Updating Audi steering column control module

Aug. 12, 2024
This bulletin applies to 2017-2023 Audi Q7, 2018-2023 Q5/SQ5, 2019-2023 A6/A7/A8 and Q8, 2020-2023 A6 allroad/S6/S7/S8/SQ7/SQ8 and RS Q8, A8 e quattro, RS 6 Avant/RS7/Q5 e quattro, Q5 Sportback/SQ5 Sportback, and A7 e quattro vehicles.

This bulletin applies to 2017-2023 Audi Q7, 2018-2023 Q5/SQ5, 2019-2023 A6/A7/A8 and Q8, 2020-2023 A6 allroad/S6/S7/S8/SQ7/SQ8 and RS Q8, A8 e quattro, RS 6 Avant/RS7/Q5 e quattro, Q5 Sportback/SQ5 Sportback, and A7 e quattro vehicles.

The electric steering column adjustment may not work in the vertical direction. You may find DTC B14BF01 (steering column vertical adjustment motor electrical error) may be stored in the BCM, with symptom code 66145. This is a software issue.

Update the steering column control module J866 using the SVM action code 649S001. New software P/N is 80A907705A or higher. New software version 0210 or higher

The function of the electric steering column adjustment must be restored. Get into the vehicle and use your knees to push the steering wheel upward (a force of about 88 lbs is required). At the same time, press the steering column adjustment switch upwards in the vertical adjustment direction. This should restore the vertical function.

The electrical steering column adjustment must be cleared with the help of up to 50 adjustment cycles in the vertical direction. To do so, you will need the tool kit T10230, which weighs about 20 lbs. If the tool kit is not available, find a similar weight tool box.

Move the steering wheel as far as possible toward the dashboard and then move the driver seat as far back as it will go. Attach the tool kit (or similar weight) using a small securing strap. Be careful to avoid damaging the steering wheel. Placing a cleaning cloth between the wheel and strap is recommended. Apply plastic foil to make sure the tool kit cannot scrape against the seat.

If needed, operate the steering column adjustment and move the steering column all the way up and down again up to 50 times. The weight of the tool kit will create a current in the adjustment motor and this will clear the adjustment unit.

About the Author

Motor Age Staff

Motor Age has been publishing technical content for professional automotive technicians since 1899. Our writers have decades of experience and scores of ASE certifications, and they continue to teach new generations of technicians via classrooms all around the globe, as well as through the books and training manuals they've authored. 

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