car was built around the same time, I have drive select and dynamic steering, and my DSR is not enabled. I had my 5k done a week ago. I do believe Audi is disabling this as a short term fix. As shared in the steering thread, my local shop foreman explained they just had a regional meeting with Audi field rep and all the area shop foreman's and were told the steering issue is still being worked on. I shared the coding change with him and asked if they did this, he indicated they just upload whatever program Audi gives them. Had my car in last month for steering rack replacement, which was pointless, and an alignment, 3 now. The steering is now perfect.

He is going to ask his field rep if this coding change was done for a short term fix but could not promise the field rep from AoA would know or would even answer this question as Audi may consider this info privileged. I am sure they don't want folks going in and coding their own cars.

It is clear that early rack replacements did not change this coding, and now it seems there is a variance of who has it enabled and who does not.

There also seems to be confusion about 2013s, packages, and differences in coding:
(PDD) which includes Audi Drive Select, Audi Dynamic Steering, and Adaptive Cruise control
(PDU) includes Audi Drive Select and Sports Diff

The PDD package with Dynamic Steering is not something that can be coded to enable as there is a mechanical difference with dynamic steering (while Drive Select can).

The mixed reports of DSR already disabled may be attributed to whether or not one has been in for service recently on this steering issue or a 5K, or it could be just coding differences based on build and date of manufacture. Not everyone has this slip issue.

I believe we will find coding differences between these two packages, as well as cars that don't have either for 2013. What the actual setting was and should be for each model/package variance, what changed, when it changed, and why is the question (I believe the why is short term fix).

[13S4]

I've never had any of the issues mentioned in either of these threads, but last night I made the Vag com change and never realized what I was missing. My other vehicles are big trucks so the steering isn't the best on them, and the Audi's always felt miles better. After making the change the steering feels seems a bit heavier, and there is more road feedback. I highly recommend every check theirs and make the change if it isn't already done. Thank you dollardoctor for figuring this out.

[thedollardoctor]

I've never had any of the issues mentioned in either of these threads, but last night I made the Vag com change and never realized what I was missing. My other vehicles are big trucks so the steering isn't the best on them, and the Audi's always felt miles better. After making the change the steering feels seems a bit heavier, and there is more road feedback. I highly recommend every check theirs and make the change if it isn't already done. Thank you dollardoctor for figuring this out.

Happy to help brother and glad you found this adjustment helped your steering improve eventhough you didn't have the slip! This seems to be the general consensus in the S4 community now. A MUST MOD

[achilleas101]

i wonder if new cars have this then.... if anybody in the DC / NOVA area has a VAGCOM and wants to check it on mine (Feb build) i'd be happy to oblige. I haven't experienced any issues yet...

fyi to anyone counting, i checked mine and the option IS checked. so as of Feb, they were still enabling it by default. i decided to leave it on just to see if i end up having the problem or not. Figure that's a good control.

meanwhile, i'm intrigued by people unchecking it who have not experienced a problem and then saying that their steering is firmer. I have the sport diff. and when i change the drive select setting to dynamic, the steering stiffens up. in auto and comfort, most of the time it's a lot looser.

do the folks reporting stiffer steering by unchecking the box NOT have the drive select option?

[boss2k]

Also if u do uncheck the box can it be checked again back , in other words can the setting be reverted back to factory setting in case it throws an error code

[zee007]

Also if u do uncheck the box can it be checked again back , in other words can the setting be reverted back to factory setting in case it throws an error code

Yes, it can be reversed.

[drob23]

I took some time to run out and code the ADS Lite and get that all set. It worked, supposedly I now have control of the engine and steering.

However I still get the ABS incorrect coding error when the Driver Steering Recommendation is turned off.

So considering another 2013 Allroad here has the exact same setup but is not getting the ABS module code would make me think it's coding in another module that's effecting this. Something isn't behaving harmoniously.

Cheers,

I also get this ABS error after turning off the "driver steering recommendation". Any potential solutions yet? I have quite a few VCDS coding options checked, so I'm guessing that you're correct about something else affecting this (might it be TPMS?). I can send you a print out of my scan if you like?

Thanks!

[Mrads]

Great thread. Thanks to all for your efforts and information.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[Mbrad]

Most interesting thread I have seen in a while, relatively new here (new bwm to audi convert) so not sure how to subscribe without posting something.

