@@bigtalltimnew problem after jump start to my vw golf 5.i fixed the steering wheel light following the video advice but nothing works on the codriver side.the doors don’t open neither from inside nor for the outside and the mirror,too.any advice???
We need to understand the problem… if you had a battery so flat that it had to be jump started, that is likely to be the source of your electrical issues. I’d start by changing the battery for a good one (borrowed from another vehicle would be fine rather than buying a new one for test purposes. After that, run a diagnostic computer scan and list all of the error codes - it could be so many things there is no best guess that isn’t a pure guess…
I forgot the light switch open for 2 days and I jump started the car but I took it for a ride for half an hour and afterwards I counted the voltage of the battery and it is 12,16 volts.I tried to turn it on after 2 hours and it works fine I changed the battery a few months ago so I assume it has charged How can it be for everything to work on the driver’s side(both windows and doors and the central lock)and not at the other side?It’s Sunday and I’m stuck in this situation
Straight answer, is that the fuses are often arranged into zones. Check your fuse listing in the manual for passenger side fuses… one other thought - Does the passenger side open if you press the fob unlock button twice? On some models there was an anti hijacking’s feature - only the drivers door opened with the first press… possible I guess that this has reapplied due to the battery outage… odd though it may seem, try that
Saw your video, changed to a new battery and all the indicators gone! Old battery was last changed on 22 August 2022! Thanks for the video and keep up for good work!
There are a number of possible causes - check your fluid level in the reservoir… also, as it is getting colder, it could be that your battery is on its way out and the draw from the starter motor is tipping it over the edge when you start up - all sorts of weird electrical gremlins show up at this time of year for exactly that reason
Hi Tim, i was driving in my polo and the same light came on and my power steering went stiff and hard to turn. I've since then checked the fuses under the steering wheel and on top of the battery. Checked fluid, none leaking. Any idea mate? Thanks👍
My first guess would have been low power steering fluid, but as you said you’ve checked that, I’d suspect the power steering pump or a bad auxiliary belt (the one that drives the power steering pump and alternator)… the belt is easy to check / replace, so maybe start with that - if you have an oil leak, the belt could be contaminated and slipping which would compromise your steering assist
PS. You didn’t mention which polo you have, but if it is a later one with an electric power steering pump, it could be an earth issue - check the earthing point where the negative terminal from the pump is bolted to the chassey/engine (all cars are negative earthed so the negative will always return to the body somewhere) believe that earth issues are kinda common with the ones with a stop start system and so on
Brilliant video, exactly what I had after changing the battery. Keep posting the videos you just saved me a probably expensive trip to the dealership 👍👍👍👍👍
Great to hear and thanks for the feedback… and yes - the dealership would have plugged you into their computer (typically about 90 quid) charged an hour for investigation (another 60 quid plus VAT) and then done the exact same thing!!
I have a 2013 Tiguan. Live in Florida, so not cold. Purchased it used about 6 months ago, with around 160K miles. In the recent 3-4 weeks, I have experiencing where the power steering does not engage “sometimes” when I START the car. It seems to happen after I drive the car for 20+ minutes, arrive at destination, and turn off the car, where subsequently upon starting the car “shortly” within 1-30 minutes, the power steering goes out/away and eventually the power steering light turns on. I phrased it this way, because the red power steering light does not always immediately turn on when the power steering is out. I have tested the battery with my multimeter and it shows 12.5V with the car off, and 13.9V when idling. So, I guess I can eliminate the alternator as a problem. The fuses have been checked. Because it has been intermittent, it just doesn't seem to indicate a problem with the steering column. No other indicator lights are on. I am looking for an OBD sensor that will work with my VW Tiguan, so no codes yet.
Ok… you’ve got me intrigued! Weird set of symptoms, so I usually open with looking for electrical gremlins… maybe not condensation from cold, but have you driven through any water recently?
Great question - balance (mechanical balance issues like missing wheel weights and so on) no… ABS problems though, definitely yes! If one of your wheel sensors is telling the car that it is going faster than the cut off speed then the reset won’t work. Do you have an abs warning as well?
I have the same issue steering wheel indicator but with abs sensor indicator turn on and my speedometer on also not working plus my fuel level going crazy on meter, i use polo hatchback 1.6 mpi . Any idea bro what happen
I think you have 3 separate problems… the steering wheel sensor has probably lost its calibration, the abs fail is stopping that from resetting, but the really interesting one is the Speedo and fuel gauge… if I had to hazard a guess, it sounds to me like the earthing point for that circuit (where the circuit connects to the chassey or engine block, and through that back to the negative terminal on the battery) has rusted - or possibly a wire has melted onto a hot component and is creating an earth loop. Generally when weird shiz happens it is electrical in nature… it’s a tricky one to diagnose without seeing the vehicle, and you would need to plug a code reader in to be sure, but I’d start by looking for loose wires trailing on the back of the engine, or the exhaust, and for rusty bolts where wires connect to the body - usually in the engine bay
Hi , I have recently changed my starter motor in which the battery has been disconnected to do so.. Since connecting back up I have amber steering light same as yours, but also my power steering isn’t there, very heavy.. I do have Rear right wheel speed sensor down, Could this really be the reason my steering won’t ‘reset’ and continues to have no power steering and shows light ? Cheers
Hey tim mate 👋 i have the same problem while i'm driving first red steering wheel light comes up with tire balance and traction lights and the car stops moving and won't unlock transmission until i put the steering wheel in a certain direction .. do you know what could be the problem ?
