BMW & MINI Steering Lock Rebuild to Fix Warning Light

Got the red steering lock warning on your MINI (mk2 around 2007) or BMW around the same age? It’s a common but annoying fault caused by the electric steering lock getting old and moving a bit slower. The slower time is recorded as an error and eventually triggers the warning light on the dash, which shows a padlock and steering wheel in red.
My other video shows how to reset the warning light.
• How to Fix the BMW & M...
But after a couple of months or so the light on this car came back on again, and so this time I show how to dismantle the steering lock with the aim of cleaning and lubricating it so that it works like new again and works faster, hence not triggering the warning light.
Hopefully the light now stays off after doing the reset again.
Here’s an update, Seotember 2019: the light is still off so this seemed to permanently fix it!
Here are place to buy the Torx screwdriver bits:
On Amazon USA: amzn.to/2nIu9Gq
On Amazon UK: amzn.to/2OA9e3N
The cobalt drills:
On Amazon USA: amzn.to/2OI6pOj
On Amazon UK: amzn.to/2Mgmq0W
Or you could use eBay if you prefer, searching for those keywords, for instance here the cobalt drill bits on eBay:
Ebay USA: ebay.us/LofWEs
Ebay UK: ebay.us/4QD5op
Rubber disposible gloves are also useful, here's the links for
eBay USA: ebay.us/GGqmTJ
eBay UK: ebay.us/cE1BHK
Amazon UK: amzn.to/3aikbl8
Amazon USA & others: amzn.to/3cdwjpD
Just search for the other stuff like bolts washers and locktite 243 on either Amazon or Ebay using the links above to get you to the sites quickly.
If anyone wants to show appreciation for any money savings, or just help support the channel and future videos then you now can. Use this link:
paypal.me/comeinhandy
Subscribe to the channel for similar DIY, fixing stuff, car bits and tech reviews here:
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The video is about my personal opinion and experience and contains no paid for product placements. No responsibility is accepted for any perceived recommendation for or against a product or feature nor any consequential damage or harm since this video is just my personal experience. You accept by watching this video that you accept any responsibility for any subsequent actions or decisions that you take.
Note on copyright / licensing: This video was created using Apple iMovie and as such any music or video content is fully licensed by their terms and conditions for free publication and distribution.
See the Apple iMovie software license agreement at:
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Which states"all Sample Content included in the Apple Software may be used on a royalty-free basis in your own video projects"
Additional background music free used royalty and copyright free (no copyright songs) from the following source:
Beyond -whitesand:
• Beautiful Cinematic Mu...

[@carmz0r]

Thank you for the two videos, man! Hopefully this solves your issue. Very informative by the way and no crap in-between. I sincerely appreciate it.

[@comeinhandynow]

Thanks. So far its still ok.

[@DaveJayMedia]

This video maybe 4 years old but thank you for making it! You've just saved me so much hassle in souricng another steering lock when i could just do this and lube it all up. Very good clear instrustions. But that anti-tamper pin is a pain in the butt when trying to adjust everything bak into position.

[@comeinhandynow]

Thanks, glad it helped.

[@philippepourrat2256]

A huge MERCI for your video (and for your pure English accent I can understad very well - I'm French)! I was able to remove and do some cleaning on the motor of the steering lock (Mini R56 2007). My friend first told me there was a problem with the power steering... So I removed the Power Steering electric motor (fully electric P. S.) , checked it and of course there was nothing wrong with it because it was the lock that was causing the random problem ! I used my Dremmel to cut a slot in both screw heads then used a simple screwdriver to remove the lock. Easy job! Note that when fitting the cover you have first to push the spring loaded plongeur far in with a right-angled tip in order to position the cover correctly. The lock works nicely now, I just keep my fingers crossed the problem is definitly solved. But as the DC motor was very dirty inside, I guess this guy was causing the fault! Your help is worth a pint of beer, my friend !

[@comeinhandynow]

Thanks for the feedback and donation! I think you have fixed it. At least for the next 10 years.

