2005 Audi A6 Quattro doesn't start but MMI, lights, seat memory, etc. works fine

I own an auto repair shop. I've been in the business over 40 years. I am a 3 times re-certified ASE master tech/shop owner. I have a 2005 A6 in my shop now. The steering wheel is locked and the key is locked in the ignition switch. The start access control module is not working causing these issues. I would suggest not buying poor engineering. To pay for a extended warranty so you can drive a poorly engineered car doesn't make sense to me IMO. Just don't buy and hopefully they'll improve the engineering, if you like other aspects of the vehicle, would seem more logical. The complete steering column will have to be replaced as an assembly to repair my vehicle at a cost of over $2000.00. Audi will not release repair information to independent repair shops so the part has to be replaced and reprogrammed at the dealer. Dealers are only required to carry support their products for 10 years I believe. After 10 years the dealer will not work on your Audi and some of your electronics will not be able to be repaired if they fail. The A6 has 19 control modules that have to communicate with each other over a backbone network called a CAN bus. Newer cars will have more modules because the modules are cheaper to produce than simpler circuits with copper wiring because copper is so expensive. Since certain repair information will not be release you really don't fully own your vehicle. You don't have access to the repair information nor does anyone but the dealer. A catch 22 situation. I feel the industry needs to change. Audi is not the only one but they are one of the worse offenders. Volvo is 100 times worse. Asians and domestics not so much.

What ever happened? I have the same problem today!

if you havent gotten it fixed yet i had the same problem with my car yesterday but i came up with a solution, if ur interested comment back

My '05 A6 / C6 had this last Monday. It's the Start Access Authorization Module [fault code is 00288] in the steering column. Although AUDI says it's a non-serviceable part (entire steering column has to be replaced), you can actually take out the module though it is a bit of a pain because the screws are in with LOCTITE. First, to get car moving again, get a VAG COM from Ross-Tech.com. I paid $199 plus shipping. This scanner & software will pay for itself over time. When you hook up the scanner and downloaded/installed the software, you have to wake up the car so it communicates with the scanner. To do that, turn on your Warning Flashers and your High Beam and put your foot on the brake. Hold it there. Then click on AUTO SCAN and once it's done, clear all DTCS Codes (incl. the 00288 code). I recommend saving a log of the first scan results before clearing. On completion, the car will wake up, ignition turns on and you can start the car. It may run for a little while but the problem may very well recur. In my research for an economically feasible solution, I found a service that reconditions these modules. They're also on ebay, search for "J518 Module REPAIR SERVICE" - seller name is speedosolutions and check their feedback. Get with him on exactly what to do. In short, you remove the module, send it in with one key and they fix it & return it with lifetime warranty. At the moment they charge around $399 for it. It seems worth it. I was stranded Monday, ordered the VAG COM from Ross Tech Tuesday, got it Saturday and got the car running again. I haven't done the refurb part yet but I'm thinking I'm headed that way. Currently carrying the scanner and laptop with me so I won't get stuck... Hope this helps someone out. And I agree, we should sue AUDI lol. I love my car but this stinks. :-(

This is a year later, but I just started having this problem. What solution did you find? Appreciate the reply.

I had to have the steering column replaced. I called my dealer and told him that a lot of people had been experiencing the same problem and I thought Audi should help out with this. Between the dealer and Audi I was able to get it replaced for a little under $1000 They had originally quoted me around $2500

How did you get AUDI to help you? I can't get them to assist. They told me it is out of warranty.

They have such thing called "Goodwill". They as a company have a X amount dollars per month they can use to help assist with the payment of a repair. They usually save the good will for the customers that through the serious bitch fits,

That's atleast how I remember. Also, you don't have to replace the thing. Just find the relay under the dash. You will have to remove the driver side under- dash panel to find the control box that has the relay 109 in it. Also note, it's referred to as relay 109 but it's not numbered 109 and I forgot what number is on it. This relay controls the ignition circuit, that tells the other onboard electronics to come on. With a scanner that can read ALL the onboard computers (usually expensive but can be borrowed from a buddy or heck, if your making the money nessacary to own that Audi to begin with, buy a used snap-on scanner and use it for the repair and sell it back on craigslist.) connect to the onboard diagnostics and find the steering control module and erase the codes. All the while holding the relay in a closed circuit. Relay 109. Once you erase the code, everything comes on like Christmas. Also note that the key has to be inserted and turned to the on position.

There should be a class action suit out there by now. Like I said I mentioned to my dealer that there have been a lot of Audi's with this problem. It might have helped that I had owned four Audi's at the time it went bad. Now between my daughter and I we are on six. I would not have purchased another Audi if they hadn't helped me out.