I honestly don’t know, but I certainly wouldn’t drive it before getting that checked out! It sounds like a few circuits are affected, so it doesn’t sound like a single cause… I suspect a electrical fault - maybe an earthing issue for a satellite box (have seen similar groups of symptoms before) but definitely one for a professional
VW Caddy 2012, battery died, replaced with a spare. Had the car running, just turned my wheel fully to the right and then to the left, light just went off. No driving, no returning to middle, and no turning off ignition.
My 09 Jetta steering light came on and the steering went stiff. All the lights came up and then went off and appears like no power while car still on then it flashes on any insight on what that may be?
Either your steering pump has failed, or you may have a hydraulic fluid leak. Check the level of power steering fluid first. After that (and forgive me… I can’t remember if a Jetta had an electric, or an auxiliary belt driven steering pump) check you auxiliary belt to make sure it isn’t slipping with oil contamination, or damaged, OR check that power is getting to and from the pump if you have an electric pump… don’t take any chances though - physical failure of power assisted steering is no joke!
My pleasure - I believe that low fluid is the most common cause of the symptoms you describe, but tough to know without seeing the vehicle - let us know how it goes, and thanks for watching!
Hi Kevin - if you have the same symptoms as oliviamo4490, my recommendation is that if you don’t have an obvious fluid leak (low fluid level in the reservoir being the giveaway) you get it checked out by a mechanic; you may have a leak in the steering rack that might not be obvious, but anything that affects steering should not be ignored. If you just have the warning light, the reset shown in this vid would help - it could just be a low voltage issue causing the calibration to be lost, but if feeling heavy, that suggests failure of a major component. Even a reconditioned steering rack would cost you about £250, so check carefully for split or leaking hoses, loose jubilee clips etc, and try topping up your pas fluid
It should light up when you start the car (all the warning lights do so that you know that they are working) but then go out again after a second or two… is yours staying on?
Red power steering sign came up, car started tho, before i drove off i tried your method, and it worked,, the loght is off the dash board, sometimes by rear passenger door does not lock, i have to try 2 times to lock it, i also have the light bulb symbol on the dash, says corner light issue,, but the lights fine,, could the problems be linked? I have a passat cc diesel 10 plate, any help would be appreciated
Hi Mike! I don’t think these issues are related - the lights, steering assist and door locks are all on different circuits. If you get the red steering light it indicates a much more serious problem, so definitely get that checked out by an experienced mechanic…
Ive got an 09 Tiguan that the steering went out...i looked for the bad fuse and found they were good (even the 80amp) but when I went to start it the key turned but no response from the dash, not key insert alarm (door open) . The dash will show the door open... I tried clearing the voltage after disconnecting the battery... still no luck. Plugged in the obII but it would not connect
Weird symptoms… kinda sounds like your car isn’t recognising the immobiliser chip in the key fob… might sound like a weird thing to try, but try turning you key the other way up; sometimes as they get older the chip can have difficulty communicating with the sensor that is usually on top of the ignition barrel - I had a similar issue with a replacement key in a clio recently
Great question and a good illustration of what I was saying in the vid… your sensor has probably lost calibration due to a low battery state, but the abs issue is stopping it from resetting - you will likely need to fix the abs issue, then repeat this procedure to get rid of the light
I have a Suzuki Swift (2022) the battery went flat, I replaced with a brand new one. The steering fluid icone came up and it wouldn't let me start the car. Then after a few minutes it disappears and I can start the car again normally. What does it mean ?
All cars light the dashboard warning lights for a short time when you turn the ignition on - to let you know that they work! If you keep the ignition on, they don’t go out - until the engine turns on… I think your battery/starting issue was not connected to this light in your dash - I’m not an expert on Suzuki’s but what I will say, is that all makes and models of cars are different and you can’t really compare them… the age is important too - bottom line, issues in a elderly VW will be very different to a fairly young Suzi!
I got a little 1.2 polo ... I'm sure it's a 9n , I had no light up but very heavy steering so went thru a few things and finally found out it was my alternator so had that replaced, the steering went back to normal so I presumed it was fixed , now the steering warning light has come on and Iv lost power steering. Steering fluids fine , alternator is good and so is the battery ..... help me please
Honestly not sure - you appear to have covered most things in your investigation! I strongly recommend you get it checked out by a professional - steering you don’t take chances with!!
Hi mate is there a way to delete the steering warning light permanently? Doing an engine swap and easier to do a full loom swap, only I can’t use the oem steering rack, I’m fitting a Toyota electric / hydraulic pump for the existing hydraulic rack
Hi - not in so far as I am aware… as it is a basic safety feature, I can’t think of any standard equipment that would achieve that result; a tuning shop may be able to assist, but it is a fairly bad idea on safety grounds so they may not want to assist - steering and brakes are two things that you don’t want to take any chances with!
Simple. Take off dash clusters, open it, crush or remove bulb for steering or take some cloth and insert it over that bulb inside clusters, and you wont see that bulb is always on because you covered it. Actually very easy method.
