How to Fix the BMW & MINI Steering Lock warning CHEAPLY!

[@comeinhandynow]

So it was a year ago that this video was made. I permanently fixed the problem by dismantling, cleaning and lubricating the lock as shown in my next video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r57YYoxshLSIgqc Without that stage, the warning came back after about 3 months, so you can either keep on resetting it or fix it permanently by stripping and rebuilding the steering lock unit as shown in that video.

[@huntergatherer8972]

Thanks for this. It is really helpful. Can you give me some advice please mate. My battery has been going flat very easily lately and o have been jump starting it. It went flat lately and I could jump it as there was another car in front. Then I had this steering lock issue, but the ignition won't even start. I've bought this software and cable does it work if the battery is flat with no ignition? Or do I need to jump start it first? Thanks

[@comeinhandynow]

@@huntergatherer8972 No it needs a well charged battery, with the ignition on. Sometimes it works best with the engine running as well.

[@coreywelder4787]

That worked

[@deeplover161]

Hi I have tried running the 2 jobs, the results shows ok for both but there’s no improvement and the lock and message continues to persist. Can you please advise?

[@comeinhandynow]

@@deeplover161 The lock may have actually failed rather than just going slower, the next job is dismantling the physical lock to fix it. See my pinned comment at the top.

[@cain999thatsthree9s]

I cannot begin to express my gratitude for your help, while I know this video is 4 years old I have a 328i e92 in across the pond and you saved me probably thousands of dollars, I wish I could buy you a beer or something this video was absolutely perfect thank you!!

[@comeinhandynow]

Thanks. You will probably want to see the other video of mine on rebuilding the lock, eventually.

[@digidandan]

You just saved me few hundred euros! Got this warning 2 days ago. At the dealers they asked ( without the diagnose even) 700 euro for replacing the steering column. I took the car back home,bought the cable with the software and the problem is gone. Thanks a lot mate ! Next on the list - lock refurbished from your tutorial. I admire people like you, who help the others with such a content.

[@comeinhandynow]

Thanks for your feedback, glad to help.

[@maureen.makhosazane3938]

What is the name of this software

[@xutaosun2364]

It's a short video less than 15mins, but the effort behind it should never be underestimated. Thank you for your help! I was stuck at getting the cable driver correctly installed, but I googled and somehow fixed it.

[@comeinhandynow]

Thanks and well done to you for fixing yours. Also see the steering lock rebuild video for a more permanent fix.

[@MoreUniqueThanMost]

I went through this process and it worked. I now have a laptop and cable with which to do this. If anyone needs help and are local to Leamington Spa, UK, then let me know. Cheers.

[@comeinhandynow]

Well done. It will need a strip down of the lock to fix this permanently. See my other video.

[@christopherkelly6903]

You absolute legend 😊 thank you so much for creating this video. No longer have the steering lock fault on my 530d E60.

[@comeinhandynow]

Great. Thanks.

[@FatKwok]

ITS ALIVE!!!! Thanks! I had everything in new folder and guess it doesnt like spaces so i changed it to newfolder. I also changed all the exe files in properties to xp compatible since i am on a win7. i also need it on port one on the com for the laptop to read. damn mini... after taking apart the steering lock I saw the rubber stopper worn out, so the anti tamper was engaged. so i dremaled the copper plug holding anti tamper pin. now its working great

[@comeinhandynow]

Great!

[@Didsuk]

Worked perfectly thank you, the test wouldn't recognise my battery or ignition but the script still ran without issue

[@comeinhandynow]

Glad it helped, well done.

[@comeinhandynow]

If it comes up with the warning again, which it probably will in a few months, then this next stage of the solution seems to fix it permanently kzbin.info/www/bejne/r57YYoxshLSIgqc

[@Didsuk]

@@comeinhandynow legend thank you mate! I've subscribed so I won't lose the vid 👍

[@adnansafdar30]

thank you so much. it works on BMW e90 318d. And I have changed the battery it was because of battery voltage as you said, and I thank you once more. I will also support you for this video through PayPal.

[@comeinhandynow]

Thanks!

[@FluxFreeman]

Thank you from Worcester, MA…very kind and I love your accent

[@comeinhandynow]

Cheers and welcome from Hampshire UK.

