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I have an 2007 Audi A6 C6 Avant that I've owned for a while. The other day I experienced the notorious steering column actuator issue where the car doesnt respond to the key being in the ignition while throwing a 00288 code. I was able to clear the code with VCDS and start the car. After doing some additional research I bought the repair kit as I have good soldering equipment and skills. I got to the part of taking steering column out to access the actuator module, Got the cowling off, unplugged all the connectors and unscrewed all 4 bolts holding the column in place and it doesnt drop down! I followed all the videos online but none of them had the memory/electric column like mine, so there may be some additional steps or bolts that need to be undone. Does anyone have experience with this? What am I missing here?
For anyone stuck in a similar situation, some model A6 C6’s do have an additional support bracket that sits on top of the column assembly. I had to take apart the dash which is a royal pain in the **** to be able to access it.
Highlighted are the two screws that need to be removed in order to drop the column and to proceed with pulling the module for repair.
On a positive note, the 3 switches and 1 relay were replaced (I’ve got some soldering skills from back in the day) and the car started right up!! Ended up being a bigger job than I bargained for but it turned out successful.
I sense that I will be doing this in the next year or so. I get errors in VCDS but thus far the car starts fine. When you pull the steering column, are you separating it inside the car? Or must you go under the car and take it apart there?
I sense that I will be doing this in the next year or so. I get errors in VCDS but thus far the car starts fine. When you pull the steering column, are you separating it inside the car? Or must you go under the car and take it apart there?
hey Das60, I pulled the column on the inside of the car, it separates pretty easily there and is fairly easy to put back in. I have a bunch of lessons learned from this experience but after doing it a few times I’m pretty comfortable with it. Don’t hesitate to reach out should you have any more questions. Cheers
Unfortunately, after 2.5 months without issue with some really bad weather, the dreaded "00288 - Steering Column Lock Actuator (N360): Defective" code showed back up. Question for ya guys who have done the repair, there are two kits out there, one with the actuator motor and one without. I installed the one without (3 microswitches and the relay), what are the chances its the actual actuator motor? or is it more likely that the chip on the circuit board is at fault which means replacing. Any insight is helpful.
12-02-2020, 05:44 PM
A6 C6 Avant Steering Wheel Column Actuator Issue
