Thread: Steering column issues.......... read on.

Hi there,
The problem started where the tilt and retract on the steering column weren't working. I acquired a complete steering column, everything intact from a 2008 FFRR.

Saturday removed the old column, when I removed the tray under the steering column I was greeted by the tilt motor and some plastic bits, at least I was attacking the correct issue. Fitted the new column, all good everything fitted.

On start up I had the three amigos which I now believe to be associated with the installation of a new steering column angle sensor, how do I recalibrate this?

The bigger problem was the engine started, (still the same old issues with the engine starting and stalling, and when I do get it going it is lumpy, sounds to rich) when I turned the engine off and then tried to turn it back on again the key wouldn't go into position it was locked. If I removed the battery terminal and reconnect the key moved into position and the engine started.

Reading up on the forum identified that the issue was the steering ECU, I then removed the two 5mm bolts, the adjusting cams and the eccentric pins and removed the top section of the steering column. I did the same to the old column and then attempted to fit the old top section into the new lower section. Pushed the top section home, tightened everything up and put everything back together.

When I was tightening the steering wheel nut up I noticed the steering wheel spins freely in both directions obviously not connected to the lower section of the steering column. I am committed to knowing that at least the top section of the steering column top half need to come apart again. Any ideas on what the problem is and how to fix it? I have Googled the problem and I can find a lot of you tube videos on taking the column apart, none on how to put things back together.

Any ideas? thanks for any assistance rendered.

Cheers Marty.

Hi There,
Took the column out again, gotta do the job right.... Stripped everything, managed to reattach the locking collar from the bottom column to the top column hidden inside the column, tapped it in to place with a small piece of plastic. Used the SAS off my original column, I know that one worked. Eventually used the top steering column section with the originally fitted ECU, everything returned to normal, key a column lock worked straight away. Recalibrated the SAS by rotating the steering when from one extreme to the other within 20 seconds of starting the engine. All the warning lights went out, the HDC alarm went and the air suspension is now active again, you beauty.....!!!

Thanks to those who contributed to my journey, overall the job was fairly easy, however there were a few challenges.

Cheers Marty