Steering Angle Sensor after Racing Steering Wheel Install

[patticus21]

Hey Guys,

Ive recently installed a nice Sparco racing wheel in my B5 S4. After getting it all tightened up and driving, I had the ABS and ESP lights come up on the dash. After some searching, Ive found that to be a steering angle sensor issue. To install the wheel, Ive had to disconnect the airbag wiring and the horn (its all in one plug behind the airbag assembly). While installing, I did have to spin the plate behind the steering wheel slightly to makes some holes line up...not knowing at the time that it was the sensor itself back there. I did not rotate it fully, just minimally to install.

Couple questions...with the aribag assembly removed and unplugged, can I even recalibrate the steering angle sensor at all? That wiring will not be going back in of course, with the new wheel on. If so, ive read a somewhat unbelievable post about recalibrating manually while turning the wheel, driving slowly etc. but I dont see that solving the problem...anyone had that work?

Secondly, with those codes coming up and the ABS and ESP seemingly shut off, are those systems actually shut off or just warnings for the steering angle sensor? I am planning on taking it to the track this weekend and may not have time to get it rectified before going out. Would you advise not going out at all with that issue? Id really rather not test it only to have a serious issue while im out there.

Thanks Guys.

[MarlinFoundNemo]

Its fine with those codes to drive, track it however I'm not sure. It disables the ESP system I believe. I literally just fixed this issue I had on mine today after having to take my wheel off. I found that even moving the sensor the slightest while the wheel is off and if it isnt correctly seated, it will throw the code. You need a full version of vagcom to fix it. Basically what we found the problem was is that if you disconnected the battery as well as the sensor, it resets your abs module. We had to go into vagcom and manually insert the correct abs code as well as make sure the steering angle sensor was set at zero +/- 5 degrees while the wheels were straight. Thats the jist of it but if you want a more thorough explanation just ask and you shall receive. I spent 3 hours figuring that out today with the help of another member here.

[Tjtalan]

More likely than not you have the steering angle sensor 360° out from where it should be. Also if the wheel is not splined perfectly straight it will throw a fault for the steering angle sensor. You need a scan tool that will communicate with the ABS control module. Make sure the steering is zeroed and straight.

[MarlinFoundNemo]

Yeah this ^ I thought mine was straight but turns out it was -720 degrees off haha, youll need real vagcom to set it all correctly. Make sure to clear all your codes when youre done.

[Peter1.8t]

Well this is awkward....

[xalents23]

Its fine with those codes to drive, track it however I'm not sure. It disables the ESP system I believe. I literally just fixed this issue I had on mine today after having to take my wheel off. I found that even moving the sensor the slightest while the wheel is off and if it isnt correctly seated, it will throw the code. You need a full version of vagcom to fix it. Basically what we found the problem was is that if you disconnected the battery as well as the sensor, it resets your abs module. We had to go into vagcom and manually insert the correct abs code as well as make sure the steering angle sensor was set at zero +/- 5 degrees while the wheels were straight. Thats the jist of it but if you want a more thorough explanation just ask and you shall receive. I spent 3 hours figuring that out today with the help of another member here.

Interesting MarlinFoundNemo, care to share your steps? I have been trying to get rid of my ABS, traction control light, and blinking brake light since my tip to 6 speed build. And have tried all sorts of coding, driving, and Vagcom steps via the internet. I just installed a working clock spring and will be trying to recode again this weekend. If that doesn't work, my last replacement part will be the ABS module itself. Thanks in advance.

[rguil]

Can you send pics and links for what you needed to install your sparco wheel? i want to do one of those fancy pants quick disconnects too if you know anything about those

[jpurre]

Interesting MarlinFoundNemo, care to share your steps? I have been trying to get rid of my ABS, traction control light, and blinking brake light since my tip to 6 speed build. And have tried all sorts of coding, driving, and Vagcom steps via the internet. I just installed a working clock spring and will be trying to recode again this weekend. If that doesn't work, my last replacement part will be the ABS module itself. Thanks in advance.

I'd like to hear this too.

[MarlinFoundNemo]

Well this is awkward....

I know, what a coincidence haha

[MarlinFoundNemo]

Interesting MarlinFoundNemo, care to share your steps? I have been trying to get rid of my ABS, traction control light, and blinking brake light since my tip to 6 speed build. And have tried all sorts of coding, driving, and Vagcom steps via the internet. I just installed a working clock spring and will be trying to recode again this weekend. If that doesn't work, my last replacement part will be the ABS module itself. Thanks in advance.

Okay first off, you have to have a full version of vagcom. No other options. The whole hex can cable and all. Unplug the battery and take off your wheel (while the wheel is straight, helps with lining up the sensor and your wheel when you're done).

