Removing and installing locking cable — VW
Removing and installing locking cable on VW: factory workshop procedure. Full factory text, tools and checks.
Workshop procedure for VW — the factory write-up, straight from real workshop data.
📋 Procedure
02E
Removing
First check whether a coded radio is fitted. If this is the case obtain the anti-theft coding.
Move selector lever to position "P".
With ignition switched off disconnect battery earth strap.
Removing drivers airbag unit and steering wheel.
=> General body repairs, exterior; Repair group 69; Airbag
General body repairs, exterior
Airbag
Remove trim on left under dash panel.
=> General body repairs, interior; Repair group 68; Compartments, covers and trim; Removing and installing trim under steering column
General body repairs, interior
Compartments, covers and trim
Removing and installing trim under steering column
Removing steering column trim.
=> General body repairs, interior; Repair group 70; Dash panel; Removing and installing dash panel
General body repairs, interior
Dash panel
Removing and installing dash panel
Remove bolts/screws -1- from height and reach adjustment handle -2-.
Turn ignition key to position "ignition on".
Pull out clip -2- for locking cable -3-.
Pull locking cable out of steering lock -1-.
Remove selector lever handle =>page
34-19
.
Remove centre console.
=> General body repairs, interior; Repair group 68; Compartments, covers and trim; Removing and installing centre console
General body repairs, interior
Compartments, covers and trim
Removing and installing centre console
Lift securing lever -1- in -direction of arrow A- and pull locking cable -2- off selector mechanism -in direction of arrow B-.
Pull locking cable out of dash panel.
Installing
Locking cable must not be kinked.
Adjust locking cable after installing => page
34-40
.
Installation position of locking cable
arrow 1 - footwell vent
arrow 2 - instrument panel support
Pull the pull rod upwards and move the selector lever to position "P" with the pull rod still pulled upwards.
Hang locking cable -2- into the locking lever in opposite -direction of arrow B- and lock under the bracket -1-.
Insert locking cable into the steering column lock -1-.
The flattened side of the cable faces downwards.
Fit clip -2- for locking cable -3-.
Installation position:
Fit clip from above. The angled ends of the clip face towards the steering lock.
Ensure that the clip is correctly located.
Adjusting locking cable => page
34-40
.
Checking function of ignition key withdrawal lock => page
34-8
.
Install centre console.
=> General body repairs, interior; Repair group 68; Compartments, covers and trim; Removing and installing centre console
General body repairs, interior
Compartments, covers and trim
Removing and installing centre console
Install selector lever handle =>page
34-20
.
Install trim on left under dash panel.
=> General body repairs, interior; Repair group 68; Compartments, covers and trim; Removing and installing trim under steering column
General body repairs, interior
Compartments, covers and trim
Removing and installing trim under steering column
Install steering column trim.
=> General body repairs, interior; Repair group 70; Dash panel; Removing and installing dash panel
General body repairs, interior
Dash panel
Removing and installing dash panel
Tighten bolts/screws -1- for height and reach adjustment handle -2-.
=> Running gear, axles, steering; Repair group 48; Airbag, steering wheel, steering column; Removing and installing steering column
Running gear, axles, steering
Airbag, steering wheel, steering column
Removing and installing steering column
Install airbag unit and steering wheel.
=> General body repairs, exterior; Repair group 69; Airbag
General body repairs, exterior
Airbag
Connect the battery earth strap.
Enter radio code.
=> Radio, telephone, navigation; Repair group 91; Radio systems
Radio, telephone, navigation
Radio systems
Initialise electric power windows, set correct time on clock.
=> Maintenance
TorqFix answers live for your specific car — tell it the engine code and it serves the matching sequence, torque figures and wiring for that exact variant.
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Who makes these pages, and how
TorqFix was built by a mechanic — after a 2,700 km drive with five roadside repairs that no diagnostic tool could explain.
The figures on this page come from manufacturer workshop documentation and are shown as they are. The page is assembled automatically from that data — it is not written by an AI. The AI works in the chat, where it answers for your specific car. It writes nothing here.
Variants of the same model differ. Cross-check torque against the factory manual for your engine before final tightening.
Seen a figure that does not match your manual? Write to us — we correct it and note when. support@torqfix.com
The story behind TorqFix →Workshop data on this page last updated 20 Sep 2026.