Calibrating electric power steering (RCEPS)

Hello, this is about the "large" electric power steering system (RCEPS) in my A5 8T, manufactured in 2015.
I had already asked some questions about this a few weeks ago in another forum that seemed more relevant to the topic (https://www.motor-talk.de/forum/steuergeraet-audi-a4-a5-elektromech-lenkung-t6644606.html). But there is almost nothing about this specific area online, and even after a longer search, I haven't found anything concrete.

Facts:
After a moderate impact on the left wheel, the steering system reported a control unit error. Access is no longer possible (red light, no function at all; power supply is present). So, I have now obtained a used steering system.
Now I want to install them, but how do I get them to work?

Questions:
I found some information, but I'm not entirely sure if it's accurate, and I'd like to get your opinions. Surely someone must have more detailed information about this.
1. This is not about calibrating the steering angle sensor/steering stops; that is largely clear and should not be a problem with VCDS.
"One option would be to simply replace the control unit. That's a relatively straightforward process. However, I've read that it can detect if it's installed in a different steering system, and if so, it might stop working altogether. But I find that hard to believe, because I don't see anything else in the steering system that would allow for identification, right?"
3. In any case, the problem likely lies in the fact that when the ignition is turned on, a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) query is sent from the control unit (ECU) to the vehicle. The replacement ECU would need to be registered to the new vehicle. Is this even possible with VCDS, and if so, how? Or only with VCP or ODIS, etc. (I'm not familiar with those)? Is this only possible via the ?
4. The steering systems underwent several software version changes (keyword: "grid steering"). I want the replacement part to have at least the same software version as the original part in the medium term (according to the marking 0510, see picture). How can I ensure that the replacement part has this software version (as mentioned above; the same problem would exist even when buying a new part, as they are likely shipped without the software).
"Ideally, I'd prefer things to stay as they are. I still can't believe that a minor bump against a curb could cause electrical damage to the steering control unit (STG). I suspect there might be a software lock (similar to the airbag control unit; perhaps triggered by exceeding a certain steering torque, etc.). Has anyone had experience with this?"

There are tens of thousands of these steering systems in the field, and I'm surprised by how little information is available about them. However, they were probably only used in the A4/A5/A6 models, and not even in the Passat. And they are probably no longer in series production.

I would be grateful for any ideas you have.

Regards,

Andreas.

What errors are reported in the scan? I imagine that contact with the curb may have damaged a sensor in the steering system. Have you already inquired with Audi about potential sources of error?

I can also contribute this article.
https://forum.vcdspro.de/index.php?/wiki/vehicle/audi/a8/audi-a8-4h-r69/&area=vehicleinfo&content=audi-a5-rceps-elektronische-lenkung-r31

Hello, thank you for the tip, @VAG-driver.
I hadn't seen the post you mentioned yet, and there are a few things I'm not familiar with. I'll look into it again after my vacation. I didn't ask Audi any specific questions, but they immediately suggested replacing the entire steering system. However, I'm not willing to do that without further investigation, given the cost.
I now have a different steering system here (3 years older). I previously asked about this: is it critical if I just temporarily switch the control unit (someone claimed on an English website that this would lock it, but I don't believe that, see above). Presumably, at the very least, it will trigger the yellow warning light due to the VIN mismatch?

VCDS Messages:
Here's the translation:

"Below, in the first section, you'll find the error message from STG 44. The others, in my opinion, are only secondary issues, which I've added in the second section to avoid making it too cluttered."
As far as I can tell, the problem for the secondary system is to fix the error from the coolant temperature sensor (G85). However, I can't even access the control unit's menu because of the "critical" primary error message.


"After hitting a curb, the steering system reported an error. The wheel itself only has some scratches, but the tie rod was slightly bent and had to be replaced. No other damage is visible. According to VCDS, the control unit is defective and is now displaying these messages (which cannot be cleared; I've removed some irrelevant information; the longer version is below):"

Address 44: Steering Assist
Label file: DRV\8K0-909-144.clb

Control unit part number: 8K0 909 144 P, Hardware: 8K0 909 144 B.

