2013 Steering Issues VAG COM Fix?

**drob23** · 08-09-2013 12:57 PM

Originally Posted by mattchat

I've got a friend in a new fully loaded 550 xdrive and he sais the new ones are all having the same issues as Audi.....their forums are rampant with it as well.

I spend a good amount of time reading the bimmer forums and they have EPS problems with feel and weight, but nothing safety related like Audi. But being a pretty new platform, the F30 has it's fair share of powertrain issues, rusty seats and lots of interior creaks and wind noise type problems. They seem to complain far more, but there are tons more 3 series on the road and owners tend to be more of the "we get free maintenance" type crowd.

**spl1011** · 08-12-2013 06:06 PM

Originally Posted by Silica666

Issue now resolved.

I have just ordered a BMW 335D Msport Xdrive.

Wish you'd do the DSR disable without a rack change. Confirm SW vs HW. I'm still convinced it's all SW.

**thedollardoctor** · 08-12-2013 10:00 PM

Originally Posted by rs4dreams

Do you think the replaced rack gives better steering feel, or does it just get rid of the notchiness? I've had notchiness only a few times and it bothers me much less (because it happens so rarely) than the "slip" which was a constant imprecise feeling on the steering.

I have DSR off, AK, and USS sways/links. I feel that the steering is quite good now, but can definitely use some improvement still.

Biggest difference new rack made for me is "road feel". Before new rack it was like there was NO road feel at all. After the new rack it was like "oh, there it is!!" I can actually FEEL the road under the tires now. Night and day in that respect for me.

**thedollardoctor** · 08-12-2013 10:06 PM

Originally Posted by spl1011

Wish you'd do the DSR disable without a rack change. Confirm SW vs HW. I'm still convinced it's all SW.

Disagree completely. I had BOTH notchiness at all angles AND "the slip". New rack eliminated notchiness but "the slip" continued until I finally discovered the issue with DSR. Trust me, I researched and trouble shot these steering issues as much or more than anyone else on this site. My opinion in this is based on a lot of personal experience and knowledge of these issues

**rs4dreams** · 08-13-2013 12:06 AM

Originally Posted by thedollardoctor

Biggest difference new rack made for me is "road feel". Before new rack it was like there was NO road feel at all. After the new rack it was like "oh, there it is!!" I can actually FEEL the road under the tires now. Night and day in that respect for me.

Interesting... perhaps I should pursue the replacement myself. A little apprehensive considering that it's a somewhat complicated procedure and I'm "reasonably" happy with the steering now. What handling mods did you have when you had the rack swapped?

My build date is around July 2012 so I'm pretty sure I have the old rack.

**millerrh** · 08-13-2013 04:57 AM

Originally Posted by thedollardoctor

Disagree completely. I had BOTH notchiness at all angles AND "the slip". New rack eliminated notchiness but "the slip" continued until I finally discovered the issue with DSR. Trust me, I researched and trouble shot these steering issues as much or more than anyone else on this site. My opinion in this is based on a lot of personal experience and knowledge of these issues

I assume the 2014s will come with the new rack by default?

**drob23** · 08-13-2013 05:21 AM

New production models should always get the "newest" part.

I'm having Audi replace a ruptured FR CV joint and looking at an issue with very low speed wheel vibration when steering at lock. Guessing they're related problems, but I'll make sure to ask about a steering update and try to convince them to correctly turn DSR off with the coding 010000010001 on module 44. Should know the outcome a week from tomorrow.

**Fringe** · 08-13-2013 05:36 AM

apparently there is even a newer, updated steering rack. I have been having it out with Audi of America and my car has been at the dealer for a week waiting for this "updated" steering rack to arrive. Given the prior experience expressed on the forums, I am not sure it will fix the issue as it doesn't seem to fix the drifting of the car left and right at random, which to me is the biggest safety concern. I am really surprised that Audi having known about this problem for more than a year has not fixed it and has not done a voluntary recall.

**drob23** · 08-13-2013 05:39 AM

Originally Posted by Fringe

apparently there is even a newer, updated steering rack. I have been having it out with Audi of America and my car has been at the dealer for a week waiting for this "updated" steering rack to arrive. Given the prior experience expressed on the forums, I am not sure it will fix the issue as it doesn't seem to fix the drifting of the car left and right at random, which to me is the biggest safety concern. I am really surprised that Audi having known about this problem for more than a year has not fixed it and has not done a voluntary recall.

