Steering
Introduction to the subject
In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:
The power steering system is not hydraulic, it is electro-mechanical. In both cases, the power steering works only when the engine is running.
The hydraulic power steering system uses hydraulic lines, hydraulic oil, a pump, a filter, and other parts to maintain a constant oil pressure in the hydraulic system.
The electro-mechanical power steering system automatically adjusts to driving speed, steering torque, and the steering angle of the wheels. It delivers extra steering force only when you are actually turning the wheels. The electro-mechanical power steering works only when the engine is running.
In vehicles with Driving Mode Selection, the selected driving mode can affect the steering .
More information:
- Starting and stopping the engine
- Vehicle battery
- Towing
WARNING
Turning the steering wheel is very hard when the power steering system is not working. This makes it harder to steer and control the vehicle.
- Power steering works only when the engine is running.
- Never let the vehicle coast with the engine switched off.
- Never remove the key from the ignition switch while the vehicle is moving or rolling to a stop. The steering wheel will lock and you will be unable to control the vehicle.
Warning and indicator lights
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first
| Lights up | Possible cause | Proper response |
|---|---|---|
| Power steering malfunction. | Have the power steering system checked immediately by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. |
|
| Power steering assist is reduced. | Stop, restart the engine, and drive a short distance. If the yellow warning light does not come on again, you do not need to have the steering system checked. Otherwise, have the steering checked immediately by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. |
|
| Vehicle battery was disconnected and has been reconnected. | Drive a short distance at about 10–12 mph (15–20 km/h). |
| Flashes | Possible cause | Proper response |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic steering column lock malfunction. | The ignition cannot be switched on. The vehicle must not be towed! Get professional assistance. |
|
| Steering system stiff. | Turn the steering wheel back and forth. | |
| Steering column not locked/unlocked. | Switch the ignition off and then switch it on again. Heed any messages shown in the instrument cluster display, if applicable. On vehicles with Keyless Access , press the starter button briefly twice in a row without depressing the brake or clutch pedal. Do not drive any farther if the steering column remains locked after you switch on the ignition. Contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance. |
When the ignition is switched on, several warning and indicator lights come on briefly for a function check. They go out after a few seconds.
WARNING
Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages can cause the vehicle to break down in traffic and result in a collision and serious personal injury.
- Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.
- Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
NOTE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
Steering system information
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first
To help make it more difficult to steal your vehicle, you should always make sure the steering column is locked before leaving the vehicle.
Electronic steering column lock
Vehicles with Keyless Access: The steering column is locked if the driver door is opened with the ignition switched off. The vehicle must be standing still and the transmission must be in Park (P) on an automatic transmission vehicle.
If the driver door is opened before the ignition is switched off, the electronic steering column lock is activated only after the vehicle has been locked with the vehicle key or via the sensor in the door handle.
Mechanical steering column lock
Vehicles without Keyless Access: The steering column is locked if the vehicle is stationary and the vehicle key is removed from the ignition switch.
| Engaging the steering column lock | Disengaging the steering column lock |
|---|---|
| Parking the vehicle . | Turn the steering wheel slightly to take pressure off the steering column lock. |
| Remove the vehicle key. | Insert the vehicle key into the ignition switch. |
| Turn the steering wheel slightly until you hear the steering column lock engage. | Hold the steering wheel in this position and turn the ignition switch. |
Power steering
Power steering automatically adjusts to driving speed, steering torque, and the steering angle of the wheels. Power steering works only when the engine is running.
If power steering is reduced or lost completely, it will be much harder to steer and control the vehicle.
Counter-steering assistance
Counter-steering assistance is part of Electronic Stability Control (ESC). This feature makes it easier for the driver to control the vehicle in difficult situations. For example, if you have to brake hard on a surface that provides uneven traction, the vehicle could pull to the right or left. ESC detects this situation and helps the driver counter-steer with additional steering power .
Progressive steering
Depending on vehicle equipment, progressive steering can adjust the force of the steering movement in a driving situation. Progressive steering only works when the engine is running.
In city traffic, less steering input is required when parking, maneuvering, or turning sharply.
When driving on country roads or highways, the progressive steering provides a more sporty, direct steering response and a more dynamic feel.
WARNING
The counter-steering assistance in ESC can do no more than help the driver steer in difficult situations. The driver must still control the vehicle. The vehicle does not steer by itself with this feature!
NOTE
If the ignition is off, the steering column lock will engage and the vehicle cannot be steered. For this reason, you must leave the ignition on when going through an automatic car wash, for example, so that the wheels will still steer.
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