Need a new steering column and comfort module. $1500.00

See my thread here:
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=4562567

I also have collected other forum threads with the same issue. To me it looks like something VW should be fixing for free. It is happening on new vehicle and older models. This looks to be a growing issue.

 

I just had the same problem with my 07 Passat. I took it to the VW dealer and they said it was the anti-theft module at the base of the steering column. Since the car is still under warrenty for another few thousand miles they covered it with no questions asked. They had to order a new module and in a few days they fixed it. While the part was on order I drove the car with basically no issues but the dealer warned me that one of these times the key fob might not be recognized then I'd be left to have it towed to the dealer. It's now fixed and everything works properly. As for the price of the module I'm not sure since it was covered under warrenty. Just make sure if you get if fixed that you give the dealer both sets of fobs so they can reprogram them to the new module code when replaced. Hope this helps and good luck!

 

Correct. Both keys. Personally, if the fault is found once I would take it in immediately for repairs. I have noted some have had to pay for the repairs and others not. The list grows. :driving:

 

Thanks for the info. Man I need to find a way to get that fixed under the Useless extended warranty

 

Take it in and state your case. The list grows on the problem for Passat owners. Not only the 06 models either. I have seen complaints right up to the 09 models. Some before hitting 10000 miles.

 

Just got back from the Stealership with it fixed. $1125.62 out of my pocket
They replaced Steering Column w/ Lock Module and Comfort/Convenience Module (Immobilizer)
Part #'s if anyone wants to tackle this yourself
3C0-959-433-Q Control Unit
3C1-419-501-N Steering Column
They told me this was the 10th 06 Passat they have done this to this year. They even stock the parts to fix it.
I love this car and everything but if any one ask for an opinion on buying an 06 Passat I would walk away if it has not already had this fix done to it. Or make sure your extended warranty will cover the repair when it does fail:banghead:
Tim

 

Dude, I would have made my case. This problem is all over the net. I would write to VWofA and send in the reems of paper from the forums with this exact same problem. Maybe get something back if not all of your money.

 

so it sounds like before my car goes out of warranty I should go have this "fixed" no matter what!

 

I did complain to VWofA but I had to get it fixed now.
So please anyone that has had this problem please call or e-mail VWofA so they can document it and get it on a recall. the more complaints they get the faster they see the trend of these cars failing

 

Same

I just registered to say the same thing happened to our 2006 Passat. The intermittent no start thing started happening so we tried all the temporary fixes (waiting for the light to change color, moving the wheel, etc.) until the whole thing died. We took it to our local dealer here in Salt Lake, described the problem, told them we knew that this was a well documented issue, and that we had already talked with VWofA. They kindly fixed the problem even though the car was just out of warranty. I wanted to let people know that it looks like in at least some cases VW is making this right. Good luck to everyone that still has this problem.

 

Must be a design flaw or vendor issue with VAG because I saw this on an A6 or two before I left the "A6" dealer two years ago...

 

i am located in ireland and have the same problem with the intermittent starting problem. when i contacted the local dealer they claimed that it was an isolated problem and that the repair would cost £900+vat a total of £1180. i got talking to one of the dealership mechanics and he said they were finding this problem more than twice a month. if anyone in the whole island of ireland can recommend a cheaper solution to this problem i would be very grateful. vw should be ashamed of themselves. a long time time vw fan lost.

 

steering electrical system, immobilizer

My 2006 Passat was giving problems to start. Diagnostic tests showed that the electrical system in the steering column/immobilizer was the problem. It appeared that the system was not recognizing my key. Finally it had to be towed as the problem got worse.
Nearly 1300 Cdn dollars later ..it was fixed.

I heard from one of the mechanics there that they have had a similar problems with quite a few Passats...\

After it was fixed the manager of the service dept of my VW called to say that he had called to VW to complain..and the money was refunded...Since my car had already 100,000 kms...I wasn't covered by warranty..
So...I got my money back and my faith in VW..lol

 

My 2006 Passat was giving problems to start. Diagnostic tests showed that the electrical system in the steering column/immobilizer was the problem. It appeared that the system was not recognizing my key. Finally it had to be towed as the problem got worse.
Nearly 1300 Cdn dollars later ..it was fixed.

