Can anyone give me any information on the above code?

TIA

Only ever seen this code once. In that case it was the control unit for the power assisted steering.

Goggle found one reference to it but not a solution I'm afraid.

VAG code 00817 steering assist issue Polo 9N 2002 - VWAUDI Forum

The one time I saw it was on a Fabia, but I assume the code means the same.

IIRC (it was quite a while ago) the dealer swapped out the steering assist motor which included the control unit. From what I heard, an internal temperature sensor used to protect the motor from overheating had failed.

Initially, she was told she could ignore the problem - her warranty was nearly up. When she insisted, it did get replaced under warranty.

It wasn't my car so I heard this second hand.

Have you tried clearing the code?

Does it come back?

Thanks for the replies folks. I forgot to clear the codes when I read them the first time, have cleared them since, but haven't checked yet to see what comes back. I did receive a replacement power steering motor/control unit yesterday which I will fit at the weekend Fingers crossed I'll have working steering next week.