02861 - electronic steering column lock check sum error

[MIG]

I got myself the lovely error message of "Steering column lock faulty" and a red flashing wheel on the way home this afternoon.


02861 - Electronic Steering Column Lock Check Sum Error
008 - Implausible Signal - Intermittent
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00101000
Fault Priority: 4
Fault Frequency: 1
Reset counter: 254
Mileage: 147228 km
Time Indication: 0
Date: 2023.07.18
Time: 17:14:04

I saw the error was mentioned here too R36 Low milage Noise on startup

Now I know the microswitch fail on these units, and I have the tools to swap those over, also ~2 hours of reaching catalogues, I found the OEM part Access to this page has been denied.

But after looking at when the micro switches fail, it sets other codes on the module, so I am not sure what is wrong with my unit at this point in time.

So my options are, what do you think I should do?

Replace the lock module + reprogram it (Needs access to ODIS \ GEKO)
Replace the lock module + transfer MCU chip (The problem may be with the chips eeprom and this won't fix it)
Replace the microswitches and relays in the module.
Wait until the issue worsens and sets the other codes, but maybe get stranded.

[kamold]

Replace the ESCL module. Must be a new part. Can be ordered from your VW parts department, not really much cheaper from OS.

Can be done with VCDS provided that you have the immo pin (can be decrypted from the CCM eeprom if you read that out).

Passat 3C ESCL | Ross-Tech Forums

[MIG]

Thanks, Kamold!

I knew about the CCM eeprom, but did not know the pin could be used to match the ESCL offline. That is great news!

Time to call the dealer and see how much I am on the hook for.

On another note, maybe a CCM swap is in order. And get the Kessy swap started

[kamold]

They are around the $300 mark maybe a bit more.
You can use the same tool from Dunt.at (KSGTool) to extract the PIN, CS etc and to transfer the immo data from one CCM eeprom dump to another.

[MIG]

Going to write up a mini guide here to help if anyone else wants to DIY this.

I will add images soon.

Guide to Extracting PIN from CCM and Programming ESCL for B7 Passats

Fault Code:

02861 - Electronic Steering Column Lock Check Sum Error
008 - Implausible Signal - Intermittent
Part 1: Extracting the PIN from the CCM

Accessing the CCM (Comfort Control Module):
In the B7 Passats, the CCM is the main immobilizer coordinator, so it has the pin we need to adapt to the new ESCL.


Begin by removing the glove box to access the CCM. Unscrew and drop down the glove box.
The CCM is mounted with two plastic 10mm bolts. Ensure you remove the CCM from its mount before attempting to disconnect any cable clips.

Safety Precautions:

Always disconnect the battery before unplugging any wires.
Extracting the Immobilizer Information:

Once the CCM is out, carefully open the unit.
Inside, you will find a 9532 chip that contains the immobilizer information.
To avoid overheating the board, use low-melt solder (like Chip Quik) when working with the chip.
Remove the chip.
Reading the EEPROM:

Use an EEPROM reader to extract the data from the chip.
For this guide, a CH341A was used. However, FlashCat readers are also suitable for this task.
Always ensure you back up the EEPROM data once dumped.
Special thanks to Kamold for pointing out that the Dunt.at (KSGTool) tool can also be used for reading the immobilizer pin and cloning CCM modules.
Re-assembly:


Once you have successfully read the PIN, solder the 9532 chip back onto the board.

[MIG]

Part 2: Removing the Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL)

Contrary to the factory service manual, the ESCL can be removed without removing the steering wheel.

Adjusting the Steering Column:

Pull the lever under the column, adjust it by pulling towards you and pushing it down.
Turn the wheel 90º to one side. At the seam between the top and bottom half of the steering cowl, insert a trim removal tool and twist upward to release the clip holding the halves together.
Turn the wheel to the opposite side and repeat the procedure.
Locate and remove the torx screw securing the bottom half on each side.
Beneath the cowl, you'll find another torx screw. Remove it.
On the adjuster handle, there's a larger torx screw securing the handle. Remove this as well.
Lift the top half of the cowl towards the gauges. It's hinged to the bottom half; slightly pull it out to free it from the bottom half and fold it up towards the gauges.
The bottom half should now be free to remove.
Accessing the Universal Joint:

Remove the bottom plastic cover to the left of the pedals.
Take out the plastic flat-blade screw.

Unscrew the three torx screws the panel (where the OBD plug is attached).
There's a clip next to the middle screw; pull it down to release.

Removing the Ventilation Duct:

Simply remove one torx screw.


Now DISCONNECT THE NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL.
Three plugs are attached to the steering column: two at the front and one at the back attached to the steering lock. Each plug has a small red tab; pull it out to unlock and detach it.
Remove the 8 mm grounding nut to free the ground wire.
Releasing the Wire Harness:

The harness goes through a plastic housing on the column's bottom half and a clip on the upper half.
Push in the two plastic tabs on the bottom side and pull the housing off the column.
Pull the clip on the upper half. Now, you're ready to remove the column.
Removing the Steering Column:

There are five 13 mm bolts to remove: one on the universal joint at the bottom and four on the column.
For safety, mark the alignment of the universal joint before detaching.
Pull the universal joint upwards to detach.
Final Removal:

Carefully pull the entire assembly out of the car. Having an extra pair of hands can be helpful here.
Place the column on a soft surface to avoid any damage.
The steering lock is at the bottom, secured with two security screws. Use a dremel to cut a slot in each screw for easier removal.

[MIG]

Part 3: Reprogramming the Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL)

Thanks to Kamold for pointing out Dana's write-up from the VCDS forum.

Preparation:

Ensure a battery charger is connected to maintain voltage during the process.
Steps for Reprogramming:

Accessing the Immobilizer:

Navigate to [25-Immobilizer].
Select [Adaption - 10].
Leave the channel at "00".
Click on [Read].
Choose [Save].
Click on [Done, Go Back].
Entering Security Access:

Choose [Security Access-16].
Enter the vehicle PIN in a 5-digit format.
Click on [Do it!].
Adapting the PIN:

Navigate to [Adaption - 10].
Read Channel 051.
The Stored Value will display as 32000. Enter the PIN in the "New Value" box.
Click on [Test].
A display showing "Wait | N/A | N/A | N/A" will appear. Wait until the ID numbers are transferred into the first two boxes. If unsure, wait for at least 30 seconds.
Choose [Save]. (Note: If "Save" is not available and the data from the last step has transferred, continue by exiting).
Click on [Done, Go Back].
Final Checks:

Check fault codes in all installed control modules and clear them as necessary.
Important Notes:

It is NOT possible to match a used ESCL. The replacement unit must be brand new.
If you encounter an issue where the immobilizer does not accept the PIN due to communication failure with the ESCL, try the following workaround:
Turn on the car with the old ESCL connected (even if it's just hanging there).
Transfer the connector to the new ESCL.
Follow the rest of the guide as instructed.

- I also had to recode my handbrake module after this, so I always take a full scan as a backup.


Here is a link to all the photos I took while doing this.
ESCL Replacement - Google Photos

[Passat my07]

Great write up! I hope I never have to do this.