Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Multi-function steering wheel from 12.01, performing OBD program functions using VAS 5051
Some OBD program text/data generated by the multi-function steering wheel control module in vehicles from 12.01 production may not be recognized by VAG1551/1552 Scan Tools (ST) with the latest program card. For example: scan tool display shows "text 799", "01529 /references" or similar.
Only the VAS5051/5052 Vehicle Diagnostic Testing and Information System is capable of processing all display text/data on these vehicles.
OBD program functions for multi-function steering wheel must be performed using the VAS5051 Vehicle Diagnostic Testing and Information System in mode "Self Diagnosis" or "Guided Fault Finding".
Special tools, testers and auxiliary items needed
- VAS 5051 Vehicle Diagnostic Testing and Information System
- Cable adapter VAS 5051/1 or VAS 5051/3
- Connect VAS 5051 with adapter cable to Data Link Connector (DLC) and select mode "Guided Fault Finding"
- Enter appropriate model, equipment and model year information and press ">" to confirm.
After all Control Modules have been registered and DTC memories checked,
- Select "Go to"
- Select "Function / Component Selection"
- Select "Body (Repair Group 01; 27; 50 to 97"
- Select "Electrical System (Repair Group 27; 90 to 97)
- Select "01-Systems capable of self-diagnosis"
- Select "Multi-function steering wheel"
- Select "Multi-function steering wheel functions" and press ">" to confirm
- Review displayed list of OBD program functions and select as necessary, e.g.: "Multi-function steering wheel, coding"
- Perform selected OBD program steps as prompted by tester
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.