[jasonintoronto]

i had a weird experience this morning. when i got into the car, it wouldn't start when i pushed the button. instead it had a weird icon on the dash of the steering wheel with a lock sign on it.

i pulled the fob out and back in a few times, trying to start the car every time, but no life. a very weird problem. the steering wheel lock would release (i heard it) but it would not start.

after about 6-7 tries, i decided to lock the car and then unlock it using the fob. it started right away after that. since i was late for work, i haven't looked up the icon warning light in the manual. anyone know what this is?

[samchoi604]

I had this problem last month, and learned that it's a common problem which is addressed in the TSB. Just take it in to the dealer and have them update the software. That did it for me. Good luck!

[Kevin@AKMotorwerk]

thats probably possible, older cars with actual keys used to not allow you to turn the key if the steering wheel was against the steering lock, you had to move the steering wheel away from the lock to get the key to turn

[BK]

FYI it's a common issue on the 06 and early 07 models. In mid-07, BMW stopped putting locks in the steering columns (for reasons unrelated to this problem). Apparently, this problem has to do with the electronic lock power draw when starting the car, and a software update normally fixes the problem. If the software update does not work, BMW replaces the steering column.

[jasonintoronto]

didn't know about the TSB. thanks guys.

[kuvesh]

Originally Posted by jasonintoronto

didn't know about the TSB. thanks guys.

anyone have a copy of the tsb. just had this prob on my e92 and dont want the stealer pulling a fast one on me...

[nvez]

was bored so got you this

TSB ID: 61 28 06

SUBJECT
ELV Warning in Instrument Cluster


MODEL
E90, E91, E92 (3 Series)

E60, E61 (5 Series)

E63, E64 (6 Series)


SITUATION
The ELV (Electronic Steering Lock) check control warning illuminates in the instrument cluster and in some cases, engine start is inhibited. Diagnostics reveals fault code A0AA in the CAS (Car Access System) and prompts a control unit replacement.

CAUSE
Low voltages in the vehicle electrical system when cranking/starting the engine.

PROCEDURE
This problem has been integrated into DIS diagnostics. Follow diagnostics and relevant test plan using DIS V49.0 or later.

hope it goes well for you

[kuvesh]

thanks. much appreciated.

Originally Posted by nvez

was bored so got you this

TSB ID: 61 28 06

SUBJECT
ELV Warning in Instrument Cluster


MODEL
E90, E91, E92 (3 Series)

E60, E61 (5 Series)

E63, E64 (6 Series)


SITUATION
The ELV (Electronic Steering Lock) check control warning illuminates in the instrument cluster and in some cases, engine start is inhibited. Diagnostics reveals fault code A0AA in the CAS (Car Access System) and prompts a control unit replacement.

CAUSE
Low voltages in the vehicle electrical system when cranking/starting the engine.

PROCEDURE
This problem has been integrated into DIS diagnostics. Follow diagnostics and relevant test plan using DIS V49.0 or later.

hope it goes well for you

[hawc]

Sometimes all you have to do is just wiggle the steering wheel a few times.

[jasonintoronto]

curious how this came up today. car refused to start even after moving the steering wheel. tried a number of times over the course of several hours too. roadside assistance towed it to bmw toronto.

[GregoryM]

Well hopefully they take care of it under warranty. If not check out this post and ready my experiance with this same issue and how I fixed it. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ing+wheel+lock

[jasonintoronto]

yeah, it's an 07 and still under factory warranty...and it's a CPO car so i'm covered til 2012. if it can't be fixed today the dealer is offering a loaner.

[PLAY]

Originally Posted by jasonintoronto

yeah, it's an 07 and still under factory warranty...and it's a CPO car so i'm covered til 2012. if it can't be fixed today the dealer is offering a loaner.

quick fix, I had mine done for the same problem
sometimes on occational days a quick wiggle while putting the key in worked.

[Oulixes]

Originally Posted by jasonintoronto

i had a weird experience this morning. when i got into the car, it wouldn't start when i pushed the button. instead it had a weird icon on the dash of the steering wheel with a lock sign on it.

i pulled the fob out and back in a few times, trying to start the car every time, but no life. a very weird problem. the steering wheel lock would release (i heard it) but it would not start.

after about 6-7 tries, i decided to lock the car and then unlock it using the fob. it started right away after that. since i was late for work, i haven't looked up the icon warning light in the manual. anyone know what this is?

My 330xi (2006, Convenient Access) started behaving from time to time as you describe. The dealer gave the car a software update, which resolved the problem for the car access with one of the two CA fobs. The second CA fob was diagnosed as faulty and had to be replaced. In the end, the true cause of the assess and starting problem had not been established, but I am quite sure that the problem had not been caused by low battery voltage, which is suggested as the cause in the TSB ID: 61 28 06. After repair, the problem has not re-occurred.

[Evolution_GT]

Originally Posted by hawc

Sometimes all you have to do is just wiggle the steering wheel a few times.

+1

Have had this problem before... but its very rare that it has happened to me... just slightly turn the wheel left or right... it should start afterwards

[bumere90]

my car is an 07 e92 with 51k miles.
Do you guys know if this TSB applies only to BMW's that are under warranty?

Originally Posted by nvez

was bored so got you this

TSB ID: 61 28 06

SUBJECT
ELV Warning in Instrument Cluster


MODEL
E90, E91, E92 (3 Series)

E60, E61 (5 Series)

E63, E64 (6 Series)


SITUATION
The ELV (Electronic Steering Lock) check control warning illuminates in the instrument cluster and in some cases, engine start is inhibited. Diagnostics reveals fault code A0AA in the CAS (Car Access System) and prompts a control unit replacement.

CAUSE
Low voltages in the vehicle electrical system when cranking/starting the engine.

PROCEDURE
This problem has been integrated into DIS diagnostics. Follow diagnostics and relevant test plan using DIS V49.0 or later.

hope it goes well for you

[marcvtec]

I bet it's the battery
Test your battery.
If its original its already 5-6 years old.
This is how I fixed my steering lock problem.
I made a thread a few months back, there's some good info in there.

[bumere90]

I have a brand new battery installed in the car

[marcvtec]

Originally Posted by bumere90

I have a brand new battery installed in the car

I assume it was coded to the computer as well right?

[bumere90]

nope

[marcvtec]

Originally Posted by bumere90

nope

My Steering lock dash light went off right after we coded the battery.

[bumere90]

haha good one
I'll try that