Got in the car last night, turned the wheel fully to the right to exit the parking space and as I did so, there came a crunching sound from the wheel. As I turned it back and round to the left, the crunching returned, even worse now and the airbag warning came on the maxi, and the airbag light illuminated. Also the steering wheel controls no longer function. I'm assuming it's the connections on the communication ring on the underside of the wheel that has broken-up. Anyone know if this is a known fault (I have searched without luck) and, more importantly, the fix? 

Any help, as always, much appreciated...

I'd guess at a clock spring problem

 

[EDIT] https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MFSW-MULTIFUNCTION-STEERING-WHEEL-MODULE-CRUISE-CONTROL-For-VW-SKODA-5K0953549B/253192309082?hash=item3af370095a:g:RqkAAOSwhilZafsw

 

Edited 7 July, 20187 yr by bigjohn

Thanks Bigjohn. Probably not a DIY jobbie then? Very annoying given its due its MOT on the 16th and it needs to be taxed too....

Hi all.

Re. the issue with the broken MFSW clock slip ring, well I've found an new OE unit at a decent price and a main dealer to fit and code to the car.

However, before I push the "buy it now" button, does you know if there is a specific variant of the clock ring by model year etc. or are they all the same part number across all the VAG model types to which this unit is fitted? 

Cheers... Rob

There are at least three different designs that aren't interchangeable. There are also different variants depending on what options your car has fitted.

 

You might get lucky but I'd suggest you find out what you currently have so you can buy the right one, first time...

Did the dealer ask for your VIN number as I would have thought that it would match with the correct ring.

Yeah, it has a 5K0953569H fitted, which has been superseded by the 5K0953569AL which is what I've bought. I could've got a Chinese OEM unit for £45, but would've had to wait a couple of weeks, so I had to go with an Euro VW OEM at £200 which was £102 less than the Skoda stealer I'm using to fit the part quoted. Apparently the "H" version was fairly short lived as it was prone to yeah, you guessed, a failed contact ribbon which rips and that's the "crunching" sound I heard. Only a few 2011 built Superb Elegance had been fitted with them, but it had been widely used on Audi A4 and 6. Now, oddly, upon checking, the dealer found the "H" variant is still available at VW - shocker!!! 

Edited 11 July, 20187 yr by numskull