[rs4dreams]

Flipped the bit on my car today. Definite improvement. Steering is more "consistent" throughout the full range and a bit heavier in all modes. I did get the "incorrect coding" code in the ABS module but I'm not too worried about it. Thanks for the great info!

[Silica666]

Quick question, do any of you guys with the 12 O'clock slip, have 'Lane assist'? as an option on your vehicles, as this may be part of the 'driver suggest'. It is an option in European models, talking with my dealer to try this vag-com option.

[thedollardoctor]

Quick question, do any of you guys with the 12 O'clock slip, have 'Lane assist'? as an option on your vehicles, as this may be part of the 'driver suggest'. It is an option in European models, talking with my dealer to try this vag-com option.

I had "the slip" horribly and do not have lane assist on my car.

[Silica666]

I had "the slip" horribly and do not have lane assist on my car.

Thanks, will let them know.

[Bronx Cheer]

fyi to anyone counting, i checked mine and the option IS checked. so as of Feb, they were still enabling it by default. i decided to leave it on just to see if i end up having the problem or not. Figure that's a good control.

meanwhile, i'm intrigued by people unchecking it who have not experienced a problem and then saying that their steering is firmer. I have the sport diff. and when i change the drive select setting to dynamic, the steering stiffens up. in auto and comfort, most of the time it's a lot looser.

do the folks reporting stiffer steering by unchecking the box NOT have the drive select option?

Where did you end up getting the VAG-COM? EuroWerks in Falls Church has it, I believe, but I don't know what they charge.

[Bronx Cheer]

At what point is the ABS error triggered? Is the code thrown immediately when you try to save the "off" setting for driver suggestion setting? Or after your drive the car a bit?

[[email protected]]

At what point is the ABS error triggered? Is the code thrown immediately when you try to save the "off" setting for driver suggestion setting? Or after your drive the car a bit?

Happens immediately when the coding is changed in the Steering Assist for the DSR. At least from what I have seen, don't even need to shut the car down and back on. The second the DSR bit is unchecked the ABS module throws that code.

Cheers,

[thedollardoctor]

Makes sense to some degree why it would do this as the DSR is part of the overall Electronic Stability Control system in the car and this must have some tie-in with the ABS system as well. For all practical purposes I have been driving with this adjustment and (most likely the ABS error code as well) for many weeks and miles now with NO issues at all with steering or braking..... Sure I prefer no error codes at all, but to me the improvement in steering is completely worth this code being thrown.

As a side note, I have only once ever even had my ABS activate, even when driving in severe snow, and braking late, the ABS just didn't activate due to dedicated winter wheels and the badassery that is the Quattro AWD system.

[drob23]

Makes sense to some degree why it would do this as the DSR is part of the overall Electronic Stability Control system in the car and this must have some tie-in with the ABS system as well. For all practical purposes I have been driving with this adjustment and (most likely the ABS error code as well) for many weeks and miles now with NO issues at all with steering or braking..... Sure I prefer no error codes at all, but to me the improvement in steering is completely worth this code being thrown.

As a side note, I have only once ever even had my ABS activate, even when driving in severe snow, and braking late, the ABS just didn't activate due to dedicated winter wheels and the badassery that is the Quattro AWD system.

I think in most instances ABS is not a system you necessarily "notice". If you want to understand the difference, try going out to a parking lot and mashing the brakes normally and then with the ABS fuse pulled. It's night a day and a pretty important safety feature. Quattro really won't help when you need to stop

[thedollardoctor]

I think in most instances ABS is not a system you necessarily "notice". If you want to understand the difference, try going out to a parking lot and mashing the brakes normally and then with the ABS fuse pulled. It's night a day and a pretty important safety feature. Quattro really won't help when you need to stop

I get your point, but overall, I feel confident that my car is just fine with this adjustment, even if there is a ABS fault code. I'll be having my dealership take a look at my VAG setup next week when my car is in for Springs install and summer wheel setup. I'll report back what my tech has to say about it.....

[boss2k]

I get your point, but overall, I feel confident that my car is just fine with this adjustment, even if there is a ABS fault code. I'll be having my dealership take a look at my VAG setup next week when my car is in for Springs install and summer wheel setup. I'll report back what my tech has to say about it.....

This is why i am hesitant to do this setup because of ABS fault code ... dont want further issues. When i get the slip will have my dealer look at this option and prefer to get it handled by them.

[drob23]

This is why i am hesitant to do this setup because of ABS fault code ... dont want further issues. When i get the slip will have my dealer look at this option and prefer to get it handled by them.

