I have 2006 A6 4.2 that wont start. When I put the key in the ignition I hear a clicking noise from the steering wheel area (about 4 to 5 clicks) and the in dash mini display reads "Please take load off steering" and then the car turns off. Same thing happens when I try to use the push button engine start switch.

Anyone got any ideas?

 

I have the same problem , how did younrezolved the problem ?

 

I had the error message on my 5 year old Audi A6 4.2 Estate, "Take Load Off Steering", no response from ignition, steering locked, gearbox frozen, break solid. I see I am not the first to have this problem although this car has been very reliable until now. Local mechanic turned up and had no clue, said it was the battery which it wasn't, I had driven it with no problem earlier in the day. Then he said it needs the AA to come and lift the car (hand break was also stuck on) and take it to an Audi specialist, probably a problem with ignition (a very expensive repair).

Two young guys from AA bounded up the drive in their yellow jackets, one sat in the drivers seat poked around a bit and then twisted the steering wheel hard....freed the blockage and started it first time.. That was a few days ago and the problem hasn't reoccurred.

 

audi a6

 

the problem

 

yeah right

 

Did the error ever come back?

 

Worked for me. So far two weeks and no problem. Put in key, depress brake, turn as far as it can go (I turned right) until I heard a click. I turned the steering wheel as far as I could go and then some Took key out. Waited a minute and put key back in and it worked.