[@icuppu2]

Great video, as well as your others; liked and subscribed. The only question is, if the steering lock dash icon comes on again, will the steering wheel not be locked? I understand that you need the OBDII dongle and software to reset the program to clear the dash steering wheel icon, but will the vehicle operate normally if the owner decides to ride around with the icon on? Thank you again for the great videos.

[@comeinhandynow]

Thanks for your kind feedback. The icon comes on when it sees the lock moving too slowly. It is often still working so will not be locked. I could still drive my car with the icon on. However I have heard that after a while the computer may disable starting of the car, so it's best to fix it when you can.

[@digidandan]

Hi. Great tutorial. If I would like to only install an lock emulator - should I also remove the top column cover to get to the plug? Or is it accessible somehow also from the bottom ?

[@comeinhandynow]

Best to remove both column covers i think. It may be possible to just take the top off, but you will have to take a look.

[@ryandstailey]

It would be helpful to know which size bolts were used. Other than that, extremely helpful video. Thank you.

[@comeinhandynow]

Cheers

[@cosminmotoc1212]

Hello! I replaced the immobilizer twice, the last time I used an emulator to cancel it. Usually, the defect reappears after about 3 weeks. Now that red-faced thief has appeared again, and next to the safety panel there are noises like relays. On the forum I found that the problem could be from CAS. What do you think? Can you give me some advice please?  Hello! I replaced the immobilizer twice, the last time I used an emulator to cancel it. Usually, the defect reappears after about 3 weeks. Now that red-faced thief has appeared again, and next to the safety panel there are noises like relays. On the forum I found that the problem could be from CAS. What do you think? Can you give me some advice please? 

[@Ethan-hv3jr]

Thanks for the video! I have a mini one R56, and I had an amber vehicle check light come up.. I went to the garage and had the front brake pads and discs replaced and had to replace the battery. After leaving the garage the vehicle check light persisted and the next day when I went to drive the car the ignition wouldn't work and I had to get it towed to the garage- they ended up needing to replace the CAS module. After this the amber vehicle check light is somehow still there, the garage ran some diagnostics which indicated the electrical fault is the steering block column. Does this make sense if it's showing the vehicle check light and not the one in this video? The garage said the car is fine to drive and everything but I still have the vehicle check light. Would this tutorial work or the emulator like you said? They have said they can find out how much for the replacement column but any workaround would be much better for me as its becoming very costly. Thanks

[@comeinhandynow]

The garage doesn’t sound very efficient, they changed the brakes and battery but it ended up being the steering lock... They change the CAS module but it’s now the steering column... time to use a new garage, or DIY it. The useful thing to know is what OBDII error codes were reported and then maybe you could google those and see what they relate to. I have heard that changing the steering column is very expensive, something to avoid. You could do what I have done in this video, if you or someone has the patience and a few tools. Or fit an emulator for a bit more money. First you need to know what error code it is reporting and see if those fit with it being the steering lock at fault. Web searching is your friend.

[@max13ut]

your garage is idiots

[@kentpickmere3974]

If I take apart the steering lock and clean it up will I still have to reset the computer? Just shipping from eBay is a long time. Thanks for the video it will saved me a lot of time and money. Thanks.

[@comeinhandynow]

Yes you will. But you can still drive while you wait if you have actually fixed it all up.

[@kentpickmere3974]

@@comeinhandynow cheers for the reply. Living in New Zealand eBay takes at least 3 weeks. At least I can order it now and start fixing it. Local workshops all said take it to BMW but bugger that. Thanks for the reply.

[@MooneyM20J]

Awesome tutorial! Yesterday my ELV came one. Tried to rest the CAS and ELV with BMW OBD2 scanner ( FOXWELL NT510) and nothing is happening and the codes does not go away! I would have to try this :) finger cross I hope it works 😊 if you purchase a ELV eliminator ( they are not that expensive either ) do you still have to remove ELV bracket out of the steering wheel? would you know if anyone had luck with them? Thank you

[@comeinhandynow]

Thanks. You will still need to clear the codes I think. Have a look at my other video on using a pc to do this. An emulator just connects to the plug that is disconnected from the lock. So the actual lock can be left on as long as it is in the unlock position.