Crude but effective! 🤷♂️ I’ve always had a healthy respect for fully functioning steering though - call me picky if you will… I really do advise that anything not easily explained should be investigated and repaired! Thanks for watching though - and thanks for making me actually lol for the first time in far too long! Cheers
@@bigtalltim hi mate, decided to modify the subframe, needed to do it anyway for the engine and dsg to fit/ sit right, I’ve added brackets at an angle and used an additional universal joint on the rack so I can get the right position, using donor car steering rack now so no light issues and works great, fully electric rack now which is what I originally wanted to do, also replaced the factory column with the donor car column so can use the donor car paddleshift
First thing I’d do is plug a diagnostic computer in, and clear the other diagnostic trouble codes… when your battery gets low, all sorts of weird messages pop up, and some stick… could be your lights are falsely reporting a problem for the same reason as the steering warning (forgotten calibration etc). Thanks for watching!
What happens if you get the red steering wheel like I did. From nothing to red wheel. Can't turn the wheel to calibrate and the battery is fine. Getting a DTC_00569 code. What are your thoughts on that. Thanks.
Great question… ok - 2 things. You say your battery is fine, but if it has a cell that is just about ok for now, but on the way out, the load under starting may be enough to tip the balance. Get it professionally tested - that’s the obvious one. On the error code, that relates to steering motor current. The rack itself rarely goes wrong on these cars, so it is probably the harness or “loom” - maybe a bad connector, that is further affected by morning condensation… I’d recommend going through the connectors one by one with some contact cleaner… if I was a betting man, I’d put my cash on it being the battery though
@@bigtalltim Thanks so much for your reply. I did get the battery tested, they said it was ok. I checked what I could re the power assist plug and wires coming in and out of them. I spoke to two mechanics, both of them said it was likely the steering rack, although as you said, these racks seldomly fail. My Mk5 has only done 142,000 k's. I'll ask the mechanics to test connectors and loom before doing the rack and hope that this is the issue. Thanks again for getting back to me. Much appreciated. PS:, The red wheel warning light came on two weeks ago. It was taken to a service centre. They said they couldn't find anything wrong with it. They could see the error code in the log, but the problem had seemingly fixed itself. I drove the car for another one and a half weeks with no issues whatsoever. That would suggest that, as you say, it's not the steering rack, and more likely to be electrical? Aside from that and what you have mentioned, is there anything you think I need to say to the mechanic? Thanks again, I just subscribed!
@joshjoshspangler Hi - no worries! A side question: have you driven through any deep water? (Again, this would point towards electrical if so…) Regarding talking to a mechanic about it, just keep to the known issues and hard facts and don’t be offended if the mechanic takes it with a pinch of salt! it is always easier to run with the symptoms and facts and methodically work through the troubleshooting list double checking everything that has been “ruled out” by someone else anyway. That said… The racks *are* pretty much bullet proof, and the job is super easy so if they come in with a quote for more than a couple of hours, they either don’t know VWs or they are being overly cautious - neither of which would fill me with confidence! Tell them you’d prefer a reconditioned rack to save the cost of a brand new unit too - they so rarely go wrong that it’s a pretty safe bet. Good luck!
@@bigtalltim Hello Thank you again! No, I haven't driven through any water and the car is parked in a garage every night so morning condensation is not a problem. Plugs/connectors look clean and dry. Battery has a built in "Good, not so good and replace" gauge which is in the green. Having said that I've put the trickle charger on it just to completely rule out the battery as the problem. Fuse box and connections are corrosion free, dry and tight. I'm going to have to flat bed it into a mechanic so I'll let you know what they find. Thank you so much for your advice and getting back to me. Amazing. :-)
@joshjoshspangler my pleasure! By the way - the thing with batteries is that one cell of the bank of cells that make up the battery (there is usually 6 each of which produces 2.1v at full charge) can be on its way out, but still have enough juice to report that the battery is healthy (over 12v)… the issues come when that same battery is under really heavy load - like when it is turning the starter motor; at that point the voltage can drop to a level that causes electrical gremlins - I’d be really interested to know what they find!
Couple of things to try… try right first then left then right then left… some cars insist on doing the right extreme first. Other than that, it may not be the calibration at all… check your steering fluid level is not low in the reservoir. If it still doesn’t work, connect a diagnostic computer and see what other problems your car has - I’ll bet you have an abs sensor issue
Great question - so… yes, this will be the same with the tdi. The esp light probably indicates a bad abs sensor (by far the most likely cause) and will stop calibration from working. the lack of calibration in turn will light up the steering wheel warning light without any noticeable difference in steering response. You need to fix the esp issue, then do this procedure to clear both warning lights. Thanks for watching!
Brilliant video but sadly didn't work on my 2007 VW Touran 2.0 TDI.. Red light would illuminate intermittently and get heavy steering .. ( UPDATE ) I still havent an explanation why this hack seems to have worked and was only done purely out of frustration of being told i needed an expensive replacement rack,, I tapped the end of the steering rack at the track rod end with a heavy hammer it seems to have solved my problem.. the Amber steering light went out and hasn't come back on in over 18 month's ( touch wood ) . Can anyone explain how and why this might have solved my issue ? 73s
Wow - that’s a new one on me!! The only suggestion I have is possibly that there was an airlock in the steering rack, and the hefty bonk bubbled it out of the system… not an approach I’d recommend, but hey - if it works…
You will need to fix the abs issue - most likely a sensor has failed… as with many of these calibrations, they only work if the system is in a good state of health
Hi. I have a VW Sharan 2011. I got a red light for the steering system and after more check I had to replace it. But after 1 week and almost 1500 km, the red light is back. Which could be the problem? I don’t get it.
Hi - red lights are very different… a lot more serious - something has failed. Definitely get that checked - if I had to guess, possibly a fluid leak caused by the job a week ago?
