mwassoc@cox.net

2005 Audi A8 Quattro with only 54,000 mi.

Steering wheel heat malfunction.

1.) Does anyone know if there is an easy fix for this. Is there a possible way to disable the heated steering wheel? Or is there any trick to turning it off? I pulled out the #6 fuse, but that causes other issues as well, turning signals, driver airbag, parking break, headlight auto adjust etc.

2.) Repair?
can I disable it, or...
is it a simple wiring part fix or...
will I need a whole new steering wheel?

dvs_dave

What is the actual issue with the heated steering wheel you're experiencing? Why do you want to disable it?

mwassoc@cox.net

Funny, but I never realized I had a heated steering wheel until 10 years later. A couple of days ago It almost burnt my fingers off, and it started to smell like melting leather/ plastic. I located the button for it just behind the steering wheel adjustment wheel, but it doesn't seem to turn off when pressed. as I mentioned I removed the fuse#6 just so I could run short errands. Although the car is 10 years old, it only has 54,000 miles on it and I am the original owner. it's only worth 7-8 thousand and rather than spend $$$$ I would love to know if there may be a way to just bypass it somehow. I do need to put the fuse back in since it also affects other parts of the car.

Giovanni Giovino 6.0+6.0TT

Hello,


Please post a picture of the button that you say you pressed to turn on the heated SW, as my 05 A8L W12 does not have a button to activate the heated SW, my HSW is activated by turning on the driver's side heated seat per the HVAC controls, the button next the steering wheel adjustment is for exit mode of the steering column.

dvs_dave

That button by the steering column adjuster is to turn on/off the convenience access function. Nothing to do with wheel heating.

Steering wheel heat is only activated with seat heating, but then only when cabin temp is below 50F (or something like that).

If you have a systems malfunction causing the wheel heat to be on permanently, then I suggest unplugging the wheel heater element. You need to remove the airbag module to get to the connector. Easy job, two screws.

Jack88

Your car is worth plenty more than 7-8, by the way. 13-14k, private party for having that low of mileage. If you haven't done the timing belt job, I'd start looking at it. You aren't there for mileage, but the age concerns me. For your steering wheel, I don't know why it would fail on, but I suspect a short of some kind. Whenever I see weird electrical faults, I always have to suggest checking to make sure your floor boards are not damp. A water intrusion can cause all sorts of problems.

mwassoc@cox.net

the_duke

That button is not for steering wheel heat. It enables/disables comfort entry/exit.

Giovanni Giovino 6.0+6.0TT

+1


As I stated earlier, the heated SW in an 05 is controlled by activating the driver's heated seat.


You should do a scan and post it for us to review and help.

mwassoc@cox.net

hahaha, well ok then. I'm a girl but give me points for trying. No with that said, what could it be? seriously the wheel gets so hot I can't touch it.