Hi. Just a question to put out there to see the response. I have the same problem - what would happen if you leave your spare key in the ignition - purely to switch ignition on, start the car and at the end switch off again WITHOUT pulling the key out! Switch MMI screen off and throw a towel over the dashboard (like in old days) 'to protect the dashboard' hiding key in ignition AND then lock car door manually. Alarm light does start flashing. Tried it already but heard that it might drain the battery (after a long time) due to the CAN bus being alive.

If you are still interested in pursuing a class action law suit against Audi let me know

I would be in as well. I am now having the same problem.

Hi there. What did you do? I have the same problem. Please help

I have had the same problem ! Did you find any solution ? My Car radio starts but the ignition does not, steering wheel is locked and my gear is in P and refuses to change. I tried different keys but nothing worked. Please help

2007 A6 having the same issue. MMI screen lights up, Radio works, no center lights & Not starting. Audi Dealership gave rough estimate over the phone of over $3,500. In Oregon there appears to be a right to repair law that tells dealerships to share the reprogramming required to repair, but not sure anyone has pursued this alternative.

Hi how you fixed

I was fortunate enough to work at a VW dealership & my co- worker & I removed the steering column , removed the 3 bolts holding on the module all in about 30 minutes . I called speedosolutions and spoke with the owner ( I think Dan was his name ) we talked for almost half an hour & he was explaining how he removes faulty relays , motor and a couple of other things housed in the module that are the REAL culprits . I sent him the module along with a key ( for testing purposes / NOT reprogramming ) about 10 days later , the module & key were sent back . we re- installed the module to the column , then the column back in the car ( probably LESS than 30 min ) . Moment of truth .....the car started up & were in business . I would defenitly say that the module rebuild route is the way to go as $400 was what i paid for the service . And was fortunate to have a master technician working with me ( He didn't want the $100 I offered him as a goodwill gesture , but I insisted ) . There are shops out there that can remove the columns ......My '06 A6 column is a spitting image of a 13-16 passat column that we at VW work on all day long , so it would be worth it if a shop that works on VW's could work on Audi's too .

Bro, I'm telling you the quickest thing for these is to turn on Relay 109 to power up the canbus. Once you connect the contact and continue providing electricity to the on board computers, you'll be able to gain access through a high end scan tool to erase the code in the steering control module and this will open everything up. Guaranteed! No need in uninstalljng the steeringg column and sending out for a few hundreds of dollars in repairs when its a simple code issue

How do you turn on this relay 109?

Its the relay in the circuit that is responsible for sending current to all other electrical comsumers or computers so they don't have constant power. Sort of like an ignition switch. Its located under the dash deep. In older volkswagen/audi, they used to be labeled 109, Hence "Relay 109". Once you find it, usually found in the manual or online manual specific to your audi. You can either be a mechanic, they have relay switches or if you dont have one. Take the relay out and take the back off. Reinstall it and make contact by pushing in the top where the contact is at. Itll give power to the other components and thus allowing you to gain access with a high level scan tool to clear the code on the steering column control module. Several videos on YouTube explaining this process in different ways.

Ok thanks for the extra detail. I am not a mechanic so presumably I could also remove the relay and just insert a shorting wire between the two contact terminals on the module?

Tbh honest, once you take the housing (cap) off the relay, youll see whete you can pressing in without a short wire. Youll push that piece in to bypass the steering control module. However, you will require a high level scanner to access the module once you turn it on to clear the fault code. If not, it wont be fixed. Most people replace it because if the fault occurs, it doesnt allow the icm to speak with the CAN system to turn on thus automatically turning on relay 109 and awakening the CAN system. Scan tools off that level are usually $1,000 and up unless you have a laptop and dont mind downloading some software to do it as well.

I’m having this problem. How did you fix it?

what was the issue

Add me to list of pissed off A6 owners. My 06 A6 is doing this BS And is straight up dead. Just the MMI works... got stranded a couple times and was able to get it to come back on by turning the key a bunch of times. Not now.. my trick ain’t working anymore. Lol I have a bootleg vagcom cable and can clear out the codes except for one and Unfortunately I can’t access the “steering angle sensor” fault because it says I need a “licensed version.” Lol I’m ordering a new cable from Ross-Tech as soon as I get done typing this comment. Crossing my fingers and hoping it’ll get my baby back on the road! I absolutely agree! There needs to be a class action suit!!

My 2006 did this exact same thing 2 days ago. After reading this thread. I have a repair shop across the street from my work that specializes in European cars. So he brought his Vagcom over and did exactly what you said to do. And it worked. The shop owner actually learned something new also. Thanks for your post!!

told ya...boy i'm good

Hi. Didn't have any problems before. But, I'm the second owner - bought it 2 years ago, 30k miles. Steering column has been replaced (covered with my Extended Warranty) - did cost me a time only. After that have a trunk leak - sealing replacement - free also. About roof leak - I received notice - owner manual adjustment - moonroof drains should be cleared every 40k miles now. P.S. - Don't give up on Audi - One thins I learned - get an Extended Warranty and enjoy this car. It needs constant maintenance.