[@SteezyStreams]

Most helpful video I've been able to find thank you i was able to fix to my bmw

[@comeinhandynow]

Thanks and well done.

[@serlokasholmsas8636]

Thank you so much! I had the cable so your DIY saved my money's and day! :)

[@comeinhandynow]

Cbeers. Well done.

[@vaughanthomas4933]

Hi, great video and really helpful. Rather than loading the software onto a computer, do you happen to know which handheld OBD tester would do the same job and reset the electric steering lock counter ? Really appreciate any advice you can give. Thanks

[@comeinhandynow]

Sorry I have no suggestions on that.

[@dj0men666]

thanks bud - mine cam on after my battery finally gave up the ghost trying to crank - luckily fired up and got me home then i fitted the battery id had sat there a week lol tool32 took a bit of gettign running for some reason but closed it all down and retried and managed to load the jobs, run them and voila! :) Some chancers charging folk £50 for this.

[@comeinhandynow]

Great, well done.

[@jasonhall4563]

Thank you very much for this video. Easy to follow and very descriptive. Helped me massively

[@comeinhandynow]

Glad to help. Thanks.

[@EverBoosted]

Thank you so much ! You made my Day problem solved

[@comeinhandynow]

Great, thanks. If it comes back check my other video on this.

[@zizihu7887]

Thanks for sharing the video🙏 My car key is about 5 years old. Do I need to replace my key fob battery?

[@comeinhandynow]

It depends on the type of battery used in it, check your service schedule to see if it ever needs replacing. In the R56 mini I had the battery was a rechargeable type, so it is not a regular replacement type.

[@M.Rogerson]

Thanks very much for this video! I am grateful you knew the error programs to run to clear the warning.

[@comeinhandynow]

Thanks for your input. The red padlock symbol is also meant to mean that the car wont start. That wasn’t the case in my car though, I think that only applies if the lock has actually failed rather than just going slow. See my other video for a permanent fix to the lock, as the warning comes back after a few months.

[@shak6992]

Great help thank you

[@comeinhandynow]

Good to know. Cheers.

[@houltwang5964]

May I know why we need to turn on the inpa but we don’t use it, but use tool32 at the end? What is the purpose of the inpa please?

[@comeinhandynow]

Sorry but this job was 5 years ago and honestly I can’t remember all the details. If there are some shorter steps that may help others that you discover, then please put in the comments.

[@joaoandersonh]

Hi, thanks for helping us...i just purchased the cable from Amazon, and for now i have 2 questions, does it works with Windows 10? And if the problem appears again, i will have to do do all the process again or just the last parts because the software will be already installed?

[@comeinhandynow]

It will probably be ok under windows10 but check with software supplier (May have to run under compatibly mode if it doesn’t). If problem reappears, which it may eventually, then run just the last part, as already installed. See my other video for steering unit dismantling for a permanent fix.

[@joaoandersonh]

comeinhandynow Thanks man, when i have more time i’ll try the other video

[@MrOdilonMoura]

I'm having OBD drivers installation issues , can you give me a hand? Got the port changed and .txt file edited, but can't get a positive msg running the OBD.exe

[@jahifoster4954]

Thank you so much man!!!

[@comeinhandynow]

Thanks!

[@steven2072]

Hi there just watched thisand it looks good to me,so i will give it a go...At the eng you say"Well if we now look what happens when we put the key in and turn the ignition on "So did you do this with ignition off and keys in pocket...So to speak TIA

[@comeinhandynow]

The mini ‘key’ is in fact a fob that you put in the slot and then press the start button to turn on the ignition (feet off pedals). I indicate when ignition is on and off in the video. Ignition is on when i run those software ‘jobs’ to reset the steering lock.

[@steven2072]

@@comeinhandynow thankyou for your reply,the bmw im going to be doing this on works the same way

[@tamasfenyes2773]

Thank you for the video it helped a lot! But i got stucked at the 11th step where you have to write the "USB-COM-port to the value that you remembered in step3"...so i wrote the number and wanted to save by replacing but "access denied" comes up all the time...do you know what might be the problem?

[@comeinhandynow]

It’s hard to debug from here. I can only suggest starting again from the beginning.

