What Are Some Ways to Troubleshoot Rear Steering Faults in Audi Vehicles

The rear steering system is generally found in Audi models that are equipped with Dynamic All-Wheel Steering (DAWS) that makes it easy for you to handle your Audi in all types of driving conditions. However, like other mechanical parts, the rear steering system is also prone to faults & needs to be dealt with in the right manner.

Being an Audi owner, you must know the ways to troubleshoot the rear steering faults in your high-end car. In this article, we will discuss ways to troubleshoot rear steering faults in your Audi.

Look for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)

The primary step in diagnosing issues with the functioning of the rear steering system in your Audi is to look for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). Some luxury car owners make it a point to visit an Audi Specialist where a VCDS (VAG-COM Diagnostic System) is employed by the mechanic to determine what is wrong with your rear steering.

The fault codes generated by the diagnostic scan will help you determine whether the problem is related to electrical or mechanical faults. In addition to that, a professional-grade scanner can also help in monitoring live data that provides you with real-time steering angles and status of the system.

In case, you get to see an error code then you can immediately refer to Audi’s technical service bulletins (TSBs) that can help you determine if the problem is simple in nature & can be addressed with a known fix or would require the intervention of advanced tools due to the seriousness of the issues.

Examine Rear Steering Actuators & Sensors

Most of the time it is seen that Audi owners aren’t aware of the components that help in the efficient functioning of the rear steering system in their high-end car. In fact, the rear steering system is dependent on the actuators & sensors to establish control over the wheel angles.

Now, if there is something wrong with the functioning of the system then it is crucial to examine these components for any signs of physical damage, loose connections, or wear & tear. In fact, the sensors are responsible for collecting data from the system and passing it on to the onboard computers so that proper steering position can be maintained.

However, when the sensors go bad then erroneous information is sent and this is when the rear steering fault is experienced in your Audi. Besides that, the actuators also wear out over the years and don’t respond correctly. Now, the sensors and actuators need to be tested and you must get in touch with a certified mechanic immediately.

The professional mechanics will use a multimeter to check the sensor output voltage & functionality of the actuator and in case an error in reading is noticed then the parts must be replaced with new ones.

Checking Electrical Wiring & Connectors

Often it is noticed that underlying electrical problems are the root cause behind the failure of the rear steering system in your Audi. Even if your steering system continues to respond you might be faced with intermittent malfunctions that would create problems in the smooth driving of your vehicle.

That is why most professional mechanics recommend inspecting the wiring harness periodically to detect any signs of corrosion, fraying, or loose connectors that can adversely affect the functioning of the rear steering system. In addition to that, ingress of water is also a common reason behind the failure of the rear steering in Audi.

Upon inspection, if the technician detects a drop in the voltage output or there is a discontinuity in any of the circuits then fixing or replacing the damaged section holds the key to the smooth functioning of your rear steering system.

Opt for Regular Software Updates

Nowadays, all the modern cars including your Audi are heavily reliant on software for the smooth running & better performance of their vehicle. The control modules that help in the rear steering adjustment are in turn controlled by the software in your luxury car.

That is why outdated or faulty software can adversely affect the functioning of your rear steering and you must resort to checking the official diagnostic software to help resolve any software-related problems your high-end car might be encountering.

Finally

The above-discussed factors are some of the ways to troubleshoot rear steering faults in your Audi. Often Audi drivers have this habit of ignoring the initial symptoms associated with the problem & this is a grave mistake. The moment you notice anything is wrong in your Audi you must get in touch with a certified auto repair shop to get the issues sorted.