the first problem was that after i bolted everything back together, turning the steering wheel generated a noticeable scuffing sound. seems that the back of the steering wheel was rubbing on the (replacement) steering column trim pieces, so i took everything apart again to see if there was something i didn't tighten up right.

unfortunately, i wasn't nearly as careful this time around (sigh) and accidentally opened up the "airbag spring" -- which despite the scary name actually appears to be a cleverly coiled wire designed to allow the steering wheel to turn at least 2 turns in each direction without binding up. i believe i correctly recoiled the wire (and carefully verified that it was properly oriented to allow 2 turns in each direction again), and put everything back together.

after putting everything back together, i (with great trepidation) reconnected the battery and started up the car. all the dash lights went out like they should, but after turning the steering column lock-to-lock a couple times (while idling), the traction control light came on. it seems to be stuck on now (and since my stolen laptop hasn't yet been replaced, i don't have vag-com handy); does this suggest there's something amiss, perhaps with the "airbag spring"? or did i probably just confuse the steering angle sensor somehow? btw, the horn still works fine, and that uses the aforementioned "airbag spring".

ps. of course, the damned plastic rubbing sound remains. i should know better than to try to take things apart more than once a day :-(

 

... but I love your attention to detail.

Perfection... that's the goal.

 

I had the same code after I replaced my turn signal stalk. Andrew and I spent many many frustrating hours trying to reset it. Before I plunked down $500 for a non-returnable part I brought it to Clair for a more thorough evaluation. You need your VIN number so the parts department can determine which clock spring/steering angle sensor you need. If you don't fix it your ESP won't work.

I'm surprised you had to coil yours back up, I had a hard cracking mine open because it had tamper proof screws, I guess they differ depending on the model year?

Good luck! If you need a hand, I can change it in about 30-40 minutes. Then you need a VAG tool for the calibration.

 

to tape it shut so that it won't open up during disassembly, so i'm surprised to hear about the screws. are you sure we're talking about the same part? this particular part doesn't appear to house any sensors. also, i find it strange that the light didn't come on immediately -- makes me think that maybe it's just out-of-calibration?

 

Looks like a square box with a hole in the middle and a little spinny thing that is turned by the steering wheel. It is the first thing you remove when you open the steering column to get to the turn signal stalk, IIRC. My ESP light didn't go on until I was half way home. VAG it and see what code it gives.

 

but i'm without a windows pc at the moment. thanks for your help though bro. oh, and shoot me an email with your address so i can send out the mf.

 

every time i need to replace some bit of hardware, i order a bunch of the part so it won't come up again. the result is that i now have two drawers like this one filled with random screws, clips and whatnot that i'll probably never exhaust, but somehow i find the parts comforting :-)

<img src="http://m3.mayzurk.com/meem/tt/parts/hw-med.jpg">

 

wow... that is simply amazing... I have garage envy...very good idea

 

Well, it's a good thing you have disposable income. Otherwise you'd be in a world of hurt...

 

i think we should try to reset it first before you buy anything.