Steering wheel functions not working

[Clinton]

Hi guys, got a golf mk7 tsi highline 2013 and just realised my steering wheel functions aren't working. I don't really use them but i know they worked a couple of months back. The horn works fine and can't find any other problems but none of the buttons do anything. Any ideas on what this could be?

[BenT]

Check your fuses


Ben

Current
2015 Polo GTI manual
2018 Golf GTI Original manual

Previous
2014 Polo GTI DSG
2013 Golf GTI DSG
2006 RenaultSport Megane 225 Cup manual
2006 Golf GTI manual
2005 Golf 2.0 TSI manual
2001 Astra SRi manual
2000 Pulsar SSS manual
1999 Astra CD auto
1998 Pulsar SLX auto
1991 Pulsar GL manual
1981 Subaru Leone auto

[Clinton]

Would you know what fuse to look at? Complete noob and google doesn't come up with an easy answer.

[bgroper]

Which page of your Owners Manual is causing confusion ?

[BenT]

I m not sure which one, so I would just check each one. The location should be mentioned in the owners manual.


Ben

Current
2015 Polo GTI manual
2018 Golf GTI Original manual

Previous
2014 Polo GTI DSG
2013 Golf GTI DSG
2006 RenaultSport Megane 225 Cup manual
2006 Golf GTI manual
2005 Golf 2.0 TSI manual
2001 Astra SRi manual
2000 Pulsar SSS manual
1999 Astra CD auto
1998 Pulsar SLX auto
1991 Pulsar GL manual
1981 Subaru Leone auto

[Clinton]

Which page of your Owners Manual is causing confusion ?

Imgur: The magic of the Internet

There doesn't seem to be one for the steering wheel.

[Clinton]

Upon scanning the error is Multi-function steering wheel control unit J453.

[BenT]

Upon scanning the error is Multi-function steering wheel control unit J453.

Thanks for posting back. It’s always good to hear what causes problems people have enquirered about.


Ben

Current cars
2015 Polo GTI manual and 2018 Golf GTI Original manual

Previous cars
2014 Polo GTI DSG, 2013 Golf GTI DSG, 2006 RenaultSport Megane 225 Cup manual, 2006 Golf GTI manual, 2005 Golf 2.0 TSI manual, 2001 Astra SRi manual, 2000 Pulsar SSS manual, 1999 Astra CD auto, 1998 Pulsar SLX auto, 1991 Pulsar GL manual, 1981 Subaru Leone auto

[Clinton]

Unfortunately volkswagen said they don't sell it separate and want me to buy a whole new steering wheel for $1500. Wondering if i get a whole wheel from a wreckers is it a direct plug and play or will i run into coding issues?

[kamold]

What is the exact fault that is logged?
It could be the steering wheel buttons themselves (replaceable) or the airbag harness, or the slip ring.
I'd have to check the wiring diagram but I think in mqb cars the steering wheel just has a Lin bus connection to the BCM as compared to in Mk5/mk6 where there is a steering wheel control module in the steering column which the wheel talks to.

[DV52]

What is the exact fault that is logged?
It could be the steering wheel buttons themselves (replaceable) or the airbag harness, or the slip ring.
I'd have to check the wiring diagram but I think in mqb cars the steering wheel just has a Lin bus connection to the BCM as compared to in Mk5/mk6 where there is a steering wheel control module in the steering column which the wheel talks to.

Kamold: You always seem to ask the big questions!!

You are correct in your hypothesis: the management of the multi-function steering wheel module fundamentally changed on MQB platform vehicles - it became directly integrated into the CAN network.

As you have said, the multi-function steering wheel control unit (J453) has traditionally been a LIN slave to the steering column electronics control unit. However, on MQB platform vehicles, J453 is connected to the CAN Gateway module (J533), but it does this still as a LIN slave. I produced the pic below some time ago - it's my feeble attempt at showing the difference in design philosophy:


My lay-person understanding (which is of course subject to your advice to the contrary) is that while the CAN network comms happen directly between J453 and the Gateway module, the mechanism for the signal transfers from the multi-function module is still physically transmitted via the coil connectors and the steering column control unit. But I believe that this is done purely for wiring reasons and I suspect that it happens because of the physical closeness of the various components. The wheeling of the CAN wires via J527 has no effect on the steering column module - I think .

Here's how the multi-function module is wired:



It's not shown in my wiring diagram above, but J453 doesn't have a direct connection to any fuses - it appears to thieve its 12 Volt power from J527 which is itself fused to position #9, or position #41 on the "glove-box fuse panel depending on whether the car was built before/or after Nov 2013.

In terms of Clinton's description of the problem, I will always bow to your more experienced knowledge, but I suspect that it might be prudent to inspect the connectors to the actual buttons and perhaps the connections/wires between J453 and J527 (although it is strange that there are no LIN failure error messages in this case).

Lastly, it would be nice to see the actual error message- at least to determine if J453 is still being registered in the CAN Gateway list, or if the DTC suggests that there is a comms failure problem.

Don

[kamold]

Yeah agree Don just unplugging and reconnecting is always the first step.
To the OP, if you're anywhere near North West Sydney I'm happy to have a look and at least get a better understanding of the problem.
I don't have a spare steering wheel control module but we can at least check the connectors, put a multimeter on pins and check the exact fault code.

[Clinton]

Thanks for the replies guys, even though it's a bit over my head i appreciate you guys helping discuss on it. I can't get the full error code as i had to go to a mechanic who made me pay to initially scan it.
I actually live in Carlingford in North West Sydney so if you could take a look would be great and i'll chuck in a case of your favourite for your time. Can you pm me? I can't seem to find an option to PM you.

Cheers

[Gabriel Guzman]

Hi Guys,
I have the same problem of Clinton. Do you know anyone that can fix it in Queensland?

Thanks