BMW BRAD

Yes, I know there have been thousands of posts about the dreaded "Active steering malfunction!" But I would like to know what you have done to remedy the problem when the "Steering wheel trick" doesnt reset it. (I have done it before sucessfully, the powersteering fluid is fresh and full) I have tried it 30 different times to no avail. I do not want to go to the stealership. Does anyone in the So Cal O.C. area have any ideas or local repair shops that can resolve this? I am SICK of it! I know we have seen many posts on this topic, but I would like to hear from others who have resolved it when the steering wheel trick doesnt work! Thanks for any thoughts, Brad

ColdList

Had it for a long time myself. Ultimately replaced the active steering module. $1000 repair. :thumbsdown:

AchtungE60

A while back I fixed mine with a fluid top off and an alignment then did a reset. Hasn't come back since. Alignment was free because I have a lifetime alignment and a liter of Pentosin CHF-11S is like $20

ColdList

Mine worked that way at first as well. Lasted almost a year. When I added Dinan upgrades we had to disconnect the battery. Found out that the modules will often keep working with a fault until they lose power (ie: battery disconnect) then they will refuse to marry with other modules and you will get a steering fault. The fix on mine was fluid top off the first time. Then we did an ecu update. Then we did the Dinan and that was it. Had to replace.

BMW BRAD

^^^^ Had to replace what? The Active steering module? The Steering angle sensor? The IBS sensor? ^^^^

ColdList

Module. Sorry, thought I put that in my first post.

BMW BRAD

No Problem! Thank YOU! Is there a way to test the module? How much did the module run you? Does anyone have any connections on a module? All ideas and thoughts are appreciated!


Thanks for help guys! Please feel free to post any additional suggestions, Brad

DavidF

First things first...read the fault code. For instance tha fault code may tell you that the locking solenoid has malfunctioned. In my case it turned out t be a broken wire near the locking solenoid. The locking solenoid is located near the steering gear box and its purpose is to lock out the active steering planetary gearset if there is a malfunction in the system. The solenoid failsafe condition is to lock out the planetary gearset which causes the steering wheel to remain off center.

vkhong

Just to verify, when the "fluid is topped off" do you mean at the Max mark? If at the Max mark, try topping off past the Max mark. I'm usually at 5 to 8 mm past the Max mark. I have to top off each winter. Not sure if is related to fluid contraction at low temperatures and evaporation or microscopic leak somewhere.

2005 530i

ColdList

Unfortunately that is beyond my expertise. Had my perf. shop do it. Ran me about $1K or so for the replacement with labor.