Just noticed there is a separate area for VCDS questions - sorry - can mods move this if appropriate, thanks

Just done my first scan with my new VCDS and it threw up the following:

1 Fault Found:

18104 - Powertrain Data Bus

P1696 - 000 - Implausible Message from Steering Column Controller - Intermittent

Readiness: 0 0 0 0 0 1 Fault Found:

Have looked it up at Ross Tech but I am not sure what the implication of the 'Intermittent' label is, I assume it indicates that the car is registering an intermittent fault but I have not noticed any problems when driving it and all the steering column controls appear to work perfectly and certainly had no steering problems.

Should I just reset the code and run the scan again in a few days to see if the fault reappears.

Last thing, my battery appears due for replacement as its getting sluggish in the cold weather and 61/2 years old - could this be the cause of the fault code?Thanks for any feedback/pointers

never seen this one before but the rule of thumb is always scan, clear DTCs, then re scan to see if it's just a one off

Yep, clear it and see if it comes back, could just be a blip.

Thanks - will do

Does your cruise control or auto wiper speed adjust work correctly all the time?

That's a fairly common cause of this problem.

Take a look here in future for a first guess at codes (Below is this one):

http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/18104/P1696/005782

Yep, likely to be the cruise control activation switch. The same type of switch is used for the wipers as well , but doesn't seem to cause as many issues.

I get it on mine every so often, for cruise. It's because of the way the switch is designed and a fault will be logged if it doesn't quite engage as you choose between on/off and cancel.

Dont often get a chance to use cruise but last time I did it appeared to work perfectly. Obviously I need to reset the code and then go on a lengthy drive to test everything out.

thanks all for the pointers, if the fault reappears will post again.

It can be a very intermittent problem anyway. And if you don't use cruise regularly you probably won't notice. With a faulty switch you'll see it occasionally fails to set cruise. Stopping and restarting the engine will clear the fault, any time I've had it anyway.

And there is a cleaning guide for the cruise stalk available as well. Effectively consists of removing the switch from the stalk and cleaning it with electrical contact cleaner.

If you've got a warranty, get them to change the stalk, otherwise give it a clean with switch cleaner.

It's only majorly annoying if you use the cruise a lot.

Often it'll stop cruise working, so if you're covered a new stalk will help.

IIRC there was a redesigned stalk for both sides for the issues you got with them.

There are a few revisions to the cruise stalk, so it's clearly an issue that's known about.

But as Mike says, it can log a fault with no know loss in performance. My view is that's down to switch design, as it's a rocker type and could in effect be 'open' between operating modes.

Interesting info, I have a Skoda Extended Warranty with 7 months to run so will check if the Cruise Stalk is covered. Reset the code and did a quick check today that the Cruise engaged as expected and all was good, could speed up and down and drop out and resume with no problems but code was there when I got home

Seeing as you have warranty remaining, I'd probably mention that cruise hasn't engaged a few times and don't clear the code....