[@MooneyM20J]

@@comeinhandynow thank you sir! The OBD2 scanner that I have reads Mini and BMW codes! Even when I tried to reset the CAS and ELV on the service section. I hear clicks but apparently not releasing lock! And the red ELV still on! I bought the ELV eliminator just incase. Would you be able to shift the ELV mechanism that locks the steering wheel to unlock position even if it’s attached? I’ve all the tools to open it and remove it from the car. Just wanted to save the time! Worst case scenario I’ll follow your step-by-step to remove and clean and lubricate all the parts inside the ELV if the eliminator didn’t work!

[@yoonmintrash2567]

Same this happened to me when I sat in the car and turned steering wheel when the car was locked while i was getting in. Thankful i put the key few times in and turned the wheel in the opposite direction and it unlocked. I guess be careful not to touch the wheel and maybe you can avoid it 🥲

[@comeinhandynow]

If only it was as simple as that, sadly BMW couldn’t get their overly complicated steering lock design to work reliably that they eventually gave up using any steering lock on all BMWs

[@yoonmintrash2567]

@@comeinhandynow oml that's awful. At least now I'll know to be more careful around it 😭

[@darksidednbgirl]

Hi, we are trying to drill out the bolts & have purchased colbolt drill bits .... but still don’t seem to be making any headway getting through them! ...... would the drill itself wattage etc ....be relivant & if so what power etc would you recommend ours is a 600watt thanks

[@comeinhandynow]

The wattage shouldn’t matter that much, slower speed is better as you don’t want to overheat and blunt the drill bits. Start with small drill bits they will go in deeper easier. If the bit starts getting hot then lubricate and cool it by dipping it in an emulsion (of oil, water and detergent mixed up)

[@comeinhandynow]

Also I only used a battery powered cordless drill to drill it out so power is not an issue, non blunt drill bits is essential.

[@cosminmotoc1212]

Hello! I have changed this immobilizer in the past, this after the car would not start. Now this error appeared. Do you think if I fix it like you did it will still need CAS reset? Sorry for google translate.

[@comeinhandynow]

You should clear the warning light shown in my other video on that using software and a connection to the obd2 port. It may possibly clear eventually after this fix, but may not and better to clear it yourself

[@s.t.p.louwlouw8539]

Advice please. I just have replaced my BMW's water damaged computer box with an automatic computer lock-set. The car starts very well. There are two noticeable hiccups:1)the steering wheel doesn't unlock even though the engine is idling. 2)the engine electric fan remains on, doesn't want to shut off. The car has been standing still for almost a year now.

[@comeinhandynow]

That’s tricky. Maybe change to a compatible ‘computer box’. OR: Remove the steering lock as in video. Use an independent controller for the fans.

[@s.t.p.louwlouw8539]

@@comeinhandynow thanks l shall see what I can do.

[@julianfelipeortizpulido9239]

excellent video, I have a question, it happens to me with my mini cooper but the symbol is steering lock with "!" and yellow that recommends ..? some relay? I have been told that changing the battery I do not know if it is true

[@comeinhandynow]

Thanks. Probably the same issue but you can check by resetting the warning via the right cable and software that I mention in this other video kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpmnnoWLfauHa7s

[@comeinhandynow]

Also, it is possible that a low battery voltage might cause the lock to move slower and give this warning, but when I bought a new battery it didn’t help on my car.

[@jonnyjoiner5784]

Hi there I have purchased a 2nd hand steering lock. And my diag still says a116 fault code permanent. How can I reset it if my diag won’t clear the code

[@comeinhandynow]

How do you know the 2nd hand one is ok? It is a very common fault from that time. Maybe try rebuilding the old one and see if that works? Nothing to loose.

