Steering column questions.... My A6 left me blocking a driveway full of cars.

[seiplentz]

So went out to the car after a thanksgiving feast to leave my parents and low and behold put the key in the car and nothing completely dead only the key chime went off.. So the next day I borrowed a scanner and scanned it and got the dreaded code 00288 Steering column lock actuator (N360) malfunction. I cleared the code and the column unlocked immediately and the car started. Why would clearing codes impact the car at all?

The big question is can I replace the column myself with a used one? Does it need recoding? Can it be done with VCDS? Anyone know if the specific date on them that says its been redesigned? Don't want to buy a used one that's gonna do the same thing. If I buy a new one can I code it myself with VCDS? Is there a way to fix the problem with out replacing the column?

Thanks in advance for the help.

[Dutch_A6]

From what I know clearing the code is temporary and it will lock back up. I cannot remember where it was documented but some one did the repair themselves with a used column and they did have to do since coding and had to re-code the keys to the new column as well. When I had this happen at the beginning of the year I had the dealership take care of it and out ran about $2500 for parts and labor. If memory serves the person who did this themselves said it was a pretty big job doing it themselves so depending how mechanically inclined you were it may not be a job you want to take on. Best of luck.

[seiplentz]

From what I know clearing the code is temporary and it will lock back up. I cannot remember where it was documented but some one did the repair themselves with a used column and they did have to do since coding and had to re-code the keys to the new column as well. When I had this happen at the beginning of the year I had the dealership take care of it and out ran about $2500 for parts and labor. If memory serves the person who did this themselves said it was a pretty big job doing it themselves so depending how mechanically inclined you were it may not be a job you want to take on. Best of luck.

Good info so far. I can certainly tackle the project. I just need the right info for the swap as far as programming stuff goes. Going to the dealer to replace it is out of the question. I will bring it there for programming. I would really like to fix the actual problem or bypass what's causing it rather then replace the column with another one that could go bad. Thanks for the luck I'm gonna need it..

[v8a6]

Just read this on another forum. It is from an A8, but the same problem...

The Steering Column Lock Actuator on my 2004 A8L has failed (a problem that is apparently not uncommon for this part, which was used on multiple Audi and VW models). The symptom of this problem is that when the car is switched off, the lock actuator does not engage to lock the steering wheel, this throws a DTC fault code (00288 - Steering Column Lock Actuator (N360) --- Defective), this fault code triggers the Immobiliser to NOT allow the car to be started----turning the key will turn on the accessories, so you can listen to the radio, but you can't start the car. You can use the VCDS to clear the code, by going to the "25 - Immobiliser" controller and clearing the referenced DTC----the car will then start. Unfortunately, it is quite a pain to carry your computer and VCDS along with you everywhere you go so that you can start your car, so, I am going to take the considerable effort to replace the steering column...

So, I wonder if the better route would be looking for an aftermarket tune that disable the error. So, if the lock does not actuate, then you would still be able to start the car, and go on your way. Your wheel wouldnt be locked for the times when the actuator failed, but you wouldn't notice a difference unless someone tried to steal your car.

Is there any other reason for locking the wheel when the car is shut off, aside from theft prevention (i.e. for safety reasons?)

If not, I would just go that route. It would be a much cheaper, and permanent fix. Plus, you could have the car tuned at the same time for about the same price.

If you are interested in this route, I would contact JHM and see if it is possible. Their Tuner can do pretty much anything.

[seiplentz]

Just read this on another forum. It is from an A8, but the same problem...

The Steering Column Lock Actuator on my 2004 A8L has failed (a problem that is apparently not uncommon for this part, which was used on multiple Audi and VW models). The symptom of this problem is that when the car is switched off, the lock actuator does not engage to lock the steering wheel, this throws a DTC fault code (00288 - Steering Column Lock Actuator (N360) --- Defective), this fault code triggers the Immobiliser to NOT allow the car to be started----turning the key will turn on the accessories, so you can listen to the radio, but you can't start the car. You can use the VCDS to clear the code, by going to the "25 - Immobiliser" controller and clearing the referenced DTC----the car will then start. Unfortunately, it is quite a pain to carry your computer and VCDS along with you everywhere you go so that you can start your car, so, I am going to take the considerable effort to replace the steering column...