Component and/or version: RCEPS H43 0510

Encoding: 100001010001

Company number: WSC 02391 785 00200

ASAM Dataset: EV_RCEPSAU48X 008018 (AU48)

ROD: EV_RCEPSAU48X_008.rod

VCID: 3E749CA4A1BB6EB1DB-806A

3 error codes found:



5242881 - Threshold limit.

C10F2 F0 [008] - exceeded.

Sporadically - confirmed - checked since last deletion.

Environmental conditions:

Error status: 00000001

Error priority: 2

Error frequency: 1.

6628353 - Control unit defective.

B2000 49 [137] - Internal electronic fault.

Warning light ON - confirmed - checked since last reset.

Environmental conditions:

Error status: 00000001

Error priority: 1.

other:

Address 01: Engine Control Module (J623-CKVC)
Label file: None
Part number SW: 8K5 907 401 T, HW: 4G0 907 401 E.
Component: 3.0TDI EDC17 H14 0002.
Revision: 58H14---
Encoding: 22254012046603030000
Operating number: WSC 02391 785 00200
ASAM Dataset: EV_ECM30TDI0118K5907401T 001002
ROD: EV_ECM30TDI0118K5907401T.rod
VCID: 418EE758D0451149A6-8014

Sure, here is the translation of the text from German to English:

"1 error found:"
4327 - Function restriction due to received error value.
U1113 00 [032] - -
Sporadically - unconfirmed - checked since last deletion.
Environmental conditions:
Error status: 00000001
Error priority: 2
Error frequency: 4
Mileage: 45620 km
Date: 2019.02.12
Time: 20:31:59

Motor speed: 1283.50 rpm.
Normalized load value: 64.7%
Vehicle speed: 28 km/h
Coolant temperature: 50 °C
Intake air temperature: 15 °C
Atmospheric pressure: 990 mbar.
Voltage at terminal 30: 14.560 V.
Lost data counter via OBD: 39.
ACC Target Acceleration: 0.007 m/s²
Received status ACC control unit bit 0: 6.
Error status, active braking system bit 0: 48.
Status ADR/GRA Acceleration Interface Bit 0: 0
Acceleration: 0.256 m/s²
Engine status: COENG_RUNNING
Engine Status: Test Program, Co Eng, COMPU, VERB, UBYTE: 3.

Readiness: 0 0 0 0 0

"Der schnelle braune Fuchs springt über den faulen Hund."
Address 02: Transmission (J217)
Label file: DRV\0B5-927-156.clb
Part number SW: 8K9 927 156 D, HW: 0B5 927 156 K.
Part number: 0B5 30 TDIRdW H03 0005
Revision: --H03---
Encoding: 000001
Operating number: WSC 02391 785 00200
ASAM Dataset: EV_TCMDL501021 001015
ROD: EV_TCMDL501021_VW51.rod
VCID: 3E749CA4A1BB6EB1DB-806A

No error codes found.

"Der schnelle braune Fuchs springt über den faulen Hund."
Address 03: Brake Electronics (J104)
Label file: DRV\8K0-907-379-V2.clb
Part number SW: 8K0 907 379 CP
Part number HW: 8K0 907 379 CP
Component: ESP8 quattro H09 0020.
Revision: -------- Serial Number: --------------
Encoding: 455DCE01
Operating number: WSC 02391 785 00200
VCID: 091E3F78A0F59909BE-805C

5 error codes found:
02214 - Tire pressure warning.
text
000 - -
Environmental conditions:
Error status: 01100000
Error priority: 1.
Error frequency: 20.
Lost Count: 114
Mileage: 43475 km
Time: 0
Date: 2019.01.21
Time: 10:35:37