[@tamasfenyes2773]

Hello...it worked to install the program and everything was fine except the the program doesnt communicate either a bmw(2006) and mini cooper(2006)...we are not sure if that is the cable's fault or not but we do not know what to do and a car must be fixed as soon as possible

[@comeinhandynow]

@@tamasfenyes2773 It sounds like an interface cable problem, do you have the INPA type OBD2 cable for BMWs? Links in video description as here: Here you can find people selling the interface cable that you will need on amazon uk: amzn.to/2EB48if And Amazon usa: amzn.to/2qnevkO I got mine from web site eobdtool.co.uk which came with a software disk. There are also a lot on ebay.co.uk: ebay.to/2Mra8y3 Or on ebay.com here: ebay.to/2QpGvQX The important thing is to get one that says “ OBD2 OBDII USB Interface INPA/Ediabas - K DCAN for BMW”

[@tamasfenyes2773]

@@comeinhandynow yes i got the exact same cable what you used in the video but still doesnt work :( i ordered from amazon checked 10 times if thats the good one and yes its the same

[@tamasfenyes2773]

Oh and is it possible if you can order the cable and try it if it is working for you and then send to our adress? My father believes that the cable is wromg but if the cable works for you but not for us then the program is wrong and we will try to fix

[@houltwang5964]

So this common r56 elv problem mainly caused by low volt car battery?

[@comeinhandynow]

No not the main cause, ageing and oxidation and the electric motor running a bit slower is the main cause, but a low battery can show the issue earlier than with a new battery.

[@evgenius78]

Really interesting, how to install software. Where exactly I can get software? Why I need watch installation progress?

[@comeinhandynow]

Check out the video description section for buying links.

[@derrellambrose6235]

I had the same problem just now after replacing the alternator. I jumped it off and it started right up.

[@kibanakinoko]

great video! you saved me!

[@comeinhandynow]

Cheers

[@chumpey]

Thank you so much for posting this. My 5 series has just done it again. Do you know if the software works for Mac? It does it every 18 months or so, I’m sure due to the battery. It’s often after the car has been parked for more than a week or so. I don’t suppose you’re anywhere near Peterborough?!

[@comeinhandynow]

I would guess there is not a version that runs on mac, but if you have a Pc emulator running on it then it might. Nowhere near Peterborough, sorry.

[@chumpey]

Thanks for the swift reply (and apologies for my slow one). Yes I think I might have to borrow someone's PC and get hold of an OBD cable. My 5-series does this every 12-18 months. The car still starts up fine, it's just highly annoying and feels like a sword of damocles hanging over my head anytime I go away from home. Really grateful for the video. Thanks again.

[@comeinhandynow]

I know what you mean. After a few months my light is on again. The next stage is to uncover the steering lock and lub it up to try and get it moving faster so that it doesn’t trigger an error again. Look out for another video on this, maybe in a few weeks,

[@chumpey]

comeinhandynow urgh, it’s such a pain isn’t it? I think (can’t remember if your video mentions it) that the battery could be the main culprit. Mine usually seems to come on after the car has been sat for more than a few days. The elv still works perfectly fine and the car starts...is yours the same?

[@comeinhandynow]

I was hoping that the new battery I put in at the same time would stop the error coming back. Sadly not. I did bring the stop start function back to working again though

[@redacted1946]

I seem to be having an issue. When opening the toolset32 and finding the cas file the jobs list is quite short compared to yours and u cant find the 2 jobs needed

[@comeinhandynow]

Maybe you need a different software installation, or maybe the jobs list is installed somewhere else or something went wrong with installation (try installing again?)

[@deepakpanghal5514]

Same happened with me I think this software is not correct

[@deepakpanghal5514]

What is the size of your software

[@redacted1946]

@@deepakpanghal5514 i dont have it anymore. But i eventually opened toolset and i saw the jobs and they worked. Sorry, i know its not helpful but this was 2 months ago

[@deepakpanghal5514]

@@redacted1946 thanks for replying when I enter in job search there is no job found all job column and results column is clean

[@christosantoniou6004]

Hi Sir, I have the same problem with yellow indication on dashboard on my BMW 320D. The steering is getting hard making it difficul to drive. I changed the battery and nothing changed. Then I took it for programming but the problem still exists. Finally I have been told that the whole steering needs to be replaced. Its bloody expensive though. Whats your opinion?