So, I wonder if the better route would be looking for an aftermarket tune that disable the error. So, if the lock does not actuate, then you would still be able to start the car, and go on your way. Your wheel wouldnt be locked for the times when the actuator failed, but you wouldn't notice a difference unless someone tried to steal your car.

Is there any other reason for locking the wheel when the car is shut off, aside from theft prevention (i.e. for safety reasons?)

If not, I would just go that route. It would be a much cheaper, and permanent fix. Plus, you could have the car tuned at the same time for about the same price.

If you are interested in this route, I would contact JHM and see if it is possible. Their Tuner can do pretty much anything.

I just found that thread as well thank you. Who is JHM? I would do that in a second if it can be done!!!

[v8a6]

I just found that thread as well thank you. Who is JHM? I would do that in a second if it can be done!!!

https://www.jhmotorsports.com/shop/catalog/index.php

Not sure if they can help, but I would definitely contact them and find out

[seiplentz]

Thank you I will be calling them tomorrow to see what they can do. It would be ideal to just disable it as there is nothing wrong with the column. I would buy vcds tomorrow if I knew it could do it.

[v8a6]

Yeah, definitely give them a call.

You wouldn't be able to do it with VCDS, I don't think. At very least you will need a custom tune.

[FormulaElement]

You can always install the advanced key and then never lock your car and turn off auto lock! (The steering lock doesn't engage unless you lock the car/hold the stop button)

This would be a very expensive route to go and i'm not sure it will work.. But its an option!

[enoch861]

You can always install the advanced key and then never lock your car and turn off auto lock! (The steering lock doesn't engage unless you lock the car/hold the stop button)

This would be a very expensive route to go and i'm not sure it will work.. But its an option!

I was actually just about to say the same thing. Advanced Key doesn't seem to actually lock the steering wheel. It does give you the option to hold the stop button to lock it though.
Have people with Advanced Key also encountered the same problem of the failed steering wheel column? It'll be interesting to see if Advanced Key does somehow sidestep the problem by not locking it.

[seiplentz]

That would be a fun project to experiment with!!! I wonder if I could disable the lock now or cut the pin so it doesn't jam and cause the error that locks it up.

[seiplentz]

Just got off the phone with jhmotorsports. They were very helpful but 1 would need to see the car and they are across the country from me. 2 he thinks it's more of a column issue then programming would fix.


I would really like to know if anyone has taken the column apart to see what's going on with it to cause this problem. Is it a sensor or is it the locking mechanism itself?

[Dutch_A6]

It may be the access control module, that was what occurred to mine, that piece of hardware is buried in the steering column which is why the whole column had to be replaced as it's not an easy piece of hardware to deal with like replacing a starter or ECU etc.

[seiplentz]

Well spoke to the dealer today and they confirmed the column access control module is integrated somehow into the lock actuator. They absolutely will not program a used a column as the VIN is hardcoded to it and cannot be changed. Which I find BS considering the price of it. I am considering buying a used column off of eBay and seeing how far apart I can take it to swap that module because I believe the problem is mechanical with the lock solenoid or pin or something not electrical. If anyone has any other information on this please and to it to help others.

At this point for me I think me and the wife will be car shopping this weekend as I am not putting anymore money in this car (I do love it though it sucked me in with its good looks and performance but hard on the wallet). If anyone is interested in it let me know it only has 47k on it.

[v8a6]

Dude, there is likely a very affordable fix for your issue. PM me of you want details

[seiplentz]

PM sent not sure if it went through

[v8a6]

YGM

[put3namo]

Well spoke to the dealer today and they confirmed the column access control module is integrated somehow into the lock actuator. They absolutely will not program a used a column as the VIN is hardcoded to it and cannot be changed. Which I find BS considering the price of it. I am considering buying a used column off of eBay and seeing how far apart I can take it to swap that module because I believe the problem is mechanical with the lock solenoid or pin or something not electrical. If anyone has any other information on this please and to it to help others.

