Edward6420

Need a little info about the steering system if possible. Have a 2013 A4 with just over 61,000 miles. It has developed a real problem with loss of assist in steering. Is this a hydraulic gear? (might need some fluid) If it is an EPAS gear it seems some software or a control unit has gone bad. Any news of this in this community?

SMac770

2013, so B8.5, so electronic steering rack.
Do a scan with VCDS and find out what the car already knows regarding any problems with the steering system.
If it has nothing to contribute, then you're down to actual diagnosis. I don't know what output tests or adaptations or what you can try, or what the common issues with the electric rack are.
Good luck.

Edward6420

Yes, it is an EPAS gear and I'm getting no trouble codes off my basic OBD II handheld. Maybe the more sophisticated reader at the dealer can find something. I've read on some of the blogs that the vehicle will disable itself if the steering goes bad completely and won't start as a fail safe. Thanks for the feedback.

audi8k

If the car knows about a problem (and turns it off), according to the owners manual, you should get a warning message with a red or yellow symbol. If you have the chance to read diagnostics with e.g. OBDeleven or VCDS the electric power steering module is 44. (If you also have the optional "Dynamic Steering, this is in module 1B.) (Can't help with details, I'm afraid.)

Edward6420

Thanks, both. OBDeleven? that's good. Turned out to be the intermediate shaft on the column binding up badly. Glad I don't need a new EPAS gear as that is way more expensive.