@@bigtalltim I don’t know exactly. Also, just few days before it cracks, we had some very bad weather and the car went a little through water. It were some floods but not so big. Anyway, after that the red light for the steering system came on and in just 30 minutes the flywheel cracked also. So Idk if all these events are related. Anyway, we replaced the steering system, the clutch with the flywheel, we went into a small vacation whete we drove almost 1500 km. Now, it is back the red light for the steering system and I really don t know why.
I would take it back to the place that fixed the clutch and flywheel… many years ago I had a Sharan, and I seem to recall that the hydraulic fluid for the power steering also does the clutch… could well be related
I’m pretty sure that if it was something serious the symbol would be red… worth trying this, but remember that it won’t work if you also have an abs problem. If your battery has run flat and you have had to be jump started, this would be where I’d start!
That indicates a real problem - you definitely need to get that checked out! Don’t drive if you can possibly avoid it, and if you have to drive to a mechanic, take care and really take your time! It could be as simple as the power steering fluid being low, so that is worth checking. Do you have a code reader?
Ive got a light thats on since the car (2009 Passat) sat without a battery for 4 days! 😢 this doesnt seem to work for me but ive got no other lights and the steering doesnt seem effected at all. Anyone got any ideas where to go next with this?
Try repeating the process twice - right left right left. Also, hold for longer at the extremes of movement. Remember you also have to drive slowly in a straight line for this to set
The starting direction can make a difference with some models… it might be worth trying both rlrl and lrlr… the most important bit is the slow straight driving for about 10 to 20 metres. Good luck - let us know how it goes!
The battery is the cause, not a solution. If your battery went flat, the car will have forgetten where the extremes of movement are. Changing the battery on its own does not inform the car of the positions - this procedure resets those positions. So changing the battery should stop it happening again, but you need to do this procedure to reset the position sensor
Must be a different cause then… Check the pas fluid level! ooor, try RLRL - sometimes that makes all the difference! Remember that an abs issue would cancel the reset, as would driving in the straight line at more than 20kph
I've got same problem, mine won't reset. I have code 00778. I had broken key cylinder so replaced cylinder and steering lock. Put back together reconnected battery and now fault still shows, tried this method several times but won't work. I've stripped again checked all connections. What you think? Faulty sensor? Wasn't present before cylinder change
Hi Wayne - is it possible that you accidentally disconnected the steering sensor? It would give this error if the resistance was out of range - that would be my starting point… especially if not an issue before you opened it up to fix the barrel! The steering sensor wire is a bit out of the way - failing that, possible just need to reset the Diagnostic Trouble Code - might be an old error!
Check for other trouble codes - it is most likely that you have an abs issue, or the fluid level is low… the yellow light does more than just lost callibration
Great question - that is much more serious and you should not drive it with that light on! It means that the electromechanical steering assist has failed, and the steering may be stiff… don’t take chances with that - you definitely need to get that checked out by a pro
@vusibaloyi1235 sounds like the abs issue is the only thing stopping the recalibration from working… it must be that one of your wheels is saying that it is going more than the cutoff speed for this procedure. I’d recommend that you get that sorted, then try this again! Thanks for watching!
Worked perfectly after battery replacement!thank you!
Great to hear, and glad it was useful! thanks for watching 😊
@@bigtalltimnew problem after jump start to my vw golf 5.i fixed the steering wheel light following the video advice but nothing works on the codriver side.the doors don’t open neither from inside nor for the outside and the mirror,too.any advice???
We need to understand the problem… if you had a battery so flat that it had to be jump started, that is likely to be the source of your electrical issues. I’d start by changing the battery for a good one (borrowed from another vehicle would be fine rather than buying a new one for test purposes. After that, run a diagnostic computer scan and list all of the error codes - it could be so many things there is no best guess that isn’t a pure guess…
I forgot the light switch open for 2 days and I jump started the car but I took it for a ride for half an hour and afterwards I counted the voltage of the battery and it is 12,16 volts.I tried to turn it on after 2 hours and it works fine
I changed the battery a few months ago so I assume it has charged
How can it be for everything to work on the driver’s side(both windows and doors and the central lock)and not at the other side?It’s Sunday and I’m stuck in this situation
Straight answer, is that the fuses are often arranged into zones. Check your fuse listing in the manual for passenger side fuses… one other thought - Does the passenger side open if you press the fob unlock button twice? On some models there was an anti hijacking’s feature - only the drivers door opened with the first press… possible I guess that this has reapplied due to the battery outage… odd though it may seem, try that
Saved me a lot of trouble on my 2015 jetta Thanks!!!
Great to hear that it was useful, and thanks for watching!
Saw your video, changed to a new battery and all the indicators gone! Old battery was last changed on 22 August 2022! Thanks for the video and keep up for good work!
My pleasure and many thanks! Yes… low voltage can cause all sorts of electrical gremlins - great to hear you got sorted, and thanks for watching!
Just worked first time on my Skoda octavia II. Thanks lad
No bother! Glad it helped, and thanks for watching!
Cheers mate, this cleared the light on my dash after I had replaced my battery.
Good stuff - glad it helped you out, and thanks for watching!
Really appreciate the assist mate🙏🏼
You are very welcome - and thank you for watching!
Thanks a lot for this informative video
Many thanks bopinder - I’m glad it was useful, and thank you for watching!