At this point for me I think me and the wife will be car shopping this weekend as I am not putting anymore money in this car (I do love it though it sucked me in with its good looks and performance but hard on the wallet). If anyone is interested in it let me know it only has 47k on it.

is your car 05 -> 07 ? there were some issues of this on '05 where resolved by disconnecting pin 19 (starter feedback wire) from the 20 pin connector of the Access Start module under the steering column. Be very careful if you want to do this pin 19 Black/red wire from start relay. Remember: it is a Black/Red wire because there is a smaller Red/Black wire near by. Good Luck!

[v8a6]

Good tip. I am interested to see if this works.

[seiplentz]

is your car 05 -> 07 ? there were some issues of this on '05 where resolved by disconnecting pin 19 (starter feedback wire) from the 20 pin connector of the Access Start module under the steering column. Be very careful if you want to do this pin 19 Black/red wire from start relay. Remember: it is a Black/Red wire because there is a smaller Red/Black wire near by. Good Luck!

Is there a TSB about this? Did this cause the problem I am having?

Thanks for the input.

[Dutch_A6]

Yes there is a TSB about the access control module, I forget which thread it is in but there is a thread on here that lists all of the TSBs on our vehicle and it is in there.

[v8a6]

Yes there is a TSB about the access control module, I forget which thread it is in but there is a thread on here that lists all of the TSBs on our vehicle and it is in there.

You can doublecheck the TSB link in my signature. I did check it when I first heard of the problem, and didnt see a resolution. But maybe it is in there somewhere.

[seiplentz]

I found the TSB by the sound it, it may have damaged my start access control module already. The modification was not done I just did it though. So we will see if it occurs again it took a 1000 miles for it to happen between resets the last time.

[seiplentz]

Ok so I just got off the phone with an Audi specialist shop and they told me that if I take the column apart and remove the steering wheel locking solenoid the problem will not come back. Although the steering will not lock anymore when you take the key out but the car wont know that and no more codes..

[FormulaElement]

Ok so I just got off the phone with an Audi specialist shop and they told me that if I take the column apart and remove the steering wheel locking solenoid the problem will not come back. Although the steering will not lock anymore when you take the key out but the car wont know that and no more codes..

That would be a easy fix. The steering lock isn't really that important anyways.

Let us know if it works.

[seiplentz]

Well I took my column apart and here is the lock module/access start control module. So right now my column is unlocked and the module is functioning as normal. I want to take the module apart and unplug the actual motor inside but you have to bend it to get it apart. I'm looking for a used one so if anyone has one let me

[dieselfan]

Hello guys, I am experiencing the same problem. Can anybody tell me, if by disconnecting this pin 19 I will solve the issue?
I just need to disable this loct once and for all... I already replaced with new, then it broke down, i had it repaired, then it broke down again... I am not investing in this piece of shit anymore...

So is there any permanent way how to disable it, with not error on dash? I can do technically really advanced work, so every tip on disabling this module is really appreciated...

[titua1915]

Hey i am having same issues with my 2005 a6 c6 3.2, wondering if disconnecting pin 19 or disconnecting the lock solenoid permanently fix the issue? Please let me know whatever works.

[tsson]

hello,did it work by disconnecting pin 19?

[tsson]

where did you find the TSB?

[lazyeye7]

I have an 05 3.2 a6 and it did the all the things yours did. I got a friend to come over and reset it. After a couple of days took it to the dealership and told them what it was doing . I had to special order the steering column which i understood. Now the dealership called and said they have to update the old program which is about 800 . Has anyone gone through this?

Sent from my SM-G930V using Audizine mobile app

[Testastretta]

Hello,
reset the failure is just temporary solution, if you dont want to pay nonsence money to dealer for new stearing column here are the options you have:

1) buy seconhand unit + copy immo data from defective unit.... disadvantage is you never know status of the second hand and honestly all the units are very old and with big mileage
2) let it repair - sometimes it helps sometimes its just temporary solution. I am working with these units 4 years already and 30% of my customers come after they tried to repair the unit somewhere. so I strongly recomend 3rd posibility:
3) complete software deactivation (by-pass) of the unit. the sterining will not lock any more and you get rid of this terrible nightmare.