[@comeinhandynow]

CHRISTOS ANTONIOU Ask why and what bit has failed. If it the steering lock you could remove it and either fix it or replace with an emulator. See my other steering lock video.

[@V-Reloaded]

Do you know whether this tutorial will support BMW 1 Series, E87 year 2009? As I am aware that the USB Interface K+DCAN cable supports BMWs between 1998 to 2008?

[@comeinhandynow]

I’m not sure. I suggest checking bmw forums.

[@V-Reloaded]

Will do, thanks for the quick response.

[@brandonbentley8532]

But even after a reset it will happen again without replacing the steering assembly...so replacing or taking apart and lubing is required.

[@comeinhandynow]

It did after about 3 months, so you can either keep on resetting or fix it permanently by stripping and rebuilding the steering lock unit as shown in my next video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r57YYoxshLSIgqc

[@falsulaimani7]

I tried to do this on my 2007 mini R56 Canadian VIN, did know if i should choose UK or US. i tried both but didn't work unfortunately

[@comeinhandynow]

Did you get the correct interface cable with the bmw chip and did your pc communicate with the the car using the INPA (_IPO) software as shown in the video? Test with ignition on then off as shown. Maybe your PC or software or cable is not fright. It needs investigating to solve the problem.

[@falsulaimani7]

@@comeinhandynow it will detect ignition but when i put the CAS.PRG the do the 2 steps there it will say IFH-0009 NO RESPONSE FROM CONTROL UNIT

[@fabiogranadosmendoza2178]

Just needed to replace the battery in my case. I would say that's the the first step.

[@comeinhandynow]

A low battery can cause it as it slows the motor in the lock, but it does show that it is getting near to giving a fault more often, even with a new battery.

[@fabiogranadosmendoza2178]

Thanks for the feedback. So I will eventually need to remove the lock and clean it up I guess! :(

[@comeinhandynow]

@@fabiogranadosmendoza2178 Probably eventually, but see how it does.

[@Tockapp455]

😂😂😂🎉🎉 I just done my BMW today I fully charge my battery lock and open a car it released the steering lock. Leave a car on charge for 1hr and it start with no fault code. 😅

[@comeinhandynow]

That may be ok for a while, but eventually you will have to rebuild the lock. See my other video

[@divingslotcarsmusicandstuf9619]

This red warning light has just come on on my 2007 Mini...no other ill effects though, possibly a stupid question but if it's just a sign the battery is getting a bit old I'm wondering how important it is to reset and get rid of the warning light?

[@comeinhandynow]

It’s a good question. The Mini owners manual says (I think) that the car may refuse to start if the warning is red. That’s not happened to me though. Apart from that it may be a failure at MOT time (no warning lights allowed) and difficult to sell when the time comes.

[@divingslotcarsmusicandstuf9619]

@@comeinhandynow thanks actually the manual goes further than that... there is no "may", it says (when warning light is red) "the engine can no longer be started"! but so far at least that is not true... so I don't know if at some stage car will fail to start if I don't correct it or if the only impact is an annoying false warning. Good point regarding resale and MOT. Will get it sorted at some point!

[@sunflower2288]

Hi, were you able to remove the warning light?

[@snehamanohar]

Hi, any chance i could bring my car to you? I'm facing the same problem but I really don't know the first thing about cars and am very afraid to do all this myself nor do i know which trustworthy garage to go to. Could you pls let me know if I can bring my car to you? I'm current stuck in the North as the light has come on during a road trip!

[@comeinhandynow]

I am on the south coast so not practical. Beside this is DIY advice in these videos. It is always daunting at the start but the more you try and do the more confidence you will get. If you still don’t want to have a go maybe look for a mini specialist centre.

[@sed3451]

i have sign of a window and then steering wheel locked and abc and dtc also cant start the car

[@comeinhandynow]

Sounds like you have other faults as well as steering lock. This procedure may help start the car by resetting the steering lock, as long as the lock is really working still (listen for it).

