Active steering malfunction AGAIN!
#11
Senior Members
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.
Remember not all cars have an Active Steering module so you can't just read a code for it. It's a proprietary code. Unless you meant something else.
- All the symptoms can come from a bad/low battery - usually you will have other errors to but not necessary.
- Information and Error Memory not cleared before doing a reset on the system - need BMW tools to do this.
- Bad AS module
- Bad AS rack
- Low Fluid
1,2,3 are all able to be determined with BMW tools. 4 as well after you've troubleshot 3 and was ok. 5 is the first thing to do as it's the cheapest.
physically inspect! If you're low on fluid it could be a small leak which I wouldn't worry about.
Get some degreaser and spray the underside down and then hose it off. INspect the wires as well.
#12
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My Ride: 545i sport
Model Year: 2004
Remember not all cars have an Active Steering module so you can't just read a code for it. It's a proprietary code. Unless you meant something else.
- All the symptoms can come from a bad/low battery - usually you will have other errors to but not necessary.
- Information and Error Memory not cleared before doing a reset on the system - need BMW tools to do this.
- Bad AS module
- Bad AS rack
- Low Fluid
1,2,3 are all able to be determined with BMW tools. 4 as well after you've troubleshot 3 and was ok. 5 is the first thing to do as it's the cheapest.
physically inspect! If you're low on fluid it could be a small leak which I wouldn't worry about.
Get some degreaser and spray the underside down and then hose it off. INspect the wires as well.
- All the symptoms can come from a bad/low battery - usually you will have other errors to but not necessary.
- Information and Error Memory not cleared before doing a reset on the system - need BMW tools to do this.
- Bad AS module
- Bad AS rack
- Low Fluid
1,2,3 are all able to be determined with BMW tools. 4 as well after you've troubleshot 3 and was ok. 5 is the first thing to do as it's the cheapest.
physically inspect! If you're low on fluid it could be a small leak which I wouldn't worry about.
Get some degreaser and spray the underside down and then hose it off. INspect the wires as well.
#13
Senior Members
I'm confused. This post IS about an active steering fault so the car in question must have it. And, if the car has active steering then it has the proper module to control it. Of course I meant read the fault code using proper BMW tools (or clone of same, not a silly OBD fault code reader). Sure, check the fluid first, then stop wasting time and let the car tell you what is wrong and go from there.
#14
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My Ride: 545i sport
Model Year: 2004
I did NOT assume he had access to the fault code reading tools, but any (BMW) Indy or BMW dealer does. Get the fault code and go from there. So, how am I overthinking this one?
#15
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Yes OP, go spend $120 - $180 to get some codes read then report back.
#16
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My Ride: f10 535d M sport e46 330cic vert
Model Year: 2015
Will do! Thanks for everyones contributions to the post! I will get this resolved! B
#17
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My Ride: 2008MY 530d Sport, 19" wheels, comfort access, professional navigation, HUD, sunroof, iPod connectivity.
During the first 4 or 5 minutes after start-up, the car's electrics draw about 45 amps as the various computers and modules are initialised. I've measured the current with a tong ammeter, and was quite surprised. My dealer confirmed this was normal. So if you do a few short trips, the alternator doesn't have time to replace the energy lost by the starter motor and the module electrics, and gradually the battery voltage drops to the point where the active steering module won't initialise and the warning is displayed. Since I do many short trips, I now overnight trickle charge the battery about once a month, but really you don't expect this on a high-end vehicle.
#18
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My Ride: 2004 530i
Model Year: 2004
I had this same issue. The battery was never replaced after 7 years and after replacing it, it fixed the active-steering i-drive error.
#20
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