I am able to do all of these 3. I can also fix the unit even its damage by other servis. All I need is to send the silver steering column unit to Czech Republic . I can then deactivate it and send back.
If anybody need help send me an email to [email protected].

Regards

[tishi]

I found this on eBay:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Audi-A6-C6-...9/113392167454

and youtube:

Fix Error 00288 Audi A6 Steering Lock Module 4F0905852B Repair Procedure DIY *Link for the parts*
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9iPJQfZgbo

Audi A 6 will not start Audi steering column removal and repair
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k07eyc7bo5E

does anyone have done this yourself?

-tishi

[Testastretta]

Hi, as mentioned iam repairing and also deactivating this units couple of years already. 99% of users are choosing deactivation instead of repair because price is the same and deactivation is 100% solution forever. Repairing is good but i have also customers which pay somewhere for the repair and in 6months or so the unit is again broken. The reason is that you change some components but same other components will fail again. So if you change relay for example, next time the motor is broken. O so also units which stuck mechanicaly on stearing column so it was impossible to fix it electronically. So oled units faild also because of bug in SW. But if i take the unit and will flash my file emulator into the unit then its solved because whatewer is broken it will still confirm engine start

[KeepAudi]

hello,did it work by disconnecting pin 19?

Had the same issue.

Audi A6 C6 4F2 4.2L 2005. Had the same Issue: error code 00288 - N360 inside unit J518.

This has happened 4 times to me and I have used a portable VAG Com to override the error code. Which brings the car back to life. 2 out of those 4 times I had a failing Battery. I suggest you ‘cell check’ the battery and the Voltage at rest First; as this might be part of the problem of the error code (lower battery voltage)?!?!? I am not sure about this, yet the coincidence is high as other random false working lights came on i.e. low oil (these went after battery replacement).

There is some miss information on this topic and on many threads. Dealers will say the following:

a. “you cannot remove J518 from the steering column, you need to buy a complete new column which includes J518”. You CAN remove J518 from the column. I have done this and yes it took some effort including dealing with 2# one-way turn screw (need to cut a slot in the screw head) and Yes, you need to remove the whole steering column first.
b. “J518 can not be repaired”. It can. The most likely course of 00288 is solenoid ACT512 or one of the 3# micro switches on the PCM. I have bought such a kit. Worth changing the low cost small ELV motor while you are inside J518). Repair kits are available and you then re-solder.
c. “you cannot re-program J518, it’s a code once and forget”. There was a re-coding service I found in Europe (sorry lost www site URL).

Solutions:

The following is my personal opinion and actions. I take no responsibility for the following text. It is at the risk of the reader should they action the following;
AT YOUR OWN RISK.

1. Pay a Garage to replace the whole steering column and re-code J518.

2. Buy solenoid ACT512 + 3# micro switches + ELV Motor. Solder and fit (no need to recode)

3. Cut Wire or Wires: With the Key IN the ignition yet ignition OFF: On J518 is a 20 pin connector; cut Pin 19 (black/red). Please double check its location as there are 2# black/red wires. I took the connector block out and a part of its housing to be sure. I cut the wire high enough up the cable to allow re-connection.

3a. Pin 19 - May not work. If so, then on the larger 3 Pin Power connector cut the black/red cable. I cut high enough up the cable to allow re-connection.
Solution 3. Worked for me. The steering column does not lock after performing 3. / 3a.

Final thought: VW Passet also has a J518 which you can buy as a unit. Please look at this as a possible solution (save the cost of a new column). You will need a garage to code the new J518 to your car. I did not look at this further.

Best of luck.

For those who live in remote and or cold / very hot locations, I advise buying a portable VAG Com unit or perform the solutions above. Being stranded at night in the freezing cold … etc…