[@vikasmotortech80]

sir help me from where i can get inpa softwayer help

[@comeinhandynow]

Some possible sources are in the video description section

[@xenmaster3632]

Hi, Can you upload the software as a zip file to a cloud file share somewhere please ?? (something like Google drive, Box or onedrive etc as examples)

[@comeinhandynow]

There are plenty of sources out there already. You could try searching for “inpa toolset32 eobdtool download”

[@aleem061]

Mine was the lock mechanism was not working i had to replace it it is end of steering column . not every time software is the problem get part from ebay £20 and labour cost £80

[@comeinhandynow]

The error comes up when the lock starts to slow down. A permanent fix is to strip and clean the electric motor and mechanism in the lock. Can be free if you do it yourself, see later video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r57YYoxshLSIgqc

[@cameronolsen158]

Seeming to have a lot of problems with the section of your video at... 5:16 I've re watched the video quite a few times and have been doing my best to follow these instructions to the letter on the software. I keep receiving an error saying there's no "INPA.LZH" file. I've tried looking for it and cannot find it. Did you run into any issue similar when you were getting this resolved? Thank you in advance and have a good one.

[@comeinhandynow]

I don’t think I had that problem, so it’s probably a broken software installation. My software came with the cable. I can only suggest doing the same or try anothe source.

[@cameronolsen158]

comeinhandynow Alright, I'll try a different software, then. I got the disk with the cable as well. That's why I'm so confused. Haha. Thank you for the reply.

[@cameronolsen158]

Decided to try running through the installation with the disk I was provided with the cable. I found the fix for me was to take the step 2 file and copy it straight to the C: drive. Unfortunately these instructions on the pdf file are not worded the best. Leaving this comment incase anyone happens to run into the same problem I was having. I R smart. ha.

[@comeinhandynow]

Thanks for the update, good to hear you got there in the end. It’s a common issue with software, especially ones originating from different language sources. It needs patience and the ability to investigate, which you have fortunately.

[@jholaechea]

My problem is the ingnition still off, mini r56 doesn’t respond and my key turn on the radio or open doors but no ignition at all…. Please HELP ME

[@comeinhandynow]

Does it have this steering lock warning in red? Does the steering lock still disengage? If so try the software reset shown in this video, if the steering lock is not working you may have to dismantle it to fix it as shown in my other video (link in video description) on rebuilding the steering lock.

[@jholaechea]

@@comeinhandynow thanks for answering, the steering lock it’s stuck and the red warning still on, but no ignition and can’t connect the INPA… I’m afraid dismantle it jejeje. Another advice? Thx

[@jholaechea]

I’m wondering if I dismantle the steering lock can I start the car? because without starting the car or giving it contact I can't connect INPA. Many thanks and forgive my bad English.

[@comeinhandynow]

If you dismantle the steering lock then you can either fix the lock as in my other video, or you can plug in an emulator unit (buying info in video description - I hope these still work) and remove the steering lock unit to free up the steering wheel and then start the car. Hopefully.

[@jholaechea]

@@comeinhandynow thx I will try dismantle this weekend… hope it works jejeje I will tell u later if it works. Many Thx

[@bflaves123]

Does this work of your BMW does not start due to the lock?

[@comeinhandynow]

It will reset the steering lock warning. It will then start assuming that the steering lock is actually working ok.

[@bassamesaa5123]

How i get this pargrem?? My car stopped on parking lot I can't start it 😑

[@comeinhandynow]

see video description

[@audunjemtland8287]

I don't have a lock icon, but the back wheels will only turn a little and then be locked. It turns a little bit but are locked. What can this be? It has been standing still all winter. The brake pads doesn't hold the disc brakes.

[@comeinhandynow]

What model do you have?

[@audunjemtland8287]

@@comeinhandynow 1 series 2004. E85 I think

[@comeinhandynow]

I can only guess that since its been standing the discs have rusted and is binding against the pads. Try driving a short distance to see if it frees up. Or prise back the pads.

[@audunjemtland8287]

@@comeinhandynow Thanks. It's not the pads, they're free. The discs run freely for a couple of inches, only to suddenly hault as if someone are putting a metal rod into them:P

[@audunjemtland8287]

This is only the rear left tire.

[@PeopleHealthTec]

Need to register new batteries with BMW software so the car computer runs proper charging cycles. 12:45 He says probably caused by a slightly old battery with low voltage.

[@comeinhandynow]

That is true, ideally. It’s a pain in the arse going through the procedure though. Unnecessarily complicated stupid bmw system.