I heard from one of the mechanics there that they have had a similar problems with quite a few Passats...\

After it was fixed the manager of the service dept of my VW called to say that he had called to VW to complain..and the money was refunded...Since my car had already 100,000 kms...I wasn't covered by warranty..
So...I got my money back and my faith in VW..lol

Same problem here, Where in Canada are you located? which vw dealer did you deal with? Thanx

 

The exact same thing happened to my 07 wagon and VW covered the repair. I used Owasco VW in Whitby, ON

 

so it appears VWofCanada is taking responsibility for the problem but VWofA is screwing us. I wonder if this qualifies for a class action suite?

 

re the immobilizer problem

Hi to all those who asked.
I am in Ontario.
I was at the dealer's today with my Dh' s jetta ...and was told that VW is planning a recall on this particular problem.

The first thing that started happening was that my right front driver's side door would not always close when I would click on my key. Then sometimes it would not open..just that door..I would have to open the back and reach over and open it manually from the back. Then the key problem in the ignition started. First it was not starting sometimes then it got worse...The key would get stuck too. (tip if key gets stuck put foot on brake and squeeze gear release button ..don't know if this applies to a manual)
Then the car would not start at all..

Thought my dealer had originally told me that the door problem was a latch problem...I have found since the immobilizer has been fixed...no more door latch problem.

Good luck...keep pounding on VW's door....

 

Marji
re the immobilizer problem
Hi to all those who asked.
I am in Ontario.
I was at the dealer's today with my Dh' s jetta ...and was told that VW is planning a recall on this particular problem.

The first thing that started happening was that my right front driver's side door would not always close when I would click on my key. Then sometimes it would not open..just that door..I would have to open the back and reach over and open it manually from the back. Then the key problem in the ignition started. First it was not starting sometimes then it got worse...The key would get stuck too. (tip if key gets stuck put foot on brake and squeeze gear release button ..don't know if this applies to a manual)
Then the car would not start at all..

Though my dealer had originally told me that the door problem was a latch problem...I have found since the immobilizer has been fixed...no more door latch problem.

Good luck...keep pounding on VW's door.

 

i am the 2nd owner of a 07 passat wagon and I have this same issue. I called queensway VW who told me this part was already replaced back in 07 so they will not replace it again. Apparantly there is no fix for this issue, they are simply replacing bad parts with the same faulty parts. Their advise was to contact VW canada...i'm sure that will go far....

 

My '06 has now displayed this issue also. first instance was about 4 months ago and one key got stuck in the ignition and the car wouldn't cut off when i pressed the key. i eventually got the car to turn off but the key was still stuck in the ignition. after 20 minutes of attempting to get the key out, i just snatched it out of the ignition and i really thought that i broke something. I didn't have any icons pop up on my dashboard but the IMMOBILIZER ACTIVE warning was illuminated and my radio wouldn't go off. I had to pull the fuse out for the radio in order to turn that off.....i didn't want my battery to be dead the next morning. after being scared and not knowing what to do, i just let the car sit (i was at home) and didn't mess with it until the next morning. I used my second key and the car operated normally. no immobilizer active warning, the car started fine-all is good! (OR SO I THOUGHT!)

now 4 months later, the same thing is happening again. warning message, can't cut it off, key stuck in the ignition (MY SECOND KEY) and the radio won't turn off. I want to put a funny spin on this cause I am in the process of buying a 2011 Audi A5, and i guess my girl is jealous or punishing me for wanting to replace her. :icon_evil

i really don't want to go to the dealership, but i really think that i don't have any choice right now. unless, someone has replaced and reprogrammed this on their own.

HELP!!!!

 

There was a recall on the steering column lock in the US. Not sure about elsewhere. If it was never done on your car, or if it was and you experienced another failure, I would think this might help you make a case to get part or all of the repair covered.

 

https://sites.google.com/site/1810martin/b6-steering-fault

Havn't had this one on my '06 -- But do insert key to first position, wait for yellow steering wheel icon to go out; then to second position wait for red steering wheel light to go out, then start. Ever since reading about this fault in '09. I also check that steering wheel is in locked position when I park up. Dunno whether this helps avoid the fault or not, but got into the habit now.
No recall for this over here, but they've got the costs "down" to £360 inc VAT at dealer now