Well, there is no hard evidence that I can give you, but as mentioned millions of times in this thread (read for first hand accounts), disabling "DSR" in module 44 with VAGCOM will fix your "drifting" out of lane problem.

**gendry** · 08-13-2013 06:59 AM

+1.

Just do it. All those hours complaining to AoA will be forgotten after you uncheck the box.

Originally Posted by drob23

Well, there is no hard evidence that I can give you, but as mentioned millions of times in this thread (read for first hand accounts), disabling "DSR" in module 44 with VAGCOM will fix your "drifting" out of lane problem.

**BzzzBom** · 08-13-2013 07:45 AM

Disabling DSR unequivocally stops the slip and drifting in lane problem. The mod takes less than 2 minutes.

**thedollardoctor** · 08-13-2013 08:19 AM

Originally Posted by rs4dreams

Interesting... perhaps I should pursue the replacement myself. A little apprehensive considering that it's a somewhat complicated procedure and I'm "reasonably" happy with the steering now. What handling mods did you have when you had the rack swapped?

My build date is around July 2012 so I'm pretty sure I have the old rack.

I also have July 2012 build date, so yes, you have old rack. My local Audi tech has been with Audi for over 20yrs. I trust him implicitly to do whatever is needed for my car.

I already had AK, USS Sways and End Links before the rack was switched. (Funny enough, my tech called me for the torque specs of the bolts to reinstall my AK after swapping the rack out).

I understand your apprehension, the new rack isn't nearly as easy as this VAG COM fix, but you paid close to $60k for this car, make sure it's EXACTLY what you want it to be!

**thedollardoctor** · 08-13-2013 08:20 AM

Originally Posted by BzzzBom

Disabling DSR unequivocally stops the slip and drifting in lane problem. The mod takes less than 2 minutes.

x1000!

This simple adjustment has saved many of us from getting rid of our cars! Find a way to get this done! You will be MUCH happier!

**Roy34** · 08-17-2013 10:43 AM

Originally Posted by thedollardoctor

x1000!

This simple adjustment has saved many of us from getting rid of our cars! Find a way to get this done! You will be MUCH happier!

I have a 2013 S4 with July 2012 build date. It has not been to the dealer since I leased it Oct 2012.

I have the steering problems which are pretty bad. Car often does not track right and is behaves odd when accelerating and changing lanes. Seems to like to steer on its own. Like it wants to go back to center on a quick lane change. But when it is in a lane it doesn't like to stay there. This started happening at about 1000 miles.

So I was really excited to try this on my 2013 S4, and I found a tech with a VAG COM, but when we got into the screens the DSR was already un-checked which was unexpected??

So then I thought, lets check the box and see if it saves and registers, but he just got error codes. Error 31 Request-out-of-range
Error 22 Coding Rejected ,Conditions Not Correct or Request Sequence Error

So I'm not sure what to do now, maybe I don't have 'slip' problem but a notchiness problem.

**rs4dreams** · 08-17-2013 11:39 AM

Originally Posted by Roy34

I have a 2013 S4 with July 2012 build date. It has not been to the dealer since I leased it Oct 2012.

I have the steering problems which are pretty bad. Car often does not track right and is behaves odd when accelerating and changing lanes. Seems to like to steer on its own. Like it wants to go back to center on a quick lane change. But when it is in a lane it doesn't like to stay there. This started happening at about 1000 miles.

So I was really excited to try this on my 2013 S4, and I found a tech with a VAG COM, but when we got into the screens the DSR was already un-checked which was unexpected??

So then I thought, lets check the box and see if it saves and registers, but he just got error codes. Error 31 Request-out-of-range
Error 22 Coding Rejected ,Conditions Not Correct or Request Sequence Error

So I'm not sure what to do now, maybe I don't have 'slip' problem but a notchiness problem.

Definitely sounds like the 'slip' from your description. Weird that DSR was already off... I wonder if anyone else has seen this. Dollar doc and I also have July 2012 builds.