Environmental conditions:
Hex Value: 0x00C0
Hex Value: 0x07A2
Hex Value: 0x0021
Hex Value: 0x1888
Hex Value: 0x0000

00778 - Steering angle sensor (G85)
008 - Implausible signal - Sporadic.
Environmental conditions:
Error status: 01100000
Error priority: 1.
Error frequency: 20.
Lost Count: 114
Mileage: 43475 km
Time: 0
Date: 2019.01.21
Time: 10:35:37

01324 - Control unit for all-wheel drive (J492)
013 - Please read the error memory - Intermittent.
Environmental conditions:
Error status: 00101101
Error priority: 4
Error frequency: 4
Lost Count: 153
Mileage: 45620 km
Time: 0
Date: 2019.02.12
Time: 20:32:00

Environmental conditions:
Hex Value: 0x1800
Hex Value: 0x4206
Hex Value: 0x120E
Hex Value: 0x50B6
Hex Value: 0x0000

01309 - Steering assist control unit (J500)
013 - Please read the error memory.
Environmental conditions:
Error status: 00101101
Error priority: 4
Error frequency: 4
Lost Count: 153
Mileage: 45620 km
Time: 0
Date: 2019.02.12
Time: 20:32:00

01044 - Control unit incorrectly coded.
000 - - - Sporadic
Environmental conditions:
Error status: 00100000
Error priority: 3.
Error frequency: 11
Lost Count: 154
Mileage: 45,638 km
Time: 0
Date: 2019.02.13
Time: 11:14:50

Environmental conditions:
Hex Value: 0x00C0
Hex Value: 0x47A2
Hex Value: 0x0015
Hex Value: 0x1086
Hex Value: 0x0000


"Der schnelle braune Fuchs springt über den faulen Hund."



"Der schnelle braune Fuchs springt über den faulen Hund."
"Der schnelle braune Fuchs springt über den faulen Hund."
Address 13: Distance Control (J428)
Label file: DRV\8K0-907-561.clb
Part number SW: 8K0 907 561 B, HW: 8K0 907 561 B.
Component: ACC3 H11 0100
Serial number: 00000000000000
Encoding: 008190
Operating number: WSC 02391 785 00200
VCID: 316EB79868E581C956-8064

3 error codes found:
00778 - Steering angle sensor (G85)
013 - Please read the error memory - Intermittent.
Environmental conditions:
Error status: 00101101
Error priority: 6
Error frequency: 1
Lost Count: 152
Mileage: 45620 km
Time: 0
Date: 2019.02.12
Time: 20:32:00

Environmental conditions:
Temperature: 17.0°C
Voltage: 13.82 V
Hex Value: 0x00C9
Speed: 21.6 km/h
Transverse acceleration: 0.58 m/s².

01314 - Engine Control Unit.
013 - Please read the error memory - Intermittent.
Environmental conditions:
Error status: 00101101
Error priority: 6
Error frequency: 1
Lost Count: 152
Mileage: 45620 km
Time: 0
Date: 2019.02.12
Time: 20:32:00

01316 - Brake control unit.
013 - Please read the error memory - Intermittent.
Environmental conditions:
Error status: 00101101
Error priority: 6
Error frequency: 4
Lost Count: 153
Mileage: 45620 km
Time: 0
Date: 2019.02.12
Time: 20:32:00

Environmental conditions:
Temperature: 17.0°C
Voltage: 13.95 V
Hex Value: 0x00C0
Speed: 21.6 km/h
Transverse acceleration: 0.53 m/s².


