-
Read the WELCOME ALL BMWFANATICS post.
Steering column alarm
- Thread starter PhoenixGG
- Start date
It comes on every time I open the door. It flashes the yellow steering wheel with the lock picture for the alarm. ( it does make a single ping sound)
The Stealer just informed me that I need a new steering column for R12 000.
There is nothing wrong with the steering when I drive except for the car showing an alarm.
The Stealer just informed me that I need a new steering column for R12 000.
There is nothing wrong with the steering when I drive except for the car showing an alarm.
RAArmstrong
///Member
If I recall this is an E90 issue
RAArmstrong
///Member
Dealerships are replacement specialists.
I dont know whether or not whatever it is that's wrong with them can be repaired though :fencelook:
I dont know whether or not whatever it is that's wrong with them can be repaired though :fencelook:
Philip Foglar
///Member
Is it a steering lock symbol (can't remember if it was yellow or red), and you can't start the car since the steering wheel remains locked?
I had the same thing happen to my E90 some years back, at first it was fairly intermittent, then later it became more regular until one specific day it did it 3 times in a row (was panicking a bit because the car was not at home then)!! It then came right again and I asked BMW to check it when it went in for its last motorplan covered service a few weeks later.
Turned out to be a software fault and has been fine every since. In some cases the entire steering column does need to be replaced, but I would ask them about the software issue before they spend R12k!
I had the same thing happen to my E90 some years back, at first it was fairly intermittent, then later it became more regular until one specific day it did it 3 times in a row (was panicking a bit because the car was not at home then)!! It then came right again and I asked BMW to check it when it went in for its last motorplan covered service a few weeks later.
Turned out to be a software fault and has been fine every since. In some cases the entire steering column does need to be replaced, but I would ask them about the software issue before they spend R12k!
I spoke to them about the software. They told me that they did check that and also reset the alarm, but it comes back immediately. It is the Yellow alarm. So the car does still drive fine, but from what I gather as soon as it goes red the car will be un-drivable.
I am considering putting a second hand steering column in just to get rid of the alarm so I can sell the car.
I am considering putting a second hand steering column in just to get rid of the alarm so I can sell the car.
Philip Foglar
///Member
Hmm, there was a DIY on the E90Post forum - the problem is usually the motor actuator that locks the steering fails or gets sticky from the grease drying up. But I can see we are going to all have problems with this one day - all because we have to have fancy key fobs instead of the tried and trusted physical KEY!! :nonono:
Philip Foglar said:
Found the DIY. Its not a little job.
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=483387&page=1
Pozessed TS
Member
PhoenixGG said:
Thats the same issue I am having with my car. Well I got quoted R10 000. just remember if you keep using the car like that and should the steer lock completely the car wont start
RAArmstrong said:
Sadly true!
Philip Foglar
///Member
Yep, that DIY looked pretty involved when I looked at some years back!!! :nonono:
Philip Foglar
///Member
Let us know how this goes! :thumbs:
As promised the full write up of what I did.
I found the chip on Ebay. The seller shipped it from Italy without any problems. I only had to solder the 4 pins onto the chip before I could start.
You will need to switch on the ignition and wait until you hear the electronic steering lock disengage. Check the steering wheel to make sure it moves freely.
Then disconnect the negative terminal on the battery in the boot. Make sure the steering lock is still disengaged before you continue.
Next you will need to remove the kick panel by the foot pedals. There are only 3 T20 torx screws holding it in place.
The ELV sits on the steering column itself. Carefully pull out the plug. It takes a little force. Try and push down on the plug to get the clip loose. The cable itself sits behind the air conditioner vents. So you will have to climb into the drivers foot-well completely to see the plug and even then there is barely enough space to reach it.
The plug has the number 1-4 on it. The emulator chip also has the number 1 on the back so make sure you connect up the correct pins.
I put the chip inside a small zip bag to contain it and cable tied it to the wiring loom to stop it moving around. Before you do this, I would recommend reconnecting the battery and putting in the key and turning the ignition on. You will see a small orange LED flash on the chip to let you know it is working and you’ll be able to start the car.
Then all that is left is to tuck the chip out of the way and box up your work.
My car has been driving the whole weekend without any issues. I do however still need to reset the alarms on the dashboard. The local Stealer is quoting me R800 just to clear the alarm. I am looking for someone that can assist me at a more reasonable price in the Cape Town area.
I found the chip on Ebay. The seller shipped it from Italy without any problems. I only had to solder the 4 pins onto the chip before I could start.
You will need to switch on the ignition and wait until you hear the electronic steering lock disengage. Check the steering wheel to make sure it moves freely.
Then disconnect the negative terminal on the battery in the boot. Make sure the steering lock is still disengaged before you continue.
Next you will need to remove the kick panel by the foot pedals. There are only 3 T20 torx screws holding it in place.
The ELV sits on the steering column itself. Carefully pull out the plug. It takes a little force. Try and push down on the plug to get the clip loose. The cable itself sits behind the air conditioner vents. So you will have to climb into the drivers foot-well completely to see the plug and even then there is barely enough space to reach it.
The plug has the number 1-4 on it. The emulator chip also has the number 1 on the back so make sure you connect up the correct pins.
I put the chip inside a small zip bag to contain it and cable tied it to the wiring loom to stop it moving around. Before you do this, I would recommend reconnecting the battery and putting in the key and turning the ignition on. You will see a small orange LED flash on the chip to let you know it is working and you’ll be able to start the car.
Then all that is left is to tuck the chip out of the way and box up your work.
My car has been driving the whole weekend without any issues. I do however still need to reset the alarms on the dashboard. The local Stealer is quoting me R800 just to clear the alarm. I am looking for someone that can assist me at a more reasonable price in the Cape Town area.
Similar threads