First thing to do is set your steering angle sensor. Plug the battery in and turn the ignition on(or turn the car on.. Dont remember) Plug in vagcom. Go to your abs module (03) and then login with 40168 and select basic settings. Then go to measuring blocks at the bottom of the screen, then put in group 005 or 001(don't remember again). This should now show your steering angle! Then you can turn the sensor around until it is straight and reads 0. Make sure it stays there and then put your wheel back on. When you put the wheel on and line it all up, the steering angle should still read 0 +/- 5 degrees. Then you can tighten the bolt back down! Turn your wheel +/- 30 degrees as well and vagcom should show this to confirm its working. Unplug your battery again, put the airbag back on and make sure the connections are set in right. Your steering angle is now done but you may notice your lights are still on! Which is onto the next step..

Then plug your battery back in and turn the ignition on. Plug in your vagcom. Scan all your codes for the engine (01) and abs (03) modules and delete them. Then go to the abs module (03). Click login and in the first box insert the numbers for your car (there's a box that should pop up with all the info to create the 5 digit code for your car). Login with that code. Then click the recoding button and another box should pop up similar to the last, with a few differences. Create another code based on your cars specs and put it in the first box. The workshop code doesn't matter. Then click go or whatever it is and it SHOULD set your abs module code and it will show up in the green letters where it was likely 00000 before. Your abs module is now set!

Once thats all done, turn your ignition off, start the car and go back and check all the things you just set (steering angle sensor still at 0? Abs code still set?), then login with 40168 again and check group 001 or 005 and the "alignment status" in one of these should read OK.

I may have missed things but that's the majority of it.

[xalents23]

Okay first off, you have to have a full version of vagcom. No other options. The whole hex can cable and all. Unplug the battery and take off your wheel (while the wheel is straight, helps with lining up the sensor and your wheel when you're done).

First thing to do is set your steering angle sensor. Plug the battery in and turn the ignition on(or turn the car on.. Dont remember) Plug in vagcom. Go to your abs module (03) and then login with 40168 and select basic settings. Then go to measuring blocks at the bottom of the screen, then put in group 005 or 001(don't remember again). This should now show your steering angle! Then you can turn the sensor around until it is straight and reads 0. Make sure it stays there and then put your wheel back on. When you put the wheel on and line it all up, the steering angle should still read 0 +/- 5 degrees. Then you can tighten the bolt back down! Turn your wheel +/- 30 degrees as well and vagcom should show this to confirm its working. Unplug your battery again, put the airbag back on and make sure the connections are set in right. Your steering angle is now done but you may notice your lights are still on! Which is onto the next step..

Then plug your battery back in and turn the ignition on. Plug in your vagcom. Scan all your codes for the engine (01) and abs (03) modules and delete them. Then go to the abs module (03). Click login and in the first box insert the numbers for your car (there's a box that should pop up with all the info to create the 5 digit code for your car). Login with that code. Then click the recoding button and another box should pop up similar to the last, with a few differences. Create another code based on your cars specs and put it in the first box. The workshop code doesn't matter. Then click go or whatever it is and it SHOULD set your abs module code and it will show up in the green letters where it was likely 00000 before. Your abs module is now set!

Once thats all done, turn your ignition off, start the car and go back and check all the things you just set (steering angle sensor still at 0? Abs code still set?), then login with 40168 again and check group 001 or 005 and the "alignment status" in one of these should read OK.

I may have missed things but that's the majority of it.

Okay, thanks for the info I have done all of that except for taking my tires off for the steering alignment part. Did you not have to perform "System Function Test" to clear the ABS lights? I have been trying the "System Function Test" and all the codes just go back to 00000. I'm now changing parts to see if it helps with the coding. My last part to change out is the ABS module. And if that doesn't work I'm just going to leave it as is.

[Peter1.8t]

If all the code go to 00000 you are using the wrong login.

[erykv1]

Is there a reason why full version of VCDS is needed? I seem to be able to access these menus in VCDS lite / using my xtools 401. Looking to solve my ABS / ESP light issue as well.

[Peter1.8t]

We tried to use the lite version yesterday, the proper login's wouldn't work. When using the full software with the real cable it worked fine.

[MarlinFoundNemo]

Is there a reason why full version of VCDS is needed? I seem to be able to access these menus in VCDS lite / using my xtools 401. Looking to solve my ABS / ESP light issue as well.

I had three different VCDS versions on my laptop and all three wouldnt let me login to go to the basic settings. When using the version for the cable peter has it worked.

Okay, thanks for the info I have done all of that except for taking my tires off for the steering alignment part. Did you not have to perform "System Function Test" to clear the ABS lights? I have been trying the "System Function Test" and all the codes just go back to 00000. I'm now changing parts to see if it helps with the coding. My last part to change out is the ABS module. And if that doesn't work I'm just going to leave it as is.

I dont mean take your tires off, just make sure the car is pointed straight before removing your steering wheel. I dont recall any system function testing. You should just be able to login according to the first 5 digit login code for your car, then click the recoding button and entering another 5 digit code with the list in the box should set your abs code.

We tried to use the lite version yesterday, the proper login's would work. When using the full software with the real cable it worked fine.

