E90 Steering Lock Issue

Toakenspy · 03-01-2017, 05:54 PM

Hi folks. I had an issue when parking up tonight. I turned off the engine and released the key fob then a yellow steering lock light came up on the dash and the steering wheel wouldn't lock. It only comes on when releasing the fob, never when putting the fob in. I've read so many posts on many forums of the steering wheel locking and causing problems when trying to unlock again. Is it possible the lock itself could be knackered on my car and thats what the yellow warning light is trying to tell me? Hence why it won't lock? The steering wheel has been quite loose when locked prior to tonight's issue. Any advice would be most appreciated

arlovarri · 03-01-2017, 06:11 PM

It is supposedly telling you there is a problem and often the car won't start again. Twice in the past 2.5 years I got the light when I accidentally stopped and quickly restarted the engine, but the light went away upon next restart and everything is fine. I think in some cases low or funky battery voltage at startup may trigger the light. If it's actually the dreaded steering wheel lock failure your will be looking into the various repairs out there including maybe the aftermarket
bypass chip. Why don't you go try to start and drive the car right now so at least you will know what's up in case you are stranded tomorrow? see if the light returns.

Toakenspy · 03-02-2017, 05:14 AM

Thanks Arlovarri. The difference with mine though is that the steering DOESN'T lock at all, so it's not as though there's a chance it might not unlock. Could it be the steering lock has broken and that's what the yellow light is trying to tell me when I take the fob out? As there is no warning light when I put the fob IN. Thanks again.

03-01-2017, 05:54 PM	#1
Toakenspy New Member 3 Rep 18 Posts Drives: 2006 320d E90 Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Glasgow, Scotland iTrader: (0)	E90 Steering Lock Issue Hi folks. I had an issue when parking up tonight. I turned off the engine and released the key fob then a yellow steering lock light came up on the dash and the steering wheel wouldn't lock. It only comes on when releasing the fob, never when putting the fob in. I've read so many posts on many forums of the steering wheel locking and causing problems when trying to unlock again. Is it possible the lock itself could be knackered on my car and thats what the yellow warning light is trying to tell me? Hence why it won't lock? The steering wheel has been quite loose when locked prior to tonight's issue. Any advice would be most appreciated
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03-01-2017, 06:11 PM	#2
arlovarri Enlisted Member 5 Rep 35 Posts Drives: e90 330i & 07 Z4 Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Portland OR iTrader: (0)	It is supposedly telling you there is a problem and often the car won't start again. Twice in the past 2.5 years I got the light when I accidentally stopped and quickly restarted the engine, but the light went away upon next restart and everything is fine. I think in some cases low or funky battery voltage at startup may trigger the light. If it's actually the dreaded steering wheel lock failure your will be looking into the various repairs out there including maybe the aftermarket bypass chip. Why don't you go try to start and drive the car right now so at least you will know what's up in case you are stranded tomorrow? see if the light returns.
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03-02-2017, 05:14 AM	#3
Toakenspy New Member 3 Rep 18 Posts Drives: 2006 320d E90 Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Glasgow, Scotland iTrader: (0)	Thanks Arlovarri. The difference with mine though is that the steering DOESN'T lock at all, so it's not as though there's a chance it might not unlock. Could it be the steering lock has broken and that's what the yellow light is trying to tell me when I take the fob out? As there is no warning light when I put the fob IN. Thanks again.
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