"Der schnelle braune Fuchs springt über den faulen Hund."
Address 14: Wheel Damping (J250)
Label file: DRV\8R0-907-364.clb
Part number SW: 8R0 907 364 C, HW: 8K0 907 364.
Component: SOUND DAMPENING MATERIAL H09 0054
Revision: 00000000 Serial Number: 13011500740002
Encoding: 030181
Operating number: WSC 02391 785 00200
VCID: 3A7C90B4B5934291E7-806E

3 error codes found:
00140 - Sensor for front right body acceleration (G342).
009 - Intermittent short circuit to ground.
Environmental conditions:
Error status: 00101001
Error priority: 2
Error frequency: 1
Lost Count: 141
Mileage: 44940 km
Time: 0

Environmental conditions:

03262 - Comfort limitation.
000 - - - Sporadic
Environmental conditions:
Error status: 00100000
Error priority: 6
Error frequency: 1
Lost Count: 141
Mileage: 44940 km
Time: 0
Date: 2019.02.05
Time: 13:16:07

Environmental conditions:
Error code: 2.
Binary value: 00000000

00466 - Control unit for steering column electronics (J527)
013 - Please read the error memory - Intermittent.
Environmental conditions:
Error status: 00100000
Error priority: 6
Error frequency: 1
Lost Count: 141
Mileage: 44940 km
Time: 0
Date: 2019.02.05
Time: 13:16:07


"Der schnelle braune Fuchs springt über den faulen Hund."
Address 15: Airbag (J234) Label file: 8F0-959-655.clb
Part number SW: 8F0 959 655 D, Hardware number: 8F0 959 655 D.
Part number: Airbag VW-AU10 H15 0430.
Serial number: 003KGDB07D0/
Encoding: 30394135353130303030554A304C38463053
Operating number: WSC 02391 785 00200
ASAM Dataset: EV_AirbaAU10SMEAU485 001004
ROD: EV_AirbaAU10SMEAU485.rod
VCID: 397E8FB8B8954989EE-806C

Crash sensor for driver-side side airbag:
Serial number: 6334MSME4E6C2E75.

Crash sensor for side airbag, passenger side:
Serial number: 6344MSME4D0B00338

Rear side airbag crash sensor (driver's side):
Serial number: 6352QSME6F522668R

Crash sensor for rear side airbag, passenger side:
Serial number: 6362QSME6F520140B

2 error codes found:
9443859 - Crash sensor for front airbag, driver's side.
B101A 13 [137] - Interruption.
Warning light ON - confirmed - checked since last reset.
Environmental conditions:
Error status: 00000001
Error priority: 2
Error frequency: 1
Mileage: 45642 km
Date: 2019.03.22
Time: 11:33:06

9444115 - Crash sensor for front airbag, passenger side.
B101B 13 [137] - Interruption.
Warning light ON - confirmed - checked since last reset.
Environmental conditions:
Error status: 00000001
Error priority: 2
Error frequency: 1
Mileage: 45642 km
Date: 2019.03.22
Time: 11:33:06


"Der schnelle braune Fuchs springt über den faulen Hund."
Address 16: Steering Wheel Electronics (J527)
Label file: DRV\8K0-953-568.clb
Part number SW: 8K0 953 568 M, Hardware number: 8K0 953 568 M.
Component: Steering module. Part number: H04 0005.
Revision: -------- Serial Number: 90372OBO000BI
Encoding: 0000DE
Operating number: WSC 02391 785 00200
VCID: 4480EE4CC75704618D-8010

Component: E221 - MFL H03 0004

No error codes found.

"Der schnelle braune Fuchs springt über den faulen Hund."



"Der schnelle braune Fuchs springt über den faulen Hund."
Address 22: All-wheel drive (J492) Label file: 8K0-907-163.clb
Part number SW: 8K0 907 163 B, HW: 8K0 907 163 A.
Part: 4 Wheel Drive H15 0100
Serial number: 002101150001003
ASAM Dataset: EV_AllWheelDiffeQSPCAN 003019
ROD: EV_AllWheelDiffeQSPCAN.rod
VCID: 2F6AB1E076D1973940-807A