Couldn't*

[Peter1.8t]

Yea fixed

[erykv1]

Dang, thank you both for the info. I will try a few more times with the xtools, and if it doesnt write... it looks like it will be time to invest in VCDS! The $349 version is the one you guys used right?

[Peter1.8t]

Yup that's the one I have. After having numerous b5's over the years, I invested in the full version. The Hex-Can cable also works with newer Audis like my rs4. There's a cheaper that you can buy just for the b5 s4. I think it's like $275. I could be wrong though.

[MarlinFoundNemo]

Dang, thank you both for the info. I will try a few more times with the xtools, and if it doesnt write... it looks like it will be time to invest in VCDS! The $349 version is the one you guys used right?

My pleasure, there wasn't much info out there on this so figured it would be nice to explain it. And yes thats what we used.

[xalents23]

Tried your method over the weekend and it didn't work for me. This was with Vagcom Lite though. I'll have to borrow my friends full version of Vagcom next weekend and give it another try. This is getting very frustrating. I have even thought about taking it to the dealership to see if, they can get rid of these lights.

[erykv1]

Tried your method over the weekend and it didn't work for me. This was with Vagcom Lite though. I'll have to borrow my friends full version of Vagcom next weekend and give it another try. This is getting very frustrating. I have even thought about taking it to the dealership to see if, they can get rid of these lights.

I know you've been battling this issue for a while. I spoke with someone recently on the fb b5 group and he said daz was able to clear all the lights via vcds for him remotely. I'm not sure if you spoke to daz about this but maybe its worth a try? I've been patiently waiting for you to solve yours so I can figure out how to fix mine, LOL.

[xalents23]

I know you've been battling this issue for a while. I spoke with someone recently on the fb b5 group and he said daz was able to clear all the lights via vcds for him remotely. I'm not sure if you spoke to daz about this but maybe its worth a try? I've been patiently waiting for you to solve yours so I can figure out how to fix mine, LOL.

Spoke with Daz about this a year ago. He told me it was my e-brake switch but, that was not the cause. I also talked to him again when he did my E85 tune and he just gave me some Vagcom codes to try and still doesn't work. Daz can remote in and change the codes, But he can not perform the steering angle sensor calibration steps via remote. Last resort is going to be changing out my ABS module for a 6-speed one. And try the recoding process. If that doesn't work I'm throwing in the white towel. Going to drive it for a few years and sell the car as is.

[Tjtalan]

^ Where are you in California if you're close to me I can help? I'm at n Los Angeles.

[xalents23]

^ Where are you in California if you're close to me I can help? I'm at n Los Angeles.

I'm in San Jose, CA which is what 6 hours away from LA. If you for sure know how to clear these lights. I'm willing on driving to you.

[Tjtalan]

I'm in San Jose, CA which is what 6 hours away from LA. If you for sure know how to clear these lights. I'm willing on driving to you.

I can definitely get the lights cleared if there's nothing wrong hardware wise.

[erykv1]

Okay first off, you have to have a full version of vagcom. No other options. The whole hex can cable and all. Unplug the battery and take off your wheel (while the wheel is straight, helps with lining up the sensor and your wheel when you're done).

First thing to do is set your steering angle sensor. Plug the battery in and turn the ignition on(or turn the car on.. Dont remember) Plug in vagcom. Go to your abs module (03) and then login with 40168 and select basic settings. Then go to measuring blocks at the bottom of the screen, then put in group 005 or 001(don't remember again). This should now show your steering angle! Then you can turn the sensor around until it is straight and reads 0. Make sure it stays there and then put your wheel back on. When you put the wheel on and line it all up, the steering angle should still read 0 +/- 5 degrees. Then you can tighten the bolt back down! Turn your wheel +/- 30 degrees as well and vagcom should show this to confirm its working. Unplug your battery again, put the airbag back on and make sure the connections are set in right. Your steering angle is now done but you may notice your lights are still on! Which is onto the next step..

Then plug your battery back in and turn the ignition on. Plug in your vagcom. Scan all your codes for the engine (01) and abs (03) modules and delete them. Then go to the abs module (03). Click login and in the first box insert the numbers for your car (there's a box that should pop up with all the info to create the 5 digit code for your car). Login with that code. Then click the recoding button and another box should pop up similar to the last, with a few differences. Create another code based on your cars specs and put it in the first box. The workshop code doesn't matter. Then click go or whatever it is and it SHOULD set your abs module code and it will show up in the green letters where it was likely 00000 before. Your abs module is now set!

Once thats all done, turn your ignition off, start the car and go back and check all the things you just set (steering angle sensor still at 0? Abs code still set?), then login with 40168 again and check group 001 or 005 and the "alignment status" in one of these should read OK.

I may have missed things but that's the majority of it.

2 quick questions

1) Where did you get the 40168 login from? I've been following this: http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index...28Bosch_5.7%29 can't match up anything that will result in that login

2) I've also read that if there are any faults in the ABS system you cannot write to it. However every time I clear the code it immediately comes back, will this cause the issue I'm experiencing?