BMW Active Steering Inactive Problem

The BMW Active Steering system is designed to provide improved handling and maneuverability. However, if the system becomes inactive, it can negatively impact the driving experience. Various factors, including a malfunctioning steering angle sensor, a fault in the control module, or low power steering fluid levels, can cause the BMW Active Steering Inactive problem. To troubleshoot this issue, it’s important to understand and address the root cause promptly. In this article, we will discuss common reasons for the BMW Active Steering Inactive problem and provide tips for resolving the issue.

What is BMW Active Steering?

BMW active steering makes your BMW easier to steer at low speeds and more stable at highway speeds. Active steering makes it easier to turn the wheel when parking or turning at low speed. On the highway, it decreases the response, so you don’t drift with small movements of the steering wheel.

The rack on active steering has a planetary gear between the input and the rack. Small steering wheel movements cause a significant front wheel turn when driving at lower speeds, making turning left and right or getting out of a parking spot much easier. At highway speed, the Active Steering system adjusts the steering ratio to become less responsive.

This helps to make the vehicle more stable at highway speed. Even a small steering wheel movement can cause the car to change lanes in cars without active steering. BMWs with active steering adjust the steering so that small movements don’t have as much of an impact on the front wheel.

Active Front Steering (AFS) or Active Steering (AL) first appeared in the BMW 5 series in 2003 and has had many improvements.

Common Symptoms

List of possible symptoms you may notice if the Active Steering module or one of its components fails.

• Malfunction message on iDrive CCC/CIC screen
  • Active steering inactive
  • A change in steering behavior or steering wheel offset is possible.
  • Steering behavior altered
  • The steering wheel may be at an angle.
  • Possible to continue the journey
  • Steer with care
  • Active steering fault
• No response from the AL control unit
• Steering wheel light on the dashboard
• Yellow steering wheel with an exclamation in the dash
• Extremely hard to turn the wheel
• Hard to turn the wheel

The active steering fault light may come on after wheel alignment when performed by mechanics unfamiliar with BMWs.

What problems cause active steering warnings on a BMW?

Possible problems that can trigger fault codes in the Active Steering module include:

• Active Steering Control Module – The active steering module on many BMWs is mounted on the floor (under carpet) on the passenger side. Water from clogged drain lines or damaged door weatherstrip can make it to the module. Water to the active steering module will damage the unit. This may be the problem if you get an error code stating there is no response from the active steering module or CAN error messages on the DSC module. Corroded pins at the active steering module indicate that water damage has occurred.
• Power Steering Fluid – You should check if you are getting the active steering inactive on your BMW to check the power steering fluid.
• Battery – Low battery voltage from the battery can also trigger BMW’s active steering malfunction. If your BMW battery is over seven years old, you should have the battery tested. If the battery is not holding a proper charge, replace the battery.
• Steering angle sensor SZL – There are sensors mounted on the steering column for BMWs with active steering. The steering angle sensor can fail to cause active steering to malfunction and the DSC light to come on.
• Accident – If you get involved in an accident, it is common to get the dashboard’s active steering malfunction. Bend tie rods can throw BMW steering wheel calibration out of alignment.
• Other possibilities – Bad active steering rack, issues with the DSC module, yaw sensor, and steering angle sensor.

What to do when you get an Active Steering Fault on a BMW?

If you are getting BMW Active Steering inactive on the dashboard, try the following:

1. Turn off the vehicle.
2. Check the power steering fluid level. Add the recommended power steering fluid if the level is low. Most BMWs use CHF 11S hydraulic fluid.
3. Re-initialize of steering angle sensor. Start the vehicle. While the vehicle is in the park, turn the steering wheel to the left. Next, turn the steering wheel to the right. Bring the steering wheel back to the center. Learn more about BMW steering angle calibration.
4. Check battery. If the Active Steering warning doesn’t disappear, check the battery. Many auto parts stores perform battery testing free of charge. If the battery needs to be replaced, follow this guide on replacing and programming a BMW battery.
5. If the message remains, read fault codes using a BMW scanner to read Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) from the active steering module.

How to Reset Active Steering Fault Codes on a BMW?

If you are experiencing problems, a good starting point is to read fault codes from the Active Steering module. If any code shows PRESENT status, the problem needs to be fixed before the code can be cleared.

What you will need

A diagnostic scanner can read, clear, and perform bi-directional tests on BMW vehicles. You must verify that your scanner supports your BMW model and year. List of scanners that read and clear BMW Active Steering fault codes.

These are only a few examples. Many diagnostic scanners allow you to read and clear BMW Active Steering fault codes. To learn about OBD2 scanners that work on BMWs, check the article on Choosing the best OBD2 scanner for BMW.

Procedure

1. Plugin the OBD-II scanner into the diagnostic port under the dashboard.
2. Turn on the ignition; don’t start the engine.
3. Turn on the scanner and select your BMW chassis. Next, Select the Control Units menu.
4. Select Chassis, then AL Active Steering Module.
5. Once you enter the Active Steering module, you can do the following.
   • Read Codes from the
   Active Steering Module Clear Codes from the
   • Active Steering Module
   • Perform Adaptations, Activations, Tests

Adaptations

You can perform this list of tests and sensor activations via the Active Steering module.

• Steering Angle Calibration (Can be performed under the DSC module as well)

Your scanner must be able to perform bi-directional tests to carry out these adaptations.

How to tell if a BMW has active steering?

Many BMW owners will ask: “Does my BMW have active steering? “. The best way to verify if your BMW has active steering is to decode the VIN. Use a free BMW VIN decoder and see if the AL Active Steering was installed on your BMW. BMW that came with active steering include: E60, E61, E63, E64, E70, E81, E87, E90, E91, E92, E93.

Will I lose steering if BMW’s active steering fails?

No. If your BMW active steering fails, the active steering motor is automatically disabled in the locked position. When this happens, you rely on a mechanical link between the steering wheel and the wheels. This causes the steering to function as a conventional system with no support from the active steering system. The steering wheel becomes very difficult to turn.

We hope you find the BMW Active Steering Inactive Problem guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your BMW.