VW Fox Steering Column Adjustment Mechanism Dead

Having owned a 2009 VW Polo with similar electric steering components, I understand your concern about the steering failure. Based on my prior experience with electric adjustment issues, I can share some relevant insights. In my case, the steering column adjustment also stopped working completely. After diagnostic tests, the workshop found a loose cable connection causing the mechanical fault. The repair involved checking the entire electric adjustment system and replacing a damaged connector plug. The fix was relatively straightforward and cost 95€ including diagnostics. Most importantly, they discovered this before any major steering failure occurred, which could have been more serious. For a more accurate assessment of your specific case, could you provide: Any warning lights on the dashboard? Does the steering feel different while driving? Can you hear any unusual sounds when trying to adjust the steering? Has the car received any previous steering repairs? This would help determine if your Fox has similar underlying issues to what I encountered with the Polo. Electric steering problems often start with minor symptoms before developing into more significant mechanical faults. The workshop should definitely check the cable connections and control module first, as these are common failure points in VW electric adjustment systems from that era.

Thanks for the reply. My Fox just hit 53110km and the repair history shows no prior steering issues. The electric adjustment on the steering column failed suddenly with no warning lights. The steering feels normal when driving and there are no unusual sounds, it just wont adjust position anymore. Seems like our problems could be related, especially since both involve complete failure of the adjustment mechanism. I will have the workshop check those cable connections you mentioned. If its just a loose connection causing the adjustment issue like in your case, that would be much better than needing the whole electric steering system replaced. Thanks for sharing the repair cost details, helps give me a baseline for what to expect. Will update once I get it checked out.

Thanks for those additional details about your Fox. My Polo had almost identical symptoms, sudden complete failure of the adjustment with otherwise normal steering feel. The similarity of our steering column issues makes me more confident your problem is electrical rather than mechanical. After my repair, the workshop explained these electric steering adjustment failures are often caused by worn or corroded connectors, especially in cars with relatively low mileage like yours at 53110km where mechanical wear is unlikely. The diagnostic process on my Polo was quick, about 30 minutes to locate the faulty connection in the steering column adjustment system. The total repair took under 2 hours. While prices vary, my 95€ repair included: Full system diagnostic, Cleaning connection points, Replacing one damaged connector, Testing all steering adjustment functions Some workshops might suggest replacing the entire electric adjustment unit, but insist they thoroughly check the connections first. A simple electrical fix could save hundreds in unnecessary parts replacement. Looking forward to hearing what they find. The matching symptoms suggest you might be looking at a similarly straightforward repair.

Thank you for all the advice about the electric steering system. Just got back from the workshop and wanted to close this thread with an update. They found the exact issue you described, corroded connections in the steering column adjustment mechanism. The total repair came to 115€ which included cleaning all contact points in the electric adjustment system and replacing two worn connectors. The mechanical fault code is now cleared and the steering column adjusts perfectly again. Your insight about checking the connections before replacing parts saved me money, as they initially suggested a full electric steering component replacement. Really glad I pushed them to inspect the electrical connections first. For anyone searching with similar steering column adjustment problems: definitely have them check the connectors and wiring before agreeing to major parts replacement. In both our cases, what seemed like a serious mechanical fault turned out to be a relatively simple electrical fix. Thanks again for helping me avoid unnecessary repairs. Thread closed.