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hannah_phoenix15
Audi S3 Steering Wheel Controls Dead, Error Code Alert
4 comment(s)
emmablade1
Had the same problem on my 2017 Audi A3 Sportback. The steering wheel buttons completely failed, and the error code pointed to a wiring issue in the steering column. The root cause was a damaged cable connection between the steering wheel and the control module. Over time, repeated steering wheel rotation had worn down the wiring harness. This created an electrical fault affecting all multifunction buttons. This turned out to be a serious issue requiring complete cable replacement in the steering wheel assembly. The repair involved: Removing the steering wheel, Installing new cable connections, Reprogramming the steering control module, Testing all multifunction systems While the malfunction indicator showed just a sensor fault initially, the problem was more complex. The worn cables could have eventually affected other steering column electronics. The repair requires specialized diagnostic equipment and precise calibration after reassembly. Would strongly recommend having this fixed at a certified shop since improper repair can affect airbag systems and other safety features. Best to address this quickly before it leads to additional electrical problems in the steering system.
hannah_phoenix15 (Author)
Thanks for sharing your repair experience. The exact same connectivity problem started in my Audi S3 last month. My steering wheel buttons also stopped working completely due to a wiring harness fault in the steering column. The electrical fault turned out to be from cable wear, just like in your case. Did you notice any warning signs before complete failure? Wondering if your repair has held up well since then. Can you remember the total repair cost? My local shop quoted 950 Euro for parts and labor but I want to compare prices before moving forward with the control module replacement.
hannah_phoenix15 (Author)
Thanks for sharing your repair experience. The exact same connectivity problem started in my Audi S3 last month. My steering wheel buttons also stopped working completely due to a wiring harness fault in the steering column. The electrical fault turned out to be from cable wear, just like in your case. Did you notice any warning signs before complete failure? Wondering if your repair has held up well since then. Can you remember the total repair cost? My local shop quoted 950 Euro for parts and labor but I want to compare prices before moving forward with the control module replacement.
emmablade1
Just got the repair done last week actually. The steering controls are working perfectly now after fixing the cable connection in the steering wheel. Much simpler than initially feared, no full control module replacement was needed in my case. The total cost came to 95 Euro for labor and parts, which was a relief compared to the 950 Euro quote you received. The malfunction indicator disappeared right after they repaired the worn wiring harness. All steering wheel functions are back to normal. Looking back, there were some warning signs before the complete electrical fault occurred. The volume buttons would work intermittently at first, then other steering controls started failing one by one. But since getting the cables fixed, no issues at all. Would suggest getting a second opinion on that quote, as the repair might not require such extensive work. A certified shop should be able to diagnose if its just the cable connection or if theres truly a need for a full control module replacement.
emmablade1
Just got the repair done last week actually. The steering controls are working perfectly now after fixing the cable connection in the steering wheel. Much simpler than initially feared, no full control module replacement was needed in my case. The total cost came to 95 Euro for labor and parts, which was a relief compared to the 950 Euro quote you received. The malfunction indicator disappeared right after they repaired the worn wiring harness. All steering wheel functions are back to normal. Looking back, there were some warning signs before the complete electrical fault occurred. The volume buttons would work intermittently at first, then other steering controls started failing one by one. But since getting the cables fixed, no issues at all. Would suggest getting a second opinion on that quote, as the repair might not require such extensive work. A certified shop should be able to diagnose if its just the cable connection or if theres truly a need for a full control module replacement.
hannah_phoenix15 (Author)
I finally got this fixed last week after dealing with the connectivity problem for over a month. Took it to a different shop for a second opinion and saved quite a bit of money. The vehicle diagnostics showed it was indeed just the wiring harness causing issues with the multifunction steering wheel. The repair came to 420 Euro total, much better than the original 950 Euro quote. The technician found worn cables in the steering column that were causing the electrical fault. No need for a full control module replacement like the first shop suggested. The repair process took about 3 hours. They removed the steering wheel, replaced the damaged wiring, and tested all functions. Everything works perfectly now, all buttons respond instantly and the error code is gone. Really glad I checked around for other repair options. The first shop was definitely trying to oversell unnecessary work. Sometimes getting a second professional opinion makes a big difference in repair costs.
hannah_phoenix15 (Author)
I finally got this fixed last week after dealing with the connectivity problem for over a month. Took it to a different shop for a second opinion and saved quite a bit of money. The vehicle diagnostics showed it was indeed just the wiring harness causing issues with the multifunction steering wheel. The repair came to 420 Euro total, much better than the original 950 Euro quote. The technician found worn cables in the steering column that were causing the electrical fault. No need for a full control module replacement like the first shop suggested. The repair process took about 3 hours. They removed the steering wheel, replaced the damaged wiring, and tested all functions. Everything works perfectly now, all buttons respond instantly and the error code is gone. Really glad I checked around for other repair options. The first shop was definitely trying to oversell unnecessary work. Sometimes getting a second professional opinion makes a big difference in repair costs.
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emmablade1
Had the same problem on my 2017 Audi A3 Sportback. The steering wheel buttons completely failed, and the error code pointed to a wiring issue in the steering column. The root cause was a damaged cable connection between the steering wheel and the control module. Over time, repeated steering wheel rotation had worn down the wiring harness. This created an electrical fault affecting all multifunction buttons. This turned out to be a serious issue requiring complete cable replacement in the steering wheel assembly. The repair involved: Removing the steering wheel, Installing new cable connections, Reprogramming the steering control module, Testing all multifunction systems While the malfunction indicator showed just a sensor fault initially, the problem was more complex. The worn cables could have eventually affected other steering column electronics. The repair requires specialized diagnostic equipment and precise calibration after reassembly. Would strongly recommend having this fixed at a certified shop since improper repair can affect airbag systems and other safety features. Best to address this quickly before it leads to additional electrical problems in the steering system.