**thedollardoctor** · 08-17-2013 12:26 PM

Wow, that's surprising! Have not heard of DSR being unchecked and people still having the slip issue. That really sucks man! Sorry to hear it hasn't helped! Made my car 1000 times better

**offthewall** · 08-17-2013 12:53 PM

Originally Posted by Roy34

I have a 2013 S4 with July 2012 build date. It has not been to the dealer since I leased it Oct 2012.

I have the steering problems which are pretty bad. Car often does not track right and is behaves odd when accelerating and changing lanes. Seems to like to steer on its own. Like it wants to go back to center on a quick lane change. But when it is in a lane it doesn't like to stay there. This started happening at about 1000 miles.

So I was really excited to try this on my 2013 S4, and I found a tech with a VAG COM, but when we got into the screens the DSR was already un-checked which was unexpected??

So then I thought, lets check the box and see if it saves and registers, but he just got error codes. Error 31 Request-out-of-range
Error 22 Coding Rejected ,Conditions Not Correct or Request Sequence Error

So I'm not sure what to do now, maybe I don't have 'slip' problem but a notchiness problem.

Sounds like an alignment issue. My 2013 S4 needed to be aligned at about 1000 miles or so.

For the record. I had the rack replaced with the new part number and a second alignment done then.

Car has about 5500 miles on it, one year old. Never had the slip issue, have not bothered with messing with the VAGCOM settings since I'm very happy with the steering as it is now with the new rack and a proper alignment.

I also have the dynamic steering option so my car's steering feels very different from stock without that option (I've driven both back to back).

**mattchat** · 08-17-2013 06:59 PM

I have this same VAG problem as well. I have Audi Drive Select, do you? I'm wondering if that makes a difference on the DSR option.

Originally Posted by Roy34

I have a 2013 S4 with July 2012 build date. It has not been to the dealer since I leased it Oct 2012.

I have the steering problems which are pretty bad. Car often does not track right and is behaves odd when accelerating and changing lanes. Seems to like to steer on its own. Like it wants to go back to center on a quick lane change. But when it is in a lane it doesn't like to stay there. This started happening at about 1000 miles.

So I was really excited to try this on my 2013 S4, and I found a tech with a VAG COM, but when we got into the screens the DSR was already un-checked which was unexpected??

So then I thought, lets check the box and see if it saves and registers, but he just got error codes. Error 31 Request-out-of-range
Error 22 Coding Rejected ,Conditions Not Correct or Request Sequence Error

So I'm not sure what to do now, maybe I don't have 'slip' problem but a notchiness problem.

**Roy34** · 08-17-2013 07:57 PM

Originally Posted by mattchat

I have this same VAG problem as well. I have Audi Drive Select, do you? I'm wondering if that makes a difference on the DSR option.

Matt, yes I have Audi Drive Select. The problem is slightly worse in dynamic mode, but it's there in all modes.

OfftheWall, what makes you say alignment issue? Granted alignment could be a component of my problem. But it really feels like a steering problem, and is so similar to the symptoms other folks are having with the 2013 models.

You must have had more than alignment issue as you had your steering rack replaced. What was going on?

**mattchat** · 08-17-2013 09:15 PM

Hmmmm, same issue as me then. I wonder if ADS vehicles do not give you the option of disabling DSR.

Originally Posted by Roy34

Matt, yes I have Audi Drive Select. The problem is slightly worse in dynamic mode, but it's there in all modes.

OfftheWall, what makes you say alignment issue? Granted alignment could be a component of my problem. But it really feels like a steering problem, and is so similar to the symptoms other folks are having with the 2013 models.

You must have had more than alignment issue as you had your steering rack replaced. What was going on?

**BzzzBom** · 08-17-2013 10:10 PM

I have a 2013 B8.5 with ADS and was able to disable DSR

**mattchat** · 08-17-2013 10:26 PM

Did you ever have the earlier TSB applied for steering? I did and I wonder if that was the original fix. Perhaps newer vehicles are coming with it already applied?

Originally Posted by BzzzBom

I have a 2013 B8.5 with ADS and was able to disable DSR

**GC001** · 08-18-2013 04:13 AM

I have a 2012 S4 Avant in the uk, with RHD rack and dont seem to have experienced what you guys have.

