Code
C0770
Generic
C — Chassis
Steering Column Lock Control Circuit Malfunction
Views:
UK: 1
EN: 0
RU: 0
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Blown fuse or faulty relay supplying the steering column lock circuit
- Damaged, corroded, or disconnected wiring or connector(s) at the steering column lock actuator
- Faulty steering column lock actuator or lock motor
- Intermittent open or short to battery/ground on control or supply circuits
- Faulty body or chassis control module (BCM) or steering column module
- CAN bus or data communication error between modules
Symptoms
- Steering wheel remains locked or intermittently locks/unlocks
- Vehicle may not start if immobilizer/lock prevents key cycle
- Steering lock warning, security, or check messages on dash
- No audible click or movement when attempting to unlock the steering column
- Stored or pending DTCs related to body/steering modules or CAN communication
What to check
- Retrieve freeze frame and full list of codes with a scan tool; note any related U codes or body module errors
- Inspect fuses and relays for the steering column lock circuit
- Visually inspect wiring harness and connectors at the steering column for corrosion, damage, or disconnected pins
- Check battery voltage and supply while commanding lock/unlock (voltage should be ~12V to 14.5V)
- Backprobe connector at the lock actuator while commanding lock/unlock to confirm control, supply and ground signals
- Check for CAN bus errors or lost communication messages between BCM and steering column module
Signal parameters
- Supply voltage to actuator: battery voltage (nominal 11.5–14.5 V) when powered
- Ground continuity: near 0 ohms to chassis ground
- Control signal voltage: varies by design (0–12 V switch or PWM) — observe change when commanding lock/unlock
- Actuator resistance: compare with factory spec (typical few ohms to hundreds of ohms for motor/coils)
- CAN bus idle voltage: approx. 2.5 V differential bias on CAN_H/CAN_L (check module comms)
Diagnostic algorithm
- Obtain stored codes and vehicle-specific freeze frame data with a scan tool; note related communication codes (U-codes)
- Verify battery voltage is stable and above 12V during tests; recharge or charge if low
- Inspect fuses and relays in instrument and body fuse boxes; replace any blown fuses and retest
- Visually inspect connectors and wiring at the steering column lock for corrosion, bent pins, or damage; repair as needed
- Backprobe the actuator connector while commanding lock/unlock from scan tool: verify supply (battery), ground, and control signal change. If no supply, trace back to fuse/relay/BVSM/BCM
- If control signals are present but actuator does not move, disconnect and bench-test actuator (apply correct supply and ground) to confirm mechanical/electrical failure
- If actuator is confirmed good but module commands do not reach the actuator, check harness continuity and resistance between module pin and actuator pin; repair any opens or shorts
- Check for communication errors on the CAN bus and verify module presence/response in the scan tool; if a module is unresponsive, troubleshoot CAN wiring and termination
- After repairs, clear codes and perform functional test of steering lock operation; road test or cycle ignition several times to confirm issue resolution
Likely causes
- Corroded connector at the steering column (common location)
- Shorted control wire to battery or chassis ground from recent repairs or routing near sharp edges
- Failed steering lock actuator motor due to age or water ingress
- Blown fuse in instrument or body fuse box protecting the lock circuit
Fault status
Status
Steering Column Lock Control Circuit Malfunction — an electrical or communication fault was detected in the steering column lock control circuit. The lock may not operate correctly until the cause is repaired.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1.0 - 3.0 hours
Similar codes
Workshop Manuals
Available brands with manuals
2
AUDI 11
6-speed manual gearbox 0B1, front-wheel drive — Workshop Manual (Edition 05.2014)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi A3 (1997) – 1.6L 4-cylinder (2‑valve) Engine Mechanical Components Service Manual (AEH, AKL, APF) – Edition 07.2002
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
AUDI A3 (2004) Workshop Manual — 2.0L FSI Turbo (4‑cyl, 4‑valve) Engine, Mechanics — Edition 03.2017
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi A3 2004 — Electrical System (Workshop Manual, Edition 02.2018)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi A4 / A4 Cabriolet – 4.2 l V8 (5‑valve, timing chains) – Workshop Manual (Mechanics) – Edition 04.2007
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi A4 / A4 Cabriolet — Auxiliary Heater Workshop Manual (Edition 08.2004)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi A4 / A4 Cabriolet (1.8T 4‑cyl turbo) — Motronic Injection & Ignition System Service Manual (Edition 01.2015)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi A8 (2003) — Electrical System Workshop Manual (Edition 08.2014)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi Q4 e-tron (Type F4) - Self-study Programme SSP 685
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi Q8 (2018) — Electrical System Workshop Manual (Edition 05.2019)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi Servicing Manual — 7‑Speed Dual Clutch Transmission 0CJ / 0CL / 0CK / 0DN / 0DP / 0HL (Edition 05.2018)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
LAND ROVER 3
Land Rover Defender 300Tdi — Workshop Manual (1996 model year)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Land Rover Defender Workshop Manual Supplement & Body Repair Manual (1999 & 2002 MY)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Land Rover Range Rover — Electrical Library (LRL 0453ENG, 2002)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Your experience will help others
+100 karma for a short comment :)
Was this AI description helpful?
Your feedback helps improve AI descriptions.
👍 Like
0
👎 Dislike
0
Send to email
