Red Steering Wheel Warning Light

[A3-ALF]

Got a bleep and a red steering wheel warning light displayed this evening before starting up. It went out straight away but is there everytime I switch the ignition on now. The handbook says that I must get the electro-mechanical power steering checked immediately by a qualified workshop. There doesn't feel like there is anything wrong and no lights displayed while I'm driving albeit I've only done a couple of short trips since this happened. I've got a long drive on Monday though and was wondering if I need to get this looked at beforehand or is there anyting I can check myself beforehand. Car is an 07 1.9tdi 3 door with 40k on the clock. I've recently fitted a set of steel wheels with winter tyres on them and they are smaller than the original wheels but the rolling radius is identical. Could this be anything to do with it or is it just coincidence. The original wheels are 225x45x17 the steelies are 195x65x15.

Thanks
Alan

 

[RobinA3]

Mine does that sometimes on start up and goes out straight away. I have left it as it doesn't come up with a mil light or fault codes.

 

[FranA3]

mine does this too i thought it was normal its done it for the three years ive owned the car with no problems at all

 

[paddy]

Its supposed to light up with ignition. As long as it goes out when you start the engine you have no problems.

 

[NHN]

lmfao paddy nice sig lmfao

 

[paddy]

One does ones best

 

[FranA3]

lmfao @ paddy

 

[A3-ALF]

Thanks everyone for the replies, strange though I've had the car 6 months and it's never been lit in all that time. I'll run with it for now and and keep an eye on it.

Alan

 

[NHN]

The red steering wheel light is showing you its heating the steering wheel.
























Cue Paddy.

 

[paddy]

Well to be honest its usually Orange. If it turns red its a sign that the wheel is over heating.

 

[NHN]

****** hell mines on orange atm & seems little warm, worrying now Paddy, is there a technical bulletin for this?

 

[paddy]

VAG/UPD 3472189UK9/10

The red steering wheel symbol is now in line with the Red Brake symbol and Red Coolant symbol and signifies overheating.
Care should be taken on initially holding the steering wheel following a Red Symbol pre start up. If symbol is illuminated when driving you should stop the car and switch off ignition until wheel has cooled sufficiently for the light to go out.
Further information on this update is available from Audi GB R&R. Please quote Update No. above.


Looks like it could be a common problem Nige
HTH

 

[NHN]

Well feck me learn something new everyday huh, I'll be on the blower tomorrow to audi to ask what the fix is, if they suggest hairdryer on cold setting, then I'll give a TT owner a shout.

 

[Dilligaf-UK]

Can the temperature be checked using a measuring block on VCDS to see where the problem lies?

 

[NHN]

Yeah MB 999

 

[paddy]

I will give it a look tomorrow. what i hadn't realised is all UK spec 8p's have heated steering wheels once activated with Vagcom..
I knew US spec cars could activate using with MB911 but i hadn't realised its a UK option as well
cheers

 

[paddy]

Nige
Does the Symbol stay as a round wheel if you have a FBMF wheel ? Can it be altered ?

 

[NHN]

I believe you need security access for that & a pair of heat resistant marigolds so as to not burn yourself.

So many reasons to buy VCDS, spoilt for choice.

 

[Sarah's A3]

Ohhh I have some of those marigolds! Wanna a borrow??? Will cost you though, maybe you can fix my steering wheel light as its gone brown, maybe its burnt out!!!

 

[NHN]

Ohhh I have some of those marigolds! Wanna a borrow??? Will cost you though, maybe you can fix my steering wheel light as its gone brown, maybe its burnt out!!!

Ooooh uuuuhhh, marigolds, gone brown, burnt out, did you say steering wheel sarah?

 

[Sarah's A3]

Haahaaa maybe Aythreee's best to answer this one lol I will get shouted at lol

Hey, im wondering now, is my car telling me I have a big bum!!!! ! It keeps lighting this one up....

 

[paddy]

I don't think you are taking this very seriously !!! next you will be laughing at my heated gear knob !

 

[NHN]

I saw Sub mention the GYM yesterday & like flies to ****, guess who pops up

 

[Sarah's A3]

P laughing!!!.....you lucky boy you!

 

[paddy]

I said "GEAR" knob

 

[Dale Spencer]

Sorry to drag up an old post but thought I better look for a topic with a similar issue to what I am having. I have an audi a3 8p 04plate and when outside temp is below 5° I am getting the red steering light comes on with a beep on startup!? have to sit for 2 mins with engine running and turn off and fire back up again and it's fine and the issue doesn't persist after I have don't that first initial startup.

Any ideas?