Steering column ECU Repair Options
So you have been informed by a garage that your steering column ECU has failed. Now for a few words of wisdom as to the best course of action before handing over a large sum of money to be repaired.
What the ECU Actually Does
The ECU in the steering column assembly controls the electric power assistance motor for the steering. It monitors the torque applied to the wheel, the vehicle’s speed and the angle of the steering wheel. It then uses this information to add as much assistance as required to the steering. The ECU can fail for a number of reasons such as wear and tear, moisture entering the assembly and voltage spikes. If the ECU fails you may find that you lose power assistance from the steering completely or you may receive an intermittent fault warning on the dashboard.
Try Remanufacture First
One of the most cost effective solutions for the Steering Column ECU is to send the faulty unit to a specialist for a remanufacture. The specialist will strip the unit, test and repair as necessary before returning the unit to you ready for refitting. As the unit is your original unit the coding to your vehicle’s VIN will usually be straightforward and often not required.
New ECU Replacement
A new ECU from the main dealer or from a quality parts supplier will need to be programmed into the vehicle before it can be used. So you will need to factor in the cost of the new ECU plus the cost for the dealer or specialist to program the ECU to your vehicle. If you don’t have this work done then the ECU will not function.
Sourcing a Second-Hand Unit
A second-hand Steering Column ECU from a breaker can be the cheapest option for replacement, but be aware of the risks. The unit will need to be dealer programmed to your vehicle’s VIN number and some manufacturers lock the ECU to the original vehicle. Ensure that the unit is recodeable before purchasing.
When Full Column Replacement Makes Sense
If the steering column has suffered damage, such as broken stalks, worn bearings or a failed motor, then it may be more cost effective to replace the complete steering column rather than trying to repair individual components. Get quotes for both repair and replacement.
Check the Repair Before You Drive
Before you leave the garage to take your car for a test drive, ensure that the assistance is evenly distributed throughout the full lock-to-lock travel and that no error lights or messages are still stored. It is reasonable to ask for a test drive in the presence of the garage technician.
Being fully informed before agreeing to a repair helps you to make the best decision and avoid paying too much for unnecessary repairs.