Youre da man easy fix for real
I do this but it seems to be only a temporary fix, when i switch the car off again, and drive later the steering goes heavy again
There are a number of possible causes - check your fluid level in the reservoir… also, as it is getting colder, it could be that your battery is on its way out and the draw from the starter motor is tipping it over the edge when you start up - all sorts of weird electrical gremlins show up at this time of year for exactly that reason
Thanks a lot for the tattorial, really helpful now to go see if it works !
You are very welcome - let us know how it goes!
Hi Tim, i was driving in my polo and the same light came on and my power steering went stiff and hard to turn.
I've since then checked the fuses under the steering wheel and on top of the battery. Checked fluid, none leaking. Any idea mate? Thanks👍
My first guess would have been low power steering fluid, but as you said you’ve checked that, I’d suspect the power steering pump or a bad auxiliary belt (the one that drives the power steering pump and alternator)… the belt is easy to check / replace, so maybe start with that - if you have an oil leak, the belt could be contaminated and slipping which would compromise your steering assist
@@bigtalltim Hey Thanks @bigtalltim for coming back with something so quick. I really appreciate it. I'll check that right away. Thanks again 👍
No worries - let us know how it goes!
PS. You didn’t mention which polo you have, but if it is a later one with an electric power steering pump, it could be an earth issue - check the earthing point where the negative terminal from the pump is bolted to the chassey/engine (all cars are negative earthed so the negative will always return to the body somewhere) believe that earth issues are kinda common with the ones with a stop start system and so on
Saved me alot of time with my r, thanks
No bother - always good to hear the vids are useful! Thanks for watching!
Brilliant video, exactly what I had after changing the battery. Keep posting the videos you just saved me a probably expensive trip to the dealership 👍👍👍👍👍
Great to hear and thanks for the feedback… and yes - the dealership would have plugged you into their computer (typically about 90 quid) charged an hour for investigation (another 60 quid plus VAT) and then done the exact same thing!!
Thank you very much you help me to solve problem it work 😍
Great to hear the vid helped you out - and thank you for watching!
I have a 2013 Tiguan. Live in Florida, so not cold. Purchased it used about 6 months ago, with around 160K miles. In the recent 3-4 weeks, I have experiencing where the power steering does not engage “sometimes” when I START the car. It seems to happen after I drive the car for 20+ minutes, arrive at destination, and turn off the car, where subsequently upon starting the car “shortly” within 1-30 minutes, the power steering goes out/away and eventually the power steering light turns on. I phrased it this way, because the red power steering light does not always immediately turn on when the power steering is out. I have tested the battery with my multimeter and it shows 12.5V with the car off, and 13.9V when idling. So, I guess I can eliminate the alternator as a problem. The fuses have been checked. Because it has been intermittent, it just doesn't seem to indicate a problem with the steering column. No other indicator lights are on. I am looking for an OBD sensor that will work with my VW Tiguan, so no codes yet.
Ok… you’ve got me intrigued! Weird set of symptoms, so I usually open with looking for electrical gremlins… maybe not condensation from cold, but have you driven through any water recently?
If the wheels have balance problems, does this cause the yellow light on the steering wheel not to be removed? Even if you do your method?
Great question - balance (mechanical balance issues like missing wheel weights and so on) no… ABS problems though, definitely yes! If one of your wheel sensors is telling the car that it is going faster than the cut off speed then the reset won’t work. Do you have an abs warning as well?
Legend mate! Thankyou
No worries - glad it was useful, and thanks for watching! 👍
I have the same issue steering wheel indicator but with abs sensor indicator turn on and my speedometer on also not working plus my fuel level going crazy on meter, i use polo hatchback 1.6 mpi . Any idea bro what happen
I think you have 3 separate problems… the steering wheel sensor has probably lost its calibration, the abs fail is stopping that from resetting, but the really interesting one is the Speedo and fuel gauge… if I had to hazard a guess, it sounds to me like the earthing point for that circuit (where the circuit connects to the chassey or engine block, and through that back to the negative terminal on the battery) has rusted - or possibly a wire has melted onto a hot component and is creating an earth loop. Generally when weird shiz happens it is electrical in nature… it’s a tricky one to diagnose without seeing the vehicle, and you would need to plug a code reader in to be sure, but I’d start by looking for loose wires trailing on the back of the engine, or the exhaust, and for rusty bolts where wires connect to the body - usually in the engine bay
Hi , I have recently changed my starter motor in which the battery has been disconnected to do so.. Since connecting back up I have amber steering light same as yours, but also my power steering isn’t there, very heavy.. I do have Rear right wheel speed sensor down, Could this really be the reason my steering won’t ‘reset’ and continues to have no power steering and shows light ? Cheers
Great question and a definite yes! If any of the sensors are lying to the ECU about the speed it can invalidate the procedure
Hey tim mate 👋 i have the same problem while i'm driving first red steering wheel light comes up with tire balance and traction lights and the car stops moving and won't unlock transmission until i put the steering wheel in a certain direction .. do you know what could be the problem ?
I honestly don’t know, but I certainly wouldn’t drive it before getting that checked out! It sounds like a few circuits are affected, so it doesn’t sound like a single cause… I suspect a electrical fault - maybe an earthing issue for a satellite box (have seen similar groups of symptoms before) but definitely one for a professional
VW Caddy 2012, battery died, replaced with a spare. Had the car running, just turned my wheel fully to the right and then to the left, light just went off. No driving, no returning to middle, and no turning off ignition.
Cool - I’ve never seen it go that quick, but that is one VW I’ve never played with! great that you got sorted!
