2016-2025 Audi Heated Steering Wheel DTC B145504

Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2053869/6 to address a common complaint among owners of various Audi models from 2016 to 2025. This bulletin, released for publishing on October 1, 2025, specifically targets issues where the heated steering wheel may unexpectedly deactivate. The TSB is identified by Transaction No. 2053869/6 and is intended for the United States market.

This TSB provides guidance for technicians and owners on how to manage this specific condition, which is related to the steering wheel heating functionality. Owners searching for solutions to their Audi heated steering wheel B145504 issue will find relevant information here.

Symptoms

Owners experiencing this issue will notice that the heated steering wheel switches itself off after approximately 5 minutes of operation without any manual intervention. This condition may also be indicated visually in the instrument cluster, alerting the driver to the change in functionality. The primary complaint object is related to the chassis, steering, and steering assist systems, specifically concerning the steering wheel heating functionality that "does not switch on/connect" or switches off prematurely.

Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC)

During workshop diagnostics, technicians may find a specific Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) stored in the vehicle's system. The relevant DTC is:

• DTC B145504: "Temperature sensor of steering wheel heating faulty" (active/static) or (passive/sporadic) with symptom code 7340800.

This code indicates that the vehicle's system detects an issue with the temperature sensor responsible for monitoring the steering wheel heating element.

Technical Background

According to Audi, the premature deactivation of the heated steering wheel is attributed to climatic conditions. These environmental factors can cause the steering wheel heating system to deactivate itself earlier than expected, leading to the symptoms described and the logging of DTC B145504.

Important Warning: Do Not Replace Steering Wheel

Audi explicitly states a critical warning regarding this issue: "Do not replace the steering wheel, replacing steering wheel will not make any difference." This means that replacing the entire steering wheel assembly will not resolve the underlying problem causing the heated steering wheel to turn off prematurely. Owners should be aware of this to avoid unnecessary repairs or costs.

Reactivation Procedure

If your heated steering wheel turns off, there is a simple procedure to reactivate it. To restore the heating function, the customer must either:

1. Press the corresponding button on the steering wheel again.
2. Switch the ignition off and then on again.

This procedure allows for temporary reactivation of the Audi heated steering wheel B145504 issue when it occurs.

TSB Revision History

This Technical Service Bulletin (Transaction No. 2053869/6) has undergone several revisions:

• Revision 6: The header was revised to add model years, workshop findings were updated with new information, and the warranty section was revised to remove the warranty table.
• Revision 5 (March 9, 2025): The header was revised to add model years.
• Revision 4 (October 27, 2020): The header was revised to add model years.

Warranty Information

Audi clarifies that TSB 2053869/6 is for informational purposes only and is not applicable to any Audi Warranty. This means that any diagnosis or repair related to this specific condition, as outlined in this TSB, would typically not be covered under standard Audi warranty terms.

Additional Information

All parts and service references provided within this TSB (2053869) are subject to change and/or removal. Technicians are advised to check with their Parts Department and/or ETKA for the latest information and parts bulletins. Furthermore, it is recommended to check the Repair Manual for any fasteners, bolts, nuts, and screws that may require replacement during related repairs.

---

Source: NHTSA ID 2053869/6