Steering wheel won’t lock. Yellow steering lock warning on dash. Only comes on when removing fob.
A strange thing happened a couple of days ago, here's an exact description of what happened;
Day 1
1. Got in car, put fob in dash, steering unlocked and started car.
2. Drove a few miles and parked up. Turned off engine.
3. Removed fob then a yellow steering lock warning light came up and steering would NOT lock.
Went online and found the only issues mentioned on various BMW forums were with steering locks that DO lock but eventually don't UNLOCK, nothing about the steering not being able to lock at all.
Day 2 and Day 3
1. Got in car, put fob in dash, (no warning light on dash at
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there. The issue seems to be the shifter interlock solenoid may be malfunctioning causing the steering wheel lock to not release or not engage.
I suggest having the computer scanned for any codes that would be stored or pending for the steering system as there is a warning light on for the steering lock system. This will give you the correct item to check when dealing with your steering wheel not locking. If you need further assistance with the steering wheel not locking, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
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It effectively locks the steering wheel in position if someone tries to move the wheel when the ignition is off. A yellow warning light signifies that there`s a fault with the system that you should get checked out as soon as possible.
The steering lock indicator light should only come on when the ignition is in the off position and the lock is engaged. If you see it come on at any other time, you should have the car checked out by a qualified technician.
Steering lock
Usually, an amber steering lock symbol will indicate that the car`s steering lock needs to be released before the engine can be started. But if it remains red after starting the motor, it suggests there is a malfunction with the mechanism.
The most likely cause for a locked BMW steering wheel is a driver accidentally turning the wheel too sharply in one direction after the ignition has turned off. However, there are a number of reasons your wheel may lock up, including mechanical failure, a faulty ignition lock cylinder, and frozen tumblers.
Service Vehicle: When your vehicle needs servicing, a yellow symbol will show. If your BMW vehicle service is overdue, it will turn red.
Yellow. If you have a coolant leak in your engine bay, some of that coolant may make its way into your power steering reservoir and yellow the fluid. It`s uncommon yet entirely possible. Even though it`s not a major cause for concern, the differences in viscosity between the fluids may affect your steering ability.
The light warns you that the power steering system has failed and prompts you to investigate for a cause. The cause may vary according to the type of power steering system in your car. In hydraulic power steering systems, a leak in the system causing a low fluid level is the most common cause for this problem.
If your steering wheel locks up while the car is in motion, perhaps the most likely culprit is a lack of power steering fluid, or dirty power steering fluid. Especially at lower speeds like parking lot maneuvers, the power steering system allows you to turn the wheels with ease.
It is never advisable to drive once the power steering warning sign pops up on your dashboard. The best you can do is perform the diagnostics yourself if the problem is minor and check on your mechanic immediately. The steering system is the most critical part of your vehicle because it helps guide your car.
It is believed the steering wheels are being targeted as the airbags are expensive to replace if activated in a collision, and so there is a high demand on the second-hand market. Police are urging owners to consider buying a steering wheel security cover.
It is never advisable to drive once the power steering warning sign pops up on your dashboard. The best you can do is perform the diagnostics yourself if the problem is minor and check on your mechanic immediately. The steering system is the most critical part of your vehicle because it helps guide your car.
If you`re driving along and you notice your power steering light come on – which looks like a steering wheel with an exclamation mark next to it – you should park your car in a safe place as soon as you can, taking extra care as you`ll be struggling a little with much heavier steering.
A steady glow typically means something less serious but a flashing check engine light indicates that your vehicle`s engine is in serious trouble and service is needed immediately. If your check engine light is flashing in your BMW, we highly recommend not to drive the vehicle and schedule BMW service today.
It`s for the driver assistance professional. It alerts you to put hands on sterring wheel. (I have the adaptive cruise control which doesn`t have these lights. Also the buttons on the left side of steering wheel comes in 3 versions depending on cruise control, adaptive cruise control or driver assistance professional.)
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Steering wheel won’t lock. Yellow steering lock warning on dash. Only comes on when removing fob.
ANSWER : Hi there. The issue seems to be the shifter interlock solenoid may be malfunctioning causing the steering wheel lock to not release or not engage.
I suggest having the computer scanned for any codes that would be stored or pending for the steering system as there is a warning light on for the steering lock system. This will give you the correct item to check when dealing with your steering wheel not locking. If you need further assistance with the steering wheel not locking, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
steering wheel won’t unlock my key turns only to turn lights on but that’s it can’t unlock steering wheel to start the car what to
ANSWER : The steering lock may not be unlocking either due to a faulty ignition lock housing or more commonly as the cars age a faulty spring at the steering wheel on the under side of the column. If the ignition lock housing is the issue the housing can be replaced. It s a bit tricky as the mounting bolt has break off heads and generally need to be driven out with a punch. If the lock is not disengaging because of a faulty spring on the ignition lock many owners have had the spring removed by having it drilled out of the housing. However, removing the spring may permanently disable the steering lock. The last option would be to replace the steering column. You may want to enlist the help of a mechanic who can recommend the proper repair for your situation.
Steering wheel does not center
ANSWER : The problem to me sounds like you have worn out bushings that hold the power steering rack and pinion assembly. This is why your steering wheel gets off center in the direction of the turn. Have the steering inspected and the bushings replaced if they are bad. You should have no problems then.
Driver and Passenger doors won’t lock, but I hear them click and see the locks twitch.
ANSWER : If the same problem is happening even when you use the inside door lock switch then the most likely cause of the locks not moving is going to be weak actuators. You should replace the drivers lock actuator first since it is used the most and you will see it fixes the problem. Then you can replace the other doors as needed.
Hard to turn steering wheel when on park.
ANSWER : Hey there. There is a check valve in the power steering pump that quite often sticks after a rebuild. Since these are "restoration" components, they tend to sit on shelves longer than present-day parts. Tap lightly on the power steering pump housing and shaft with a hammer to "unstick" the check valve.
It is also possible that the control valve, which routes high pressure fluid to the "power assist" cylinder, is sticking or was not properly rebuilt. With this power assist system, which acts on the steering drag link to assist turning the front wheels, rather than through the gearbox itself – it is really irrelevant whether the steering gearbox is manual or power.
If you prefer some assistance with this issue, I would recommend having a steering system inspection conducted so that this issue can be repaired correctly.
Ignition won’t turn, steering wheel lock not engaged.
ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. I’d be happy to provide my insight. It is possible the ignition mechanism is broken inside the steering column. I suggest trying to turn over your car with a spare key, to see if the ignition turns with the different key. If you do not have an extra key, then look at the key you have to see if it shows signs of wear. If it is, then have a copy made to see if that works.
If you would like help looking at your ignition system, consider having an expert automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to inspect and diagnose this issue for you, and make or suggest any repairs as needed.
Turn selector switch to 2 Wheel Dr. and it stays in four-wheel-drive and then yellow light comes on on the dash and says service
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle is equipped with an electric transfer case, in which something has gone wrong. The fact your are stuck in 4WD, is because the computers programming demands the system shuts down during this time. You will want to have the vehicle scanned for diagnostic codes to find out what about the system is failing. The codes can be removed to try and temporarily switch back to 2WD. Be careful with this, as shutting down the system when there is a fault is a safety matter. For more help with diagnostics, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.
Problem with steering on one side only.
ANSWER : Hi there. The power steering system has a control valve that sends the fluid through the rack and pinion system. The valve maybe plugged up and causing the fluid to not return to the reservoir fast enough.
For the alignment issue, check all of the suspension and see what is loose or could be damaged. I recommend having an alignment performed on the vehicle after replacing any suspension or steering parts. If you need further assistance with your alignment, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