Mate, I just done the same and is working, thanks for idea. Also after replacing battery on Skoda Octavia 2012 , 1.6tdi . Thanks bro 🙏
Nice! Seems that with later models that the “procedure” previously required has been simplified - let’s call that a win! Thanks for watching!
My 09 Jetta steering light came on and the steering went stiff. All the lights came up and then went off and appears like no power while car still on then it flashes on any insight on what that may be?
Either your steering pump has failed, or you may have a hydraulic fluid leak. Check the level of power steering fluid first. After that (and forgive me… I can’t remember if a Jetta had an electric, or an auxiliary belt driven steering pump) check you auxiliary belt to make sure it isn’t slipping with oil contamination, or damaged, OR check that power is getting to and from the pump if you have an electric pump… don’t take any chances though - physical failure of power assisted steering is no joke!
@@bigtalltim thank you I will go check it out … I appreciate this so much
My pleasure - I believe that low fluid is the most common cause of the symptoms you describe, but tough to know without seeing the vehicle - let us know how it goes, and thanks for watching!
@@bigtalltimthis is happening to my Jetta rn and I don’t know exactly the issue. If you fixed it do you know exactly what you did. Thanks
Hi Kevin - if you have the same symptoms as oliviamo4490, my recommendation is that if you don’t have an obvious fluid leak (low fluid level in the reservoir being the giveaway) you get it checked out by a mechanic; you may have a leak in the steering rack that might not be obvious, but anything that affects steering should not be ignored. If you just have the warning light, the reset shown in this vid would help - it could just be a low voltage issue causing the calibration to be lost, but if feeling heavy, that suggests failure of a major component. Even a reconditioned steering rack would cost you about £250, so check carefully for split or leaking hoses, loose jubilee clips etc, and try topping up your pas fluid
i see the steering failure icon pop up whenever i start the car just like how it did in your video at 1:55 . does that mean anything ?
It should light up when you start the car (all the warning lights do so that you know that they are working) but then go out again after a second or two… is yours staying on?
Red power steering sign came up, car started tho, before i drove off i tried your method, and it worked,, the loght is off the dash board, sometimes by rear passenger door does not lock, i have to try 2 times to lock it, i also have the light bulb symbol on the dash, says corner light issue,, but the lights fine,, could the problems be linked? I have a passat cc diesel 10 plate, any help would be appreciated
Hi Mike! I don’t think these issues are related - the lights, steering assist and door locks are all on different circuits. If you get the red steering light it indicates a much more serious problem, so definitely get that checked out by an experienced mechanic…
Ive got an 09 Tiguan that the steering went out...i looked for the bad fuse and found they were good (even the 80amp) but when I went to start it the key turned but no response from the dash, not key insert alarm (door open) . The dash will show the door open... I tried clearing the voltage after disconnecting the battery... still no luck. Plugged in the obII but it would not connect
Weird symptoms… kinda sounds like your car isn’t recognising the immobiliser chip in the key fob… might sound like a weird thing to try, but try turning you key the other way up; sometimes as they get older the chip can have difficulty communicating with the sensor that is usually on top of the ignition barrel - I had a similar issue with a replacement key in a clio recently
it worked on my 2010 Volkswagen golf tsi
Awesome! Glad it was useful, and thanks for watching!
hi i hv vw jetta 2014 the yellow light wheel steering just lights up. earlier before the steering i also have abs warning. what may be the issue?
Great question and a good illustration of what I was saying in the vid… your sensor has probably lost calibration due to a low battery state, but the abs issue is stopping it from resetting - you will likely need to fix the abs issue, then repeat this procedure to get rid of the light
I have a Suzuki Swift (2022) the battery went flat, I replaced with a brand new one. The steering fluid icone came up and it wouldn't let me start the car.
Then after a few minutes it disappears and I can start the car again normally.
What does it mean ?
All cars light the dashboard warning lights for a short time when you turn the ignition on - to let you know that they work! If you keep the ignition on, they don’t go out - until the engine turns on… I think your battery/starting issue was not connected to this light in your dash - I’m not an expert on Suzuki’s but what I will say, is that all makes and models of cars are different and you can’t really compare them… the age is important too - bottom line, issues in a elderly VW will be very different to a fairly young Suzi!
thank you so much
I got a little 1.2 polo ... I'm sure it's a 9n , I had no light up but very heavy steering so went thru a few things and finally found out it was my alternator so had that replaced, the steering went back to normal so I presumed it was fixed , now the steering warning light has come on and Iv lost power steering. Steering fluids fine , alternator is good and so is the battery ..... help me please
Honestly not sure - you appear to have covered most things in your investigation! I strongly recommend you get it checked out by a professional - steering you don’t take chances with!!
Thank you 🙏 for help
My pleasure- thank you for watching!
It works🎉 thanks
Hi mate is there a way to delete the steering warning light permanently? Doing an engine swap and easier to do a full loom swap, only I can’t use the oem steering rack, I’m fitting a Toyota electric / hydraulic pump for the existing hydraulic rack
Hi - not in so far as I am aware… as it is a basic safety feature, I can’t think of any standard equipment that would achieve that result; a tuning shop may be able to assist, but it is a fairly bad idea on safety grounds so they may not want to assist - steering and brakes are two things that you don’t want to take any chances with!
Simple. Take off dash clusters, open it, crush or remove bulb for steering or take some cloth and insert it over that bulb inside clusters, and you wont see that bulb is always on because you covered it. Actually very easy method.