[@quentin1515]

Hello, I also have the problem is it possible to connect an emulator to the connector? That you remove from the case

[@comeinhandynow]

Yes it is, I think I mentioned that in the video description with a link. It is not something I tried though.

[@Sharakomusic]

I have a 2006 330i and the lock light comes on and I have to swear at it for 5 minutes jacking in in and out and pushing the button locking and unlocking the door and punching my cat and then FINALLY it starts.. Think the fob battery coyld not be charging? Or could I just lube the lock?

[@comeinhandynow]

Probably you would need to strip and rebuild it like in the video or pay a load for a new lock.

[@icuppu2]

Your FOB is only good when the key is out of the ignition, so no, the fob is not to blame, unless you want it to work when not in the ignition, but do replace the CR2032 battery with a new one and clean the contacts with 97% alcohol on a Q-tip.

[@jougerslacanilao1017]

hi mine is on lock can i re build it do i need to reset the computer or as garage to do it please advice

[@comeinhandynow]

You can rebuild it but i would also advise you to reset the ecu which you can also do yourself as I show here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpmnnoWLfauHa7s

[@MD-lk4qr]

Hi there I had this issue on my BM, Installed an emulator Follower by reset and problem was solved. Just after few weeks the light came back on but the car still starts.. how can I remove this error code permanently??

[@comeinhandynow]

This steering lock rebuild has fixed it permanently on my car.

[@jholaechea]

Only with dismantle the steering lock fix the problem with the ignition?

[@comeinhandynow]

It depends if your symptoms indicate that the steering lock has failed (see my other reply) and you are able to fix what is causing the problem with the lock.

[@leviriordan7183]

Will this process work for a 2007 bmw 328i with the same steering lock issue like this one...?pre thanks to anyone replying to this 😀 😉

[@comeinhandynow]

I think it will as it’s of the same era.

[@riccardo91lec]

Is there another way to remove those bolts? Can I make a cut on the bolt in order to unscrew it with a screwdriver? thanks

[@comeinhandynow]

You could try that. Let me know if it works.

[@riccardo91lec]

@@comeinhandynow Yes it works!!! it's been easy! Now I have to figure out what’s wrong! Looks like the moped is burnt because I see a black car on the contacts! maybe he shorted out! How can I fix it?

[@comeinhandynow]

@@riccardo91lec If you mean the electric motor is burnt, try dismantling it and cleaning it up like in the video.

[@riccardo91lec]

@@comeinhandynow I opened the motor and it burned! it’s all black! now the problem is where to find it

[@comeinhandynow]

@@riccardo91lec Are the brushes still ok and can the commutator be cleaned up? It may still work, test it by applying voltage, probably 12v.

[@johngalv9288]

Good video! Why not just remove it the way you did and install the Emulator?. My 2006 325i steering is locked and car won't start. it sucks! bmw wants to replace the entire column! This is not a repairable part?!

[@comeinhandynow]

You could but a rebuild is a no cost option. It is still ok today.

[@RicardoMilos-bt2fh]

the music is so arousing!

[@Sharakomusic]

I cant believe that a bmw will leave you stranded if a chincy 30 cent motor gets worn out.

[@comeinhandynow]

Yep, it’s a rubbish design. After 2007 they just gave up and didn’t even bother doing steering locks any more!

[@aedwards4496]

Great video, but what an over complicated piece of technology that steering lock is.. And after a few years the cars have depreciated down to nothingness.

[@comeinhandynow]

Thanks. Yes I agree.

[@APat1978]

For me, this is way too long! And too difficult.. I’ll the garage

[@comeinhandynow]

That is your choice, but they will probably replace the whole steering rack and it will cost you a fortune!

[@wellwh0]

That thing new is expensive as it is made out of gold, my independent tried to repair it 2y ago with no success. And drilling it out? really BMW; shitty rip off brand.

[@comeinhandynow]

can’t disagree. BMW = Bad Motor Worries!