I'm with you on this, it's a lesser of 2 evils type predicament. I made the change based on one "event" this past weekend where it felt like a swerved. Can't be sure it wasn't the wind, but I figure this could be due to the dreaded "slip".

My previous car (it was a POS) had the ABS module die, and I luckily enough was OK without it, but never drove it as hard as the S4. When I get the chance, I'll try and do a 30-0 hard braking test in an empty parking lot and verify that ABS is still functioning with the error code present.

[thedollardoctor]

I'm with you on this, it's a lesser of 2 evils type predicament. I made the change based on one "event" this past weekend where it felt like a swerved. Can't be sure it wasn't the wind, but I figure this could be due to the dreaded "slip".

My previous car (it was a POS) had the ABS module die, and I luckily enough was OK without it, but never drove it as hard as the S4. When I get the chance, I'll try and do a 30-0 hard braking test in an empty parking lot and verify that ABS is still functioning with the error code present.

Good idea, would be interesting to see if it still activates..... I'll be you IT DOES

[Nuccadoc]

I'm with you on this, it's a lesser of 2 evils type predicament. I made the change based on one "event" this past weekend where it felt like a swerved. Can't be sure it wasn't the wind, but I figure this could be due to the dreaded "slip".

My previous car (it was a POS) had the ABS module die, and I luckily enough was OK without it, but never drove it as hard as the S4. When I get the chance, I'll try and do a 30-0 hard braking test in an empty parking lot and verify that ABS is still functioning with the error code present.

I posted in an earlier post that I have made the change (with no slip present), felt an immediate difference. I also had to drive it in the snow a short distance (with summers on), and I can verify fully that the ABS does indeed WORK just fine! Just like I'm used to. I did a scan right after and also have the ABS fault code showing, but NO problems with the ABS system, works perfectly. IMHO, well worth the steering feel. Kudos to $Doc and Tomas! So happy someone tried it for the rest of us!

[drob23]

I posted in an earlier post that I have made the change (with no slip present), felt an immediate difference. I also had to drive it in the snow a short distance (with summers on), and I can verify fully that the ABS does indeed WORK just fine! Just like I'm used to. I did a scan right after and also have the ABS fault code showing, but NO problems with the ABS system, works perfectly. IMHO, well worth the steering feel. Kudos to $Doc and Tomas! So happy someone tried it for the rest of us!

Cool, thanks for the info, I do remember you saying something of the sort.

[Seinsmeld13]

I'm unchecked and have no ABS issues. I slammed the brakes and the ABS works just fine. The uncheck is a must for those who have steering issues.

[stactum]

I agree with everybody who commented here that it really improves steering feel.

I have 6K on my car now. I had steering rack replaced about 2.5k miles ago and once in a while I did feel it too lose, but eliminated notch feel.

So I decided to try out the Vag Com fix about 300 miles ago and while I wasn't able to tell the difference immediately after the fix, it seem like it progressively gotten better. Not the feel of my steering is everything I wanted to begin with. Just great. My S4 is finally complete car now!

Thanks tomasz and thedollardoctor for community contributions!

[Wusty]

I got the Stasis Touring Suspension installed 2 days ago and while they were installing it I asked the shop to grab their Vag Com and "uncheck" the box to provide this steering fix. With the combination of the fix and suspension upgrade I'm absolutely amazed at how this car drives. Superb.

[thedollardoctor]

Love hearing all the continued positive results! And thank you to those who have verified that the ABS fault code does not result in the ABS system becoming inoperable. It's so very cool to me that we who had this issue banded together as a community and discovered a fix on our own! Good stuff for sure

[laakness]

I pick up my replacement S4 on Tuesday...I'll post back on if this is standard coding now after delivery.

[Gotchaa]

I pick up my replacement S4 on Tuesday...I'll post back on if this is standard coding now after delivery.

Cool, I would be surprised if it was disabled since it is considered a patch till a permanent fix is out. Would be very telling if it is disabled.

Most of us will probably consider this a perm fix and not let Audi touch our cars until we have a few willing to get the impending update and tell us if its any better.

[gendry]

+1 for success and thanks for the tip!

I just installed the Eurocode goodies and unchecked the box at the same time. So lots of instant improvement. But the biggest change is the ability to drive in a straight line without constantly adjusting a "loose" steering wheel.

As far as I know, no codes were thrown.