A6 C7 steering/airbag problem

[OS51EAO]

Hi all,

Recently my 2012 A6 avant has been making a scrapping sound from behind the steering wheel. Which has eventually turned into an airbag light illumination on the dashboard.
I'm guessing either the cables or plug is scrapping within the plastics behind the steering wheel.

Can anyone help with how to remove these plastics, as i cant seem to see how they are removed?

[Scott K]

You need to remove the steering wheel for access to the cables. There are a couple of plastic covers at the rear of the steering wheel which are visible if you turn the wheel, remove these and remove the torx screws underneath to expose the cable. Unplug this then remove the airbag cover and remove the torx screw in the centre of the steering wheel. This will allow you to see the cables at the rear of the steering wheel and if there is any scraping.
If it is just the airbag cable then I suppose you wouldn't need to remove the steering wheel but I can't see why the cable would be worn if there wasn't another issue.
You should probably scan with VCDS before taking anything apart in case it is something else.
Get a detailed instruction on how to remove the airbag as it is safety critical and can be set off if done wrongly apparently. You need to disconnect the battery before messing with it.

[OS51EAO]

thanks Scott,

My friend is going to scan with VCDS tomoz so i'll update you then.

[paultheo]

Hi it sounds like the connector between the wheel and the steering column has failed. They are often called a clock Spring because that's what they look like. Do the other steering wheel functions work?

[OS51EAO]

Fault confirmed by theo as torn slipring, vcds fault for airbag resistance & steering communication. New clock spring on order ��

[OS51EAO]

Second hand slipring fitted & steering angle sensor recalibrated. Happy days thanks to theo!!!