audiworld CSI

audi_since_90 · 03-13-2006, 02:37 PM

So as I posted a few weeks back, I took my previously-owned-by-AoA, CPO A3 to the dealer to fix lost steering function (horn, radio controls, Air Bag warning light stays on). They pulled the steering and found the steering controls module had been tampered with and has a hole drilled into it (see photo of control module) - $520 bucks est. cost of replacement.

Becuase tab is broken and not in service recs, dealer can't cover via warranty, dealer contacted AoA (prev.owner) and told me "the module had been tampered with and could not be submitted for warranty, they [AoA] also informed me that if the module had been tampered with before delivery the problems would have manifested themselves immediately not 8000 miles later."

Only dealer has serviced the car (once, for ignition prob re: flooded & shorted coilpack) except for Mavis tire for quick 15min NY State inspection (no way Mavis would have had time to pull the wheel).

Question:

a. Any ideas on why would anybody want to drill a hole there?
b. Is this some way to steal cars?
c. Could VAG-COM retrieve the mileage at which the "no communication" fault first occurred (I think it was at about 4000 miles).

FoxxxA3 · 03-13-2006, 06:19 PM

520 · 03-13-2006, 07:58 PM

memphis10 · 03-14-2006, 07:19 AM

Given the limited clues you have provided, I have surmised that a DIY (previous owner) or he/she had a A/V Stereo Shop modify the steering wheel controls (maybe some tricked out MP3 gadget, I-pod, Nav, etc.). Upon relinquishing the vehicle back to AoA, said individual(s), put the steering column back to stock. The mod and unmod was successful until a short occurred in the module over time due to the tampering. Note: a short does not have to happen immediately, it can gradually become a short over time. Another cold case put to bed by the troubleshooter, S. Holmes.

Silver_Patrone · 03-14-2006, 07:41 AM

hsq91 · 03-14-2006, 09:15 AM

The bottom hole is suppose to be there according to the Bentley manual. You insert a drill bit or something long in there to release the module. But the broken tab indicates it's already been taken apart.

memphis10 · 03-14-2006, 09:21 AM

that a particular car is reserved only for prospective customers to try out. Some demos can be used by the dealerships' owner, executive, manager, saleman, etc. for their own personal use for a certain period of time/mileage. Therefore, that PERSON or his/her son/daughter/friend/cousin/etc. modded then unmodded the car before returning it. Note: I have only read this one post (audiworld CSI).

MikeSS · 03-14-2006, 09:57 AM

At some time in the past, the Steering Column Electronic Systems Control Module (J527) has been removed and reinstalled. When it was reinstalled, the securing screw was omitted.

Note that, for instance, to replace the ignition starter switch and lock cylinder, you have to remove the J527 module. This would hardly be cause to void any warranty. Perhaps AoA had to change the locks on the car at some time in the past.....

audi_since_90 · 03-14-2006, 01:55 PM

(according to Bentley)

MikeSS · 03-14-2006, 03:17 PM

I would think any grounding comes from the connectors that plug into it....

03-13-2006, 06:19 PM	#2
FoxxxA3 New Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 45	how incredibly bizarre __________________ black on black is a good look

03-13-2006, 07:58 PM	#3
520 Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 21,021	WTF?!

03-14-2006, 07:19 AM	#4
memphis10 Junior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 1,105	Mystery solved. Given the limited clues you have provided, I have surmised that a DIY (previous owner) or he/she had a A/V Stereo Shop modify the steering wheel controls (maybe some tricked out MP3 gadget, I-pod, Nav, etc.). Upon relinquishing the vehicle back to AoA, said individual(s), put the steering column back to stock. The mod and unmod was successful until a short occurred in the module over time due to the tampering. Note: a short does not have to happen immediately, it can gradually become a short over time. Another cold case put to bed by the troubleshooter, S. Holmes. __________________ 2006 Audi A3 2.0T w/6MT <275+ hp> Lava Gray Pearl w/light gray leather Sports Package Open Sky XM (originally Sirius)...thanks Acie REVO Stage II Milltek Exhaust(resonated)w/ATP 3" DP 2 Custom Parts FORGE Diverter Valve EuroJet PCV fix 18" RS4 reps et42 Nexen N3000 235/40s GLI Pedals - accelerator,brake,clutch MK2 TT Deadpedal Remote Windows Open/Close+sunroof Neuspeed Short Shifter Torque Arm Insert + FMBs Carbonio Air Filter Valentine 1