3 error codes found:
0059 - Control unit for ABS brake system.
U1017 00 [008] - Please read the error memory.
Sporadically - confirmed - checked since last deletion.
Environmental conditions:
Error status: 00000001
Error priority: 2
Error frequency: 4
Lost Count: 153
Mileage: 45620 km
Date: 2019.02.12
Time: 20:32:00

Voltage at terminal 15: 14.53 V.
Voltage at terminal 30: 14.69 V.
Measurement $1300: 14.69 V
Pump for all-wheel drive: Voltage: 1.88 V.
Measurement reading $1301: 0.00 V
Pump for all-wheel drive: Current: 4.88 A.
Torque distribution: 18 Nm.
Torque distribution: Target value: 84 Nm.
Measurement value $1010: normal.
Control unit temperature: 28 °C
Measurement $1306 - Data: 18 °C
Measurement $1307 - Data: 24 °C
Measurement value: $1308 - Data: 0 bar.
Thermal load on the pump for all-wheel drive: 0.0%.
Temperature of the oil pressure and oil temperature sensor: 24 °C.

0203 - Control unit for steering column electronics.
U1028 00 [008] - Please read the error memory.
Sporadically - confirmed - checked since last deletion.
Environmental conditions:
Error status: 00000001
Error priority: 2
Error frequency: 2
Lost Count: 152
Mileage: 45620 km
Date: 2019.02.12
Time: 20:32:00

Voltage at terminal 15: 14.84 V.
Voltage at terminal 30: 15.16 V.
Measurement $1300: 15.00 V
Pump for all-wheel drive: Voltage: 0.00 V.
Measurement reading $1301: 0.00 V
Pump for all-wheel drive: Current: 0.00 A.
Torque distribution: 0 Nm.
Torque distribution: Target value: 0 Nm.
Measurement value $1010: Permanent Error.
Control unit temperature: 27 °C
Measurement $1306 - Data: 19 °C
Measurement $1307 - Data: 24 °C
Measurement value: $1308 - Data: 0 bar.
Thermal load on the pump for all-wheel drive: 0.0%.
Temperature of the oil pressure and oil temperature sensor: 24 °C.

0079 - Control unit for steering column electronics.
U1028 00 [008] - Please read the error memory.
Sporadically - confirmed - checked since last deletion.
Environmental conditions:
Error status: 00000001
Error priority: 2
Error frequency: 1
Lost Count: 152
Mileage: 45620 km
Date: 2019.02.12
Time: 20:32:00

Voltage at terminal 15: 14.53 V.
Voltage at terminal 30: 14.69 V.
Measurement $1300: 14.69 V
Pump for all-wheel drive: Voltage: 0.00 V.
Measurement reading $1301: 0.00 V
Pump for all-wheel drive: Current: 0.00 A.
Torque distribution: 0 Nm.
Torque distribution: Target value: 0 Nm.
Measurement value $1010: Permanent Error.
Control unit temperature: 27 °C
Measurement $1306 - Data: 18 °C
Measurement $1307 - Data: 24 °C
Measurement value: $1308 - Data: 0 bar.
Thermal load on the pump for all-wheel drive: 0.0%.
Temperature of the oil pressure and oil temperature sensor: 24 °C.


"Der schnelle braune Fuchs springt über den faulen Hund."
Address 44: Steering Assist (J500)
Label file: DRV\8K0-909-144.clb
Part number SW: 8K0 909 144 P, HW: 8K0 909 144 B.
Component: RCEPS H43 0510
Revision: 00001000 Serial Number: 0015516850
Encoding: 100001010001
Operating number: WSC 02391 785 00200
ASAM Dataset: EV_RCEPSAU48X 008018
ROD: EV_RCEPSAU48X_008.rod
VCID: 3E749CA4A1BB6EB1DB-806A

Sure, here is the translation of the text from German to English:

"1 error found:"
6628353 - Control unit defective.
B2000 49 [137] - Internal electronic fault.
Warning light ON - confirmed - checked since last reset.
Environmental conditions:
Error status: 00000001
Error priority: 1.
Error frequency: 1
Mileage: 45620 km
Date: 2019.02.12
Time: 20:32:00

valid


"Der schnelle braune Fuchs springt über den faulen Hund."
Address 5C: Lane Keeping Assist.
Label file: DRV\8T0-907-217.clb
Part number SW: 8T0 907 217 A, HW: 4E0 907 217 C.
Component: J759 HC 0040
Revision: 00H08006 Serial Number: 60021522500035
Encoding: 0023002
Operating number: WSC 02391 785 00200
VCID: 377A898046815FF918-8062

Sure, here is the translation of the text from German to English:

"1 error found:"
01309 - Steering assist control unit (J500)
013 - Please read the error memory.
Environmental conditions:
Error status: 01101101
Error priority: 6
Error frequency: 16
Lost Count: 114
Mileage: 45642 km
Time: 0
Date: 2019.03.22
Time: 11:40:07



End----------------------------(Duration: 05:00)-----------------------------

Hello,

Is the power steering function working normally? Or is there no power assist?

Best regards, Rainer.

Hello Rainer,

Due to the lengthy error scan, the post has become somewhat disorganized.
Above, it stated: "Access, etc. is no longer possible (red light, no functionality whatsoever; power supply is present)."

Regards,
Andreas.

Hi Andreas,

Okay, having no functionality at all is frustrating. For an Audi A3 8P, replacing one of these units would cost around 650 EUR (from a regular parts supplier). If you're experiencing the same issue, I wouldn't spend too much time experimenting.

Best regards, Rainer.

Hello,
I solved this problem a few months ago, and I'd like to offer some final tips here. This way, people troubleshooting the issue later will have at least a few verified clues to go on.

Ich habe mir also dann eine gebrauchte Lenkung aus einem Heckschaden gekauft und eingebaut. Die war zwar 1,5 Jahre älter und mit dem vorherigen Softwarestand, aber das war erstmal eine aussichtsreiche Möglichkeit. Und Sie war mit belegbarem km-Stand und relativ bezahlbar. Relativ heißt "nur" wenige Hunderter, viele wollen ab 500.- aufwärts. Zum Vergleich: die "kleine" elektrische Lenkung aus A3, Golf, Passt etc, gibt es gebraucht und gleich alt ab 100.-, hydraulische (ältere) für unter 50.-. NeuPrice: four-digit number, excluding installation, etc.
So, once it's installed, the onboard system prompts you to calibrate it. You need to move it forward and backward a few meters, then all the way to the right until it beeps, and then the same to the left - and that's it!
"No errors or issues have occurred for several thousand kilometers, and the driving experience is smooth."

Conclusion:
- No VCDS is even required for initial setup.
- It appears that there is no synchronization occurring between the FIN (Frame Identification Number) and the component, as is sometimes claimed (which would lead to an error message).
- I can't say whether it's possible to replace the control unit separately from the mechanical components. Some people claim that doing so would cause it to lock up (which I don't believe, see above). But I wasn't willing to take that risk. Even though I believe that in my case, it's not the control unit itself that's defective, but rather the peripheral components (e.g., actuator, sensor, etc.).

I would still like to update the software, but I haven't been able to find any instructions on how to do so. Is it not possible with VCDS?

Regards,

Andreas.

Heiner111 wrote:

I would still like to update the software, but I haven't been able to find any instructions on how to do so. Is it not possible with VCDS?

It won't be possible to fix this without support from a workshop. I would recommend going to a workshop you trust and explaining your issue. Even though I'm nearby, I don't have enough experience to offer specific advice in Darmstadt.

However, I can recommend Auto Schütz in Dieburg. This is not intended as an advertisement. I also hope that I have not violated any of the rules of this forum.

Thank you for the feedback! Yes, it's a good idea to have Audi install different software for the engine control unit.

Best regards, Rainer.