Crude but effective! 🤷♂️ I’ve always had a healthy respect for fully functioning steering though - call me picky if you will… I really do advise that anything not easily explained should be investigated and repaired! Thanks for watching though - and thanks for making me actually lol for the first time in far too long! Cheers
@@bigtalltim hi mate, decided to modify the subframe, needed to do it anyway for the engine and dsg to fit/ sit right, I’ve added brackets at an angle and used an additional universal joint on the rack so I can get the right position, using donor car steering rack now so no light issues and works great, fully electric rack now which is what I originally wanted to do, also replaced the factory column with the donor car column so can use the donor car paddleshift
Hats off to you Sir - that’s an impressive mod!
how do you fix the yellow engine light and the abs symbol
First thing I’d do is plug a diagnostic computer in, and clear the other diagnostic trouble codes… when your battery gets low, all sorts of weird messages pop up, and some stick… could be your lights are falsely reporting a problem for the same reason as the steering warning (forgotten calibration etc). Thanks for watching!
What happens if you get the red steering wheel like I did. From nothing to red wheel. Can't turn the wheel to calibrate and the battery is fine. Getting a DTC_00569 code. What are your thoughts on that. Thanks.
Great question… ok - 2 things. You say your battery is fine, but if it has a cell that is just about ok for now, but on the way out, the load under starting may be enough to tip the balance. Get it professionally tested - that’s the obvious one. On the error code, that relates to steering motor current. The rack itself rarely goes wrong on these cars, so it is probably the harness or “loom” - maybe a bad connector, that is further affected by morning condensation… I’d recommend going through the connectors one by one with some contact cleaner… if I was a betting man, I’d put my cash on it being the battery though
@@bigtalltim Thanks so much for your reply. I did get the battery tested, they said it was ok. I checked what I could re the power assist plug and wires coming in and out of them. I spoke to two mechanics, both of them said it was likely the steering rack, although as you said, these racks seldomly fail. My Mk5 has only done 142,000 k's. I'll ask the mechanics to test connectors and loom before doing the rack and hope that this is the issue. Thanks again for getting back to me. Much appreciated. PS:, The red wheel warning light came on two weeks ago. It was taken to a service centre. They said they couldn't find anything wrong with it. They could see the error code in the log, but the problem had seemingly fixed itself. I drove the car for another one and a half weeks with no issues whatsoever. That would suggest that, as you say, it's not the steering rack, and more likely to be electrical? Aside from that and what you have mentioned, is there anything you think I need to say to the mechanic? Thanks again, I just subscribed!
@joshjoshspangler Hi - no worries! A side question: have you driven through any deep water? (Again, this would point towards electrical if so…) Regarding talking to a mechanic about it, just keep to the known issues and hard facts and don’t be offended if the mechanic takes it with a pinch of salt! it is always easier to run with the symptoms and facts and methodically work through the troubleshooting list double checking everything that has been “ruled out” by someone else anyway. That said… The racks *are* pretty much bullet proof, and the job is super easy so if they come in with a quote for more than a couple of hours, they either don’t know VWs or they are being overly cautious - neither of which would fill me with confidence! Tell them you’d prefer a reconditioned rack to save the cost of a brand new unit too - they so rarely go wrong that it’s a pretty safe bet. Good luck!
@@bigtalltim Hello Thank you again! No, I haven't driven through any water and the car is parked in a garage every night so morning condensation is not a problem. Plugs/connectors look clean and dry. Battery has a built in "Good, not so good and replace" gauge which is in the green. Having said that I've put the trickle charger on it just to completely rule out the battery as the problem. Fuse box and connections are corrosion free, dry and tight. I'm going to have to flat bed it into a mechanic so I'll let you know what they find. Thank you so much for your advice and getting back to me. Amazing. :-)
@joshjoshspangler my pleasure! By the way - the thing with batteries is that one cell of the bank of cells that make up the battery (there is usually 6 each of which produces 2.1v at full charge) can be on its way out, but still have enough juice to report that the battery is healthy (over 12v)… the issues come when that same battery is under really heavy load - like when it is turning the starter motor; at that point the voltage can drop to a level that causes electrical gremlins - I’d be really interested to know what they find!
The light doesn't go away why?
Couple of things to try… try right first then left then right then left… some cars insist on doing the right extreme first. Other than that, it may not be the calibration at all… check your steering fluid level is not low in the reservoir. If it still doesn’t work, connect a diagnostic computer and see what other problems your car has - I’ll bet you have an abs sensor issue
I have the same light, steering is suspiciously light and twitchy. And I’m hearing clunking when turning? I hope it’s not a new rack job 🫠
Might be something simple, but you need to get that checked out and not ignore it - steering and brakes are the 2 things to not take chances with!
That steering doesn't look like it's heavy ?
It isn’t - was normal steering… the only symptom was the light
My 09 gli does this but comes on and off. Is it cuz of my bad battery ?
Yep - could well be it! There are a few other things that could cause it, but a drop in voltage is probably the most common
What if the staring is hart to turn n it showing that staring light?
Great question… as likely as not, your fluid level is low - check the dip stick built into the reservoir lid
I have tdi mk5 is It the same thing as gti as I have both esp and powersteering light on but steering is normal
Great question - so… yes, this will be the same with the tdi. The esp light probably indicates a bad abs sensor (by far the most likely cause) and will stop calibration from working. the lack of calibration in turn will light up the steering wheel warning light without any noticeable difference in steering response. You need to fix the esp issue, then do this procedure to clear both warning lights. Thanks for watching!