[@raymondnation581]

Hi, I live near London, can I bring my R56 to you to fix please? Obviously you charge for you time, thanks

[@comeinhandynow]

I’m not near London, sorry. This video is to show you how to do it yourself.

[@raymondnation581]

Okay, thanks anyway

[@mirmohebullahghaleb5019]

From wher could i buy this software can you tell me neam of software.

[@comeinhandynow]

try internet searching for “inpa toolset32 eobdtool download”

[@normamora8883]

When is it it still starts but it keeps on showing that lock steering wheel but if the car still start is it good to drive like that we just put the starter in and that's when it showed up after we got done putting the starter in

[@comeinhandynow]

Mine was still OK to drive, but according to the car manual it could stop it from driving at some point. As long as it still starts it should then drive OK.

[@anthonygeran7264]

My bmw has this problem and has been to bmw and they have removed the steering lock and worked fine but after a few weeks it happens again,I go through same process by getting it removed by bmw,the car is fixed and fine again and then few weeks later it happened again?can anyone help me?why does this keep happening ?

[@comeinhandynow]

All they are doing is clearing the error code. The fault is that the actual mechanical lock is going too slow. See the other video on my channel for stripping down and permanently fixing it.

[@twinpeaks7075]

Hi i have the same problem but mine is yellow What should i do

[@comeinhandynow]

Same issue and solution, it’s just on the way to the red stage.

[@twinpeaks7075]

@@comeinhandynow i send it to the mechanic eletricist to controll this thru the OBD but he didnt figure out the problem Could this going to be a dangerous problem

[@comeinhandynow]

He needs the correct BMW OBDII cable and the BMW software as shown in the video. This will reset the light. Why not have a go at doing it yourself? It’s not a dangerous problem, as its caused by the lock just going a bit slow, but if the steering lock eventually fails completely then you will not be able to use the car. If that happens then I have another video on stripping down the steering lock to fix it. Have a look on my channel comeinhandynow.

[@twinpeaks7075]

Can i fo this with my laptop windows 7 Where can i get the software and the cable ?

[@comeinhandynow]

Yes. See the video description for information on buying.

[@Smokeymkd00912]

Just adjust steeringwheel quick fix

[@comeinhandynow]

Err no. I think you are talking about when the steering wheel lock is engaged and the steering is under a turning force which stops the lock coming off. In that case a quick turn of the wheel to relieve the pressure allows the lock to disengage. That is not what we are talking about here. We are fixing the scenario where there is nothing stopping the steering lock from disengaging and it does indeed disengage, but just a bit too slowly, which the ECU doesn't like and sees as an error.

[@Smokeymkd00912]

@@comeinhandynow i had the same icon when i picked up my car it was towed, wheel was stiff, so i just lowered the plug on the lower left side of the steering wheel and my car started up thought id share

[@samodfernando1656]

Where can I get the software

[@comeinhandynow]

Check the buying links in the video description, some cable sellers include the software. Or search online for something like IPNA bmw download

[@gavin8913]

Where are you located ? Can u remove this for me on my 1 series

[@comeinhandynow]

South of England, but not really interested. This is a DIY video.

[@wrldwideintl3748]

Could you do this why the Carly Adapter??

[@comeinhandynow]

I guess you mean “with the Carly adapter”. I think the answer is no, as I think I asked them a while back. The specific BMW spec OBDII cable is required to work with the BMW software. This completely goes against the principle of OBDII as a universal standard. Not impressed with BMW engineering.

[@ameerhamza3461]

Hy

[@shabanaabid8456]

Hmm

[@comeinhandynow]

hmm?

[@ameerhamza3461]

Bmw astarin lok

[@user-zf7ww3ht4h]

Pray 🙏 to The God I AM that it startz

[@vincenzocapano3306]

Che sfaccimm.......che cazzo di traduzione in italiano è????? Sembra "quelo"

[@DaeMurda]

This is misleading. We don’t have that tool or computer

[@comeinhandynow]

The lead and software is cheap to buy. Computers are everywhere, surely you know someone who has a PC? So, I lot cheaper than going to a dealer where he may charge you a fortune for a new steering column and lock!

[@baims8367]

U lost me at click this and copy that part .

[@comeinhandynow]

English description of what problem you have please, then I might think about helping out.