I just experienced the same problem (2005 A6) and had to have the entire steering column replaced ($2,000.00). I asked why the entire column had to be replaced since the problem was only with the electronic module. The dealer told me that the module was part of the column and couldn't be seperated. The column was $1,200.00 of the cost, so I asked for and was given the old column by the dealer. I came home, and within 5 minutes, I had removed the module from the old column (2 screws and 1 rivet). Why did Audi charge me for an entire new column and $700 labor to remove and replace it? I feel that Audi turned what essentially was a switch replacement into a major repair. Is there some legal recourse? Ken

Everything said above is spot on. I just had the same experience with my used 2005 A6. Only had it a week when one day I went to start it and no go. MMI would light up, but nothing on the dashboard and car didn't even try to crank over. Towed it to Audi dealer, they said it was the transponder in the steering column that recognizes the key, and yes, the whole steering column had to be replaced, cost me $1800.

My 2007 A6 is currently in the shop for the exact same problem. $2200... Seems like a common problem with the C5 A6's. Anybody up for a little class action?

Has anybody initiated a class action suit for this problem ? Anyone knows how to do that ?

My 2005 A6 bit the dust on Thursday of this week. Same problem, but DFW dealership tells me the cost to replace the steering column will be $3,450. $2,000 sounds like a deal at this point.

I would contact Audi of America directly and tell them this is a common problem with these cars, so it is a design issue and not a normal wear and tear issue. They may be able to give you a break.

I just picked up my 2007 a6 Quattro. Same thing, the price was 1600 for the column and 890 for labor plus taxes on top of these.

I have the same problem with my 2007 A6 Quattro. IL Dealer quoted $3500+ to fix (2800P/720L). In addition to replacing steering column, dealer has also quoted control unit for onboard power supply (J519), stating that new access/start authorization module (J518) and control module for onboard power supply have to be compatible. Have combed countless threads regarding this problem and haven't seen this additional control unit mentioned anywhere. Information from multiple threads indicates that average cost to fix access start authorization module problem (steering column replacement) is approximately $2000 P&L. The price quoted to me for the steering column (part only) was more than $2000. Thanks to threads like these, I have enough information to be armed for battle/negotiation, but I have few options outside of the dealer. Getting equipment for the initial tow was a 4 hour process (2 miles to dealer) and cost $240. To go elsewhere means I would have to pay for two additional tows - one to another service center, and then back to the dealer to get the keys recoded after the work is completed, which would also be an additional charge (unless, of course, I want to tow it to another Audi dealer). Not happy, but wanted to share in the event info will be helpful to the next victim... Follow Up: Didn't need control unit for onboard power supply after all (ahem...), and was able to negotiate an additional $1000 off price. Cost to replace steering column with access/start control module was $2000, or $1500 less than originally quoted.

Just got told.from my mechanic that i have the same problem with my 05 A6 with 131K miles. Few days ago car showed the same symptoms as what you are all saying. Electronic issues are known to plague Audi ..but yet we buy them for the other benefits.. my repair cost is $1900 .. it sucks but still beats having a monthly car payment on a new vehicle.. the extended warranty is worth it on most cases, just make sure you buy the best plan so it covers more and definitely negotiate on prices for the warranty.. last year i had the abs control module (the one located below the arm rest, all the way below there) and i also had water come in from the moon roof that caused some water marks on the moonroof slider.

Wow...I'm guessing that is what happened to my 06 A4. All lights and radio turns on. Except the lights in the middle. My steering wheel is locked up.The key will not turn the car on I can't even move it. I called the dealership and they acted like that was weird, now I'm going to have to get it towed there, which is 45 min away. It was working just fine.ugh!!!!

This just happened to my A6 yesterday, had 2 tow trucks come out and neither would winch it up on the tow truck. Sitting in my driveway now. I checked all the fuses, put a new battery in and still nothing. The 2nd tow truck driver told me that it must be the module that is bad and needs to be reprogrammed. So, do I get this straight in reading your post here that if I were to purchase the VAG cable and software I can fix the problem myself?

Before you go investing in the VAG cable and software, read the comments under the video. Edge Motors, who posted the procedure, later commented that, in many cases, the fix was only temporary (a month or so), and the steering coumnn need to be replaced anyway, but that they did have a couple of instances where the car continued to run for two years. I gave the video information to my dealership, who told me that the car in the video (A4) had a different ignition system, and that this procedure didn't work on my A6 (who knows if they tried it or not). Doesn't matter, because it really wasn't worth the trouble knowing that the fix might only last for a month. As for the tow, you need an old fashioned tow truck with a wheel lift and dolly. Not as easy to find as you'd think.