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Red steering wheel lit up warning lights

Tiny
IVAN AZCUE
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
  • 2.5L
  • 5 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 216,000 MILES
I was driving my car with no problems until I stopped then when I restarted the vehicle a red steering wheel light appeared on my instrument cluster. Can I still drive the vehicle? Will it cause any damage?

I understand my vehicle does not have power steering fluid it's a motor hooked up to a computer module and it runs off gears.

There is not much information on the Internet regarding fuses relays wiring diagrams or where to even start.



any suggestions?
Thank you

it has been raining heavily could something have gotten wet?

also is there anything in the market I could buy that's equivalent to the vagcom?
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Wednesday, May 8th, 2019 AT 8:16 AM

18 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,904 POSTS
Hello,

Yes, the red wheel means you have a problem with the steering system. probably the angle sensor or steering motor going out. to be sure you need to scan the system this video will show you how:

https://youtu.be/InIlnsjOVFA

Here are diagrams and instructions on how to change out the module and steering sensor

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.
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Thursday, May 9th, 2019 AT 1:31 PM
Tiny
IVAN AZCUE
  • MEMBER
  • 25 POSTS
Hi Ken, thanks for the information I'm waiting on a Foxwell nt650 to arrive it states it will help calibrate the SAS system.

Meanwhile, I was trying to take the steering wheel apart and noticed it will not turn at all. It's pretty much stuck. I don;t want to force it, I made sure the wheel isn't lock, it is still a bit loose but definitely can't turn it. Should I or can I still remove it without having to turn the wheel?

I ordered a wheel angle sensor hoping that's the issue. Would there be any other sensor in the steering column I should look at?

Any idea why the wheel wont turn?

Thanks a lot for the help.
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Thursday, May 30th, 2019 AT 6:42 PM
Tiny
IVAN AZCUE
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  • 25 POSTS
I was messing with the steering wheel cover and it's actually broken. So I was able to pry it open and I can see what I believe is the angle sensor.
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Saturday, June 1st, 2019 AT 10:22 AM
Tiny
IVAN AZCUE
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  • 25 POSTS
Pictures.
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Saturday, June 1st, 2019 AT 10:27 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,904 POSTS
The sensor is under the steering wheel which needs to be removed to replace the sensor but you should be able to turn the wheel. I am wondering if the steering motor is lock up? Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so we can see what's going on, that would be great. You can upload it here with your response. Let me see you trying to turn the wheel please.
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Saturday, June 1st, 2019 AT 12:30 PM
Tiny
IVAN AZCUE
  • MEMBER
  • 25 POSTS
With the cover off I was able to remove the airbag. I stopped there since I didn't have the tool to remove the steering wheel bolt.

If the motor can lock up I think it did. What does that mean? Can the angle sensor still fix that?
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Saturday, June 1st, 2019 AT 4:54 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,904 POSTS
Yep, the steering motor looks like it is locked up. Let keep taking it apart to see what you find. Do you need any other diagrams or?
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Tuesday, June 4th, 2019 AT 10:01 AM
Tiny
IVAN AZCUE
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  • 25 POSTS
Yea please. Would that be the whole rack we are talking about?

I'll need a starting point, so yes on the diagrams. Thanks
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Tuesday, June 4th, 2019 AT 10:55 AM
Tiny
IVAN AZCUE
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  • 25 POSTS
Could it be the steering wheel lock gas gone bad? Any diagrams for it?
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Tuesday, June 4th, 2019 AT 11:04 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,904 POSTS
Here is what I found let me know if you need more. Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Tuesday, June 4th, 2019 AT 12:02 PM
Tiny
IVAN AZCUE
  • MEMBER
  • 25 POSTS
Hi Ken, I got the steering wheel off and when I remove the clock spring I realize the clock Spring does not rotate and fact it only moves slightly left and slightly right. Does that mean my clock spring is bad and could that be the issue? With the clock spring removed could I put the steering wheel back in turn the key on and see if the steering wheel works or is that a no no?
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Friday, June 14th, 2019 AT 3:32 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,904 POSTS
Yep, it sounds like it is bad. I would get a new unit and install it. You can try installing the steering wheel to see what happens but you will have warning lights on for the airbag, horn wont work etc.
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Monday, June 17th, 2019 AT 10:56 AM
Tiny
IVAN AZCUE
  • MEMBER
  • 25 POSTS
Hi Ken, recall when I asked if clock springs are supposed to spin freely? Just received a clock spring. It only rotates slightly, just like the current line I have now.
So are clock spring free spinning?
Basically wondering if I bought another part for no reason.

I thought you said if they don't spin its bad and to replace.

Please explain.
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Sunday, August 4th, 2019 AT 2:36 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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The clock spring will not turn freely unless installed it has safety clip that will not let it turn. Once installed it will work correctly.
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Monday, August 5th, 2019 AT 9:25 AM
Tiny
KANDARP
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Hey, Ken. My VW Jetta 2015 showing the same red-light indicator and the steering wheel is jammed. I showed the issue to my local mechanic, and he told me change the whole electronic steering module. I want to know does electronic steering module damaged easily and can you tell the price of it.
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Sunday, October 3rd, 2021 AT 11:42 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,192 POSTS
Hi,

I noticed it has been a few days since you asked a question. First, let me know if there has been any progress made. Also, how did the mechanic determine the module was bad? Do you know if there was a diagnostic trouble code that is pointing him in the right direction?

If you haven't already, I suggest having the can-bus scanned. CAN stands for controller area network. Basically, all the computers/modules are tied together via a few wires. This type of scan will identify codes regardless of the module they are stored in. Here is a quick video showing how it's done.

https://youtu.be/InIlnsjOVFA

Let me know what has been done so far. Also, I need to know the engine size.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, October 7th, 2021 AT 1:36 PM
Tiny
IVAN AZCUE
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  • 25 POSTS
Hey Joe, thanks for the follow up. The rack n pinion actually went out and had to be replaced all the sensors were good

any advice on a good scanner for someone that likes to tinker with German vehicles.
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Thursday, October 7th, 2021 AT 4:19 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,192 POSTS
Hi,

When you say German cars, are you referring to VW/Audi or any German car? If you stick with VW/AUDI, find one that is designed for VAG (VW Audi Group). You can find them for under $100.00. Other than that, it really depends on what you want to spend. They can range from $50.00 to the thousands.

One other thought. When purchasing one, find one that can read the can bus. CAN stands for controller area network. Basically, the newer vehicles have all the computers/modules tied together via a few wires. This network is referred to as the CAN. If you don't have one that can read the can-bus, it really limits you.

If you are in the US, any OBD 2 scanner will work, but it matters how deep you want to get into the project.

Let me know your thoughts and I'll try to find something that will work for you.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, October 7th, 2021 AT 5:58 PM

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