03-14-2006, 07:41 AM	#5
Silver_Patrone AudiWorld Senior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jun 2000 Posts: 1,770	that would be interesting considering the previous owner was AOA, it was a Demo.. according to him __________________ 2006 A3 Light Silver, 2.0T, DSG, Sport Package, Navigation W/ 4GB of Music, Open Sky, Xenons, Sound (Bose), Conveinence, Cold Weather, Sirius, 2007- 18" S4 wheels, Contact2 235/40/18, Votex Side skirts, Votex Front Spoiler, S-line rear valance, TT Alum Pedals w/Dead Pedal, TT Light Switch, Air Leather DSG shifter, S3 Ashtray delete, S4 OEM Polished Alum Mirrors, Touareg torch, S-line front Grill, Oval Mag Flow Exhaust Tips, All Season Mats Silver_Patrone

03-14-2006, 09:15 AM	#6
hsq91 New Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 15	Hole is supposed to be there The bottom hole is suppose to be there according to the Bentley manual. You insert a drill bit or something long in there to release the module. But the broken tab indicates it's already been taken apart.

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03-14-2006, 09:21 AM	#7
memphis10 Junior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 1,105	AoA is an entity not a person. A demo does not necessarily mean... that a particular car is reserved only for prospective customers to try out. Some demos can be used by the dealerships' owner, executive, manager, saleman, etc. for their own personal use for a certain period of time/mileage. Therefore, that PERSON or his/her son/daughter/friend/cousin/etc. modded then unmodded the car before returning it. Note: I have only read this one post (audiworld CSI). __________________ 2006 Audi A3 2.0T w/6MT <275+ hp> Lava Gray Pearl w/light gray leather Sports Package Open Sky XM (originally Sirius)...thanks Acie REVO Stage II Milltek Exhaust(resonated)w/ATP 3" DP 2 Custom Parts FORGE Diverter Valve EuroJet PCV fix 18" RS4 reps et42 Nexen N3000 235/40s GLI Pedals - accelerator,brake,clutch MK2 TT Deadpedal Remote Windows Open/Close+sunroof Neuspeed Short Shifter Torque Arm Insert + FMBs Carbonio Air Filter Valentine 1

03-14-2006, 09:57 AM	#8
MikeSS AudiWorld Super User Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Mar 2000 Posts: 2,346	All one can deduce from the information supplied is: At some time in the past, the Steering Column Electronic Systems Control Module (J527) has been removed and reinstalled. When it was reinstalled, the securing screw was omitted. Note that, for instance, to replace the ignition starter switch and lock cylinder, you have to remove the J527 module. This would hardly be cause to void any warranty. Perhaps AoA had to change the locks on the car at some time in the past..... __________________ Now: 2012 A3 2.0Tq Then: '06 M3 '06 A3 2.0T '76 Beetle '99.5 A4 1.8T qms '92 Corrado VR6 '87 GTI 16V '83 GTI '79 Rabbit '77 Rabbit '75 Beetle '65 Beetle

03-14-2006, 01:55 PM	#9
audi_since_90 Audiworld Junior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 226	Thanks to all. Does the securing screw provide the ground for the unit?.... (according to Bentley)

03-14-2006, 03:17 PM	#10
MikeSS AudiWorld Super User Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Mar 2000 Posts: 2,346	No, the screw just holds the unit to the steering column. I would think any grounding comes from the connectors that plug into it.... __________________ Now: 2012 A3 2.0Tq Then: '06 M3 '06 A3 2.0T '76 Beetle '99.5 A4 1.8T qms '92 Corrado VR6 '87 GTI 16V '83 GTI '79 Rabbit '77 Rabbit '75 Beetle '65 Beetle

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