Brilliant video but sadly didn't work on my 2007 VW Touran 2.0 TDI.. Red light would illuminate intermittently and get heavy steering ..
( UPDATE )
I still havent an explanation why this hack seems to have worked and was only done purely out of frustration of being told i needed an expensive replacement rack,, I tapped the end of the steering rack at the track rod end with a heavy hammer it seems to have solved my problem.. the Amber steering light went out and hasn't come back on in over 18 month's ( touch wood ) .
Can anyone explain how and why this might have solved my issue ?
73s
Wow - that’s a new one on me!! The only suggestion I have is possibly that there was an airlock in the steering rack, and the hefty bonk bubbled it out of the system… not an approach I’d recommend, but hey - if it works…
Thanks bro
Glad it was useful! Thanks for watching
How to i turn off the abs light then
You will need to fix the abs issue - most likely a sensor has failed… as with many of these calibrations, they only work if the system is in a good state of health
Does this work on Polo's too
It should do yes - very similar setup
Hi. I have a VW Sharan 2011. I got a red light for the steering system and after more check I had to replace it. But after 1 week and almost 1500 km, the red light is back. Which could be the problem? I don’t get it.
Hi - red lights are very different… a lot more serious - something has failed. Definitely get that checked - if I had to guess, possibly a fluid leak caused by the job a week ago?
@@bigtalltim I don’t know exactly. Also, just few days before it cracks, we had some very bad weather and the car went a little through water. It were some floods but not so big. Anyway, after that the red light for the steering system came on and in just 30 minutes the flywheel cracked also. So Idk if all these events are related. Anyway, we replaced the steering system, the clutch with the flywheel, we went into a small vacation whete we drove almost 1500 km. Now, it is back the red light for the steering system and I really don t know why.
I would take it back to the place that fixed the clutch and flywheel… many years ago I had a Sharan, and I seem to recall that the hydraulic fluid for the power steering also does the clutch… could well be related
Mine I took to to service and they are telling that it’s steering column. But want to try new battery
I’m pretty sure that if it was something serious the symbol would be red… worth trying this, but remember that it won’t work if you also have an abs problem. If your battery has run flat and you have had to be jump started, this would be where I’d start!
ours is showing that sign but in red..failing to go after resetting
That indicates a real problem - you definitely need to get that checked out! Don’t drive if you can possibly avoid it, and if you have to drive to a mechanic, take care and really take your time! It could be as simple as the power steering fluid being low, so that is worth checking. Do you have a code reader?
Ive got a light thats on since the car (2009 Passat) sat without a battery for 4 days! 😢 this doesnt seem to work for me but ive got no other lights and the steering doesnt seem effected at all. Anyone got any ideas where to go next with this?
Try repeating the process twice - right left right left. Also, hold for longer at the extremes of movement. Remember you also have to drive slowly in a straight line for this to set
@bigtalltim thankyou will try again, I believe I've done this a couple of times for up to about 15 seconds each way 😬
The starting direction can make a difference with some models… it might be worth trying both rlrl and lrlr… the most important bit is the slow straight driving for about 10 to 20 metres. Good luck - let us know how it goes!
@@bigtalltim will do thank you!
@bigtalltim No luck unfortunately! It's strange I've got no other lights or issues it's just that one yellow light!! 🥴
I replaced the battery and the light is still there
The battery is the cause, not a solution. If your battery went flat, the car will have forgetten where the extremes of movement are. Changing the battery on its own does not inform the car of the positions - this procedure resets those positions. So changing the battery should stop it happening again, but you need to do this procedure to reset the position sensor
Found a straight, turned engine off and on, did LRLR, went straight, nothing. Repeated... nothing. I am sad now :/
Must be a different cause then… Check the pas fluid level! ooor, try RLRL - sometimes that makes all the difference! Remember that an abs issue would cancel the reset, as would driving in the straight line at more than 20kph
@@bigtalltim it showed up after battery being disconnected so shouldnt be anything else...i will try RLRL today, if it works i will laugh 😅
Always worth a go! Make sure you hold it for the full time at each side also - maybe give it a bit longer at each extreme… good luck!
I've got same problem, mine won't reset. I have code 00778. I had broken key cylinder so replaced cylinder and steering lock. Put back together reconnected battery and now fault still shows, tried this method several times but won't work. I've stripped again checked all connections. What you think? Faulty sensor? Wasn't present before cylinder change
Hi Wayne - is it possible that you accidentally disconnected the steering sensor? It would give this error if the resistance was out of range - that would be my starting point… especially if not an issue before you opened it up to fix the barrel! The steering sensor wire is a bit out of the way - failing that, possible just need to reset the Diagnostic Trouble Code - might be an old error!
Is not working .I try many times
Check for other trouble codes - it is most likely that you have an abs issue, or the fluid level is low… the yellow light does more than just lost callibration
A red steering wheel light on a polo vivo what the issue?
Great question - that is much more serious and you should not drive it with that light on! It means that the electromechanical steering assist has failed, and the steering may be stiff… don’t take chances with that - you definitely need to get that checked out by a pro
I have the same problem the mechanic cannot find an issue , i also have abs nd tire pressure light ,
@vusibaloyi1235 sounds like the abs issue is the only thing stopping the recalibration from working… it must be that one of your wheels is saying that it is going more than the cutoff speed for this procedure. I’d recommend that you get that sorted, then try this again! Thanks for watching!
Thanks bro
My pleasure - thanks for watching!