Audi Q7 Steering Column Adjustment Failure Fix Guide

I had a similar electric adjustment issue with my Audi Q5 2015. The steering column adjustment stopped working completely, showing the same symptoms as yours. With some experience working on Audis, I recognized this as a common electric steering problem. The workshop diagnosed it as a faulty connection in the wiring harness leading to the steering column adjustment motor. The repair involved accessing the steering column area and replacing the damaged cable connections. The total cost was 95 Euro for parts and labor, which was reasonable considering the technical nature of the work. To better assist with your specific case, could you provide: Has the issue developed gradually or did it stop working suddenly? Are you experiencing any other electrical issues? Does the steering wheel make any noise when you try to adjust it? Have you noticed any warning lights on the dashboard? This information would help determine if your issue is similar to what I encountered or if its potentially a different steering system problem.

Latest service completed at 19200 KM. The electronic steering issue appeared suddenly with no warning signs. When attempting adjustments, there is a clicking sound from the column but no movement. No other electrical issues are present and the dashboard shows only the general steering system warning light. The car is driveable and the actual steering works fine, its just the adjustment that has failed. I will take it to a workshop next week, but wanted to understand if my mechanical fault might be similar to what you experienced with the wiring harness. Would a wiring issue typically cause the clicking sound Im hearing? The steering failure seems more mechanical than electrical based on the noise, but Im not sure.

Based on the clicking sound you describe, your steering issue seems different from my wiring harness problem. With my Q5, there was no sound at all when attempting column adjustment. The clicking noise during adjustment attempts typically indicates the motor is receiving power but unable to move the mechanism. This points more toward a mechanical steering failure in the column adjustment system rather than an electrical fault. From my experience, common causes for this type of mechanical fault include: Worn adjustment gears in the electronic steering mechanism, Seized column adjustment tracks, Failed adjustment motor The repair cost for these mechanical issues usually runs between 300-500 Euro, significantly more than the wiring fix I needed. The clicking sound suggests the adjustment motor might still be functional, but the mechanical components preventing movement will likely need replacement. Since the actual steering functions normally, you can safely drive to the workshop. However, have them specifically check the column adjustment mechanism and gears, as these components often wear out on these models. Would you mind updating the forum once you get the workshop diagnosis? It would help others with similar electronic steering problems identify the difference between electrical and mechanical steering failures.

Thank you for sharing your insights on the wiring harness issue. Its helpful to know that your problem presented differently without the clicking sound Im experiencing. The mechanical symptoms Im seeing definitely sound more severe than a simple wiring problem. Ill prepare for potentially higher repair costs in the 300-500 Euro range as you mentioned. At least the car remains driveable despite this steering column issue. Ill absolutely update this thread once I get the official diagnosis next week. The clicking during attempted electric adjustment does suggest the motor works but something mechanical is preventing the steering column movement. This matches your theory about worn adjustment gears or seized tracks being the likely culprit. Thanks for helping me narrow down the potential causes of this mechanical fault. Having a better understanding of what the workshop might find will help me discuss the repair options more effectively when I take it in.