I'll hook it up to Vagcom and see if the box is checked for the UK/european market. If it is I may turn it off.

I do occasionally get some tramlining and the sensation of scrubbing tyres on full lock when manuvering at low speed, and figured this as an alignment issue. The tyres have just been replaced and suggested too much positive camber all round.

**drob23** · 08-18-2013 06:47 AM

Originally Posted by Roy34

I have a 2013 S4 with July 2012 build date. It has not been to the dealer since I leased it Oct 2012.

I have the steering problems which are pretty bad. Car often does not track right and is behaves odd when accelerating and changing lanes. Seems to like to steer on its own. Like it wants to go back to center on a quick lane change. But when it is in a lane it doesn't like to stay there. This started happening at about 1000 miles.

So I was really excited to try this on my 2013 S4, and I found a tech with a VAG COM, but when we got into the screens the DSR was already un-checked which was unexpected??

So then I thought, lets check the box and see if it saves and registers, but he just got error codes. Error 31 Request-out-of-range
Error 22 Coding Rejected ,Conditions Not Correct or Request Sequence Error

So I'm not sure what to do now, maybe I don't have 'slip' problem but a notchiness problem.

Would you mind running a scan and then report back the coding on the steering module (44)? It is a 12 bit binary string.

**thedollardoctor** · 08-18-2013 07:49 AM

Originally Posted by mattchat

Did you ever have the earlier TSB applied for steering? I did and I wonder if that was the original fix. Perhaps newer vehicles are coming with it already applied?

I also have a B8.5 with ADS, have disabled DSR and my car when I bought it in Oct 2012 (July 2012 build date) already had steering TSB applied.

**Roy34** · 08-18-2013 10:19 AM

I'm going to try doing a VAG COM again. I'll get some screen captures. Is mine the only S4 with the DSR box already un-checked?

I drove the car a bunch yesterday. Now that this problem is foremost on my mind, there's definitely something very wrong. You just never feel smooth and connected. It feels like low-res digital steering rather than smooth analog steering if that makes any sense.

I have appointment Wednesday with University Audi dealer, we'll see what they say or do about it.

**drob23** · 08-18-2013 07:40 PM

Originally Posted by Roy34

I'm going to try doing a VAG COM again. I'll get some screen captures. Is mine the only S4 with the DSR box already un-checked?

I drove the car a bunch yesterday. Now that this problem is foremost on my mind, there's definitely something very wrong. You just never feel smooth and connected. It feels like low-res digital steering rather than smooth analog steering if that makes any sense.

I have appointment Wednesday with University Audi dealer, we'll see what they say or do about it.

You don't need to screen cap anything, just write down the coding number stored in module 44 and that will determine whether DSR is active.

**blendertoes** · 08-18-2013 08:06 PM

I have a '13 S5 Prestige with full ADS and my DSR box was already unchecked as well. I ran a full scan and the coding string for module 44 is 010000010001. I also do not feel like my steering is bad, never experienced the jerkiness or notchiness that other owners have reported. My build started in May '13 if anyone is compiling that info as well.

Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 4

**offthewall** · 08-18-2013 08:18 PM

Originally Posted by Roy34

Matt, yes I have Audi Drive Select. The problem is slightly worse in dynamic mode, but it's there in all modes.

OfftheWall, what makes you say alignment issue? Granted alignment could be a component of my problem. But it really feels like a steering problem, and is so similar to the symptoms other folks are having with the 2013 models.

You must have had more than alignment issue as you had your steering rack replaced. What was going on?

Early on, my steering wheel was crooked. I brought it in and they did a full alignment. Crooked fixed, steering had a much better on center feeling.

A thousand miles or so later, I had the "notchy" issue. I brought the car in and they replaced the steering rack and did the required alignment.

The new rack fixed the notchy issue and steering has been perfect since.

My suggestion of alignment comes from 40 years experience driving and working on cars. If your toe in is not set correctly, it will exhibit that vague center and darting you described.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

**drob23** · 08-18-2013 08:21 PM

Originally Posted by blendertoes

I have a '13 S5 Prestige with full ADS and my DSR box was already unchecked as well. I ran a full scan and the coding string for module 44 is 010000010001. I also do not feel like my steering is bad, never experienced the jerkiness or notchiness that other owners have reported. My build started in May '13 if anyone is compiling that info as well.

Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 4

Very interesting, thanks for the post. Looks like your module came from the factory with DSR off! Appears that Audi is doing the same thing that we've done, just they set the second bit from the left to 1 instead of zero. This makes the ABS module happy. Going in tomorrow for some warranty work, I'll see if the service tech knows anything about it.

**BzzzBom** · 08-18-2013 08:28 PM

It looks like Audi has the fix - new steering rack and disable DSR. No wonder we haven't heard a peep from AOA regarding the imminent steering update.

**mattchat** · 08-18-2013 11:34 PM

Yeah, just wish they would replace my rack. Audi Canada has put a total stop on any further repairs until a "fix" is out. My car was built in June 2012 so I'm well before the rack replacements.

Originally Posted by BzzzBom

It looks like Audi has the fix - new steering rack and disable DSR. No wonder we haven't heard a peep from AOA regarding the imminent steering update.

**Fringe** · 08-19-2013 05:45 AM

Originally Posted by mattchat

Yeah, just wish they would replace my rack. Audi Canada has put a total stop on any further repairs until a "fix" is out. My car was built in June 2012 so I'm well before the rack replacements.

apparently, they say they have a fix now, which is weird because four weeks ago when I took my car in they said they didn't have one and would call me when there was a fix. A week after they ask me to bring my car back in so an AoA person can examine my car and run some tests. And now Audi has had my car for almost two weeks now. They keep telling me they ordered the new part, steering rack, though the day they ordered it on keeps changing, so who knows what's really going on.

**drob23** · 08-19-2013 07:09 AM

Spoke with a service adviser and asked if a steering fix was in place. He knew of the steering issue, and described the off center "slip" issue without me mentioning it. I told him that I had coded out the DSR feature and that things were better, he seemed interested and thought it was cool, but really didn't press the issue.

**Roy34** · 08-19-2013 09:01 AM

The steering issue is on the Allroads, S4s, S5s, A6s and Q5s. Jetter75 described it perfectly in post 69 here.

http://forums.audiworld.com/showthre...2838265&page=7

**Fringe** · 08-22-2013 08:01 AM

After 15 days without my car, Audi put an "updated" steering rack in my car. I went to the dealership, test drove it, the problem was still there. Audi refused to do anything further for me and told me they'd tell me when there is a fix. This morning, I get a call from Audi Customer Care and they now say that the software update is ready and I will be able to have the fix by next week. I got to say, I have absolutely zero faith that they are telling me the truth at this point.

**brittney** · 08-22-2013 08:03 AM

I just want to let everyone know that Audi has finally released the power steering update for the vehicles with electromechanical steering. If you have experienced this issue contact your dealer, as the software update was officially released today.

**millerrh** · 08-22-2013 08:19 AM

Originally Posted by brittney

I just want to let everyone know that Audi has finally released the power steering update for the vehicles with electromechanical steering. If you have experienced this issue contact your dealer, as the software update was officially released today.

Wow, that's great news! Anyone that gets this software fix, please report back if it fixes it.

**gendry** · 08-22-2013 08:33 AM

+1 Also, does the update just officially do the same thing as unchecking the VAG com box? Or does it leave this feature enabled but fix its shortcomings?

Assuming the latter, perhaps we should have a discussion regarding whether we like the home grown hack over the official fix. I found that unchecking the box made my steering tighter (in that the wheel was harder to turn) in all circumstances - and I like this change. I expect that if I re-checked the box, dynamic mode thereafter would seem like comfort mode does to me now.

Originally Posted by millerrh

Wow, that's great news! Anyone that gets this software fix, please report back if it fixes it.

**thedollardoctor** · 08-22-2013 09:21 AM

Glad to hear they may have FINALLY come up with a software "fix" and I hope it works for those of you who decide to go this route. Please report back your findings.

That being said Audi isn't TOUCHING my car with any kind of supposed software flash fix update. My car is finally exactly where I want it in all respects (looks, performance, handling, etx) and I have no intention of letting them mess with any of it.