Service
SERVICECheck the electrically adjustable steering column
1. Remove the steering wheel column trim and detach the right upper bolt (Figure 1, Point 2).
2. Use a feeler gauge to measure the gap between the steering column and cross carrier.
3. If the gap is less than 0.3 mm wide:
Retighten the right upper bolt and perform the basic settings in the 09-Electronic central electrics module J519. A reset of the control unit may be necessary. If the procedure is still unsuccessful, open a TACS ticket for further instruction.
4. If the gap is more than 0.3 mm wide, perform the following procedure:
a. Retighten the right upper bolt.
b. Identify pins 1 and 5 (center contact of motors) on the 8-pin connector on the steering column. Surround the wires from pins 1 and 5 with the current pick-up clamp.
c. Use the guided functions on the scan tool to read and document measurement value blocks 2 and 3 of the Electronic central electrics control unit J519.
d. Perform basic settings of the steering column in J519. Record the changing current values during the lengthways and height adjustment.
e. Loosen all mounting bolts of the steering column.
f. Repeat basic settings and measure and record the current values again.
g. Retighten the steering column bolts.
h. Repeat the measurement/recording a third time.
5. The obstruction counters in measured value block 2 and 3 of the Electronic central electrics control unit J519 are an indication for tension in the steering column if the counters differ greatly (e.g. the value for vertical high is five times higher than the remaining obstruction counters).
The expected current draw in correct steering columns is about 1A for axial adjustment and about 2.8A-3.4A for vertical adjustment.
Current draws above these values are an indication of a tight steering column.
^ If the current draw is lower and within the specifications after loosening the mounting bolts, the steering column had tension. If the current draw stays low after the reinstallation, the tension is only caused by the installation. A modification of the steering column is not necessary.
^ If the current consumption rises to its original level after the reinstallation, the tension is caused by unfavorable tolerances of the components. The steering column must be modified.
Modification of the steering column to reduce the belt tension
Tip: Changing the tension of the belt drive may lead to an increased noise level during adjustments of the steering column.
6. Loosen the belt cover of the steering column:
a. If necessary, remove the footwell and steering column cover.
b. Move the height adjustment of the steering column to a central position.
c. Carefully loosen the side clips without damaging the clasps (Figure 2).
Note:
Do not disconnect the wiring harness at the side on the cover attachment.
7. Mark the position of the gear wheels and the gear belt on the housing with a touch-up pencil so that it is easily noticeable.
8. Carefully loosen the gear belt with a fine screwdriver from one gearwheel.
Note:
Make sure that the belt does not come off the opposite gearwheel.
9. Reduce the tension.
a. Turn the gear wheel clockwise by hand until there is no resistance. The gearwheel should now move very lightly.
b. Turn the gear wheel counter-clockwise until a light resistance (hand-tight) is felt.
c. Depending on the measured gap, use the gear offset shown above.
10. Place the gear belt by hand on the gear wheel.
Note:
The identification on the belt must match the identification on the housing.
11. Carefully reinstall the cover on the housing.
12. Set the basic settings.
a. Reprogram the steering column with V.A.G scantool 5052 in the basic settings (Electronic central electrics control unit J519).
b. Verify if the changing current values during the lengthways and height adjustment are within specification.
c. Perform a function check.
13. Reassemble steering column.
14. Verify proper function of the adjustment.