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Steering Wheel Control Lights

Discuss your latest mods or ideas, and anything to do with the BMW X5 (E53).
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dobbor1
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Steering Wheel Control Lights

Post by dobbor1 » Thu Oct 03, 2013 10:07 pm

I noticed tonight that my steering wheel control lights are not working. The buttons all operate ok it's just the illumination. Does anyone know what I should check please? All other illuminations in the car work.

Dobbo

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Currently:  2011 E70 X5 40D M Sport Black Sapphire
Previously: 2006 E53 X5 30D Le Mans Blue Sport Edition

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Steamyrotter
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Re: Steering Wheel Control Lights

Post by Steamyrotter » Fri Oct 04, 2013 1:21 pm

I seem to remember the earlier versions have a small fuse on the PCB in the steering wheel itself..

The only way to check is to trace the circuit back on the PCB and see where you lose the voltage..
Could even be a regulator on board but unlikely as everything else is working..
If things were meant to be easy, then I will soon complicate them....
Please note...
Anything I say is only from my personal experience and knowledge..
I don't assume to know everything, and know there is a lot I don't know..
But then I could be talking bollox.. O:-)

dobbor1
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Re: Steering Wheel Control Lights

Post by dobbor1 » Fri Oct 04, 2013 10:43 pm

I want to have a go at taking the wheel off. Any advice or guide welcome.

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Currently:  2011 E70 X5 40D M Sport Black Sapphire
Previously: 2006 E53 X5 30D Le Mans Blue Sport Edition

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Steamyrotter
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Re: Steering Wheel Control Lights

Post by Steamyrotter » Mon Oct 07, 2013 1:12 pm

Disconnect battery and leave for a few mins.

Behind wheel you will find 2 holes pointing towards the centre
Use a screwdriver or long allen key and push through there to release the ir bag clips
(You will need to prod a bit to find the sweet spot.)

Pull air bag out the front.
Unplug the 2 connectors on the air bag and place to side.
This then uncovers the nut on teh steering column.
Make sure wheels are straight ahead, and or mark the shaft to wheel location.
Undo nut and pull wheel off.

There are some screws holding the trim pieces on (Some now exposed and some may be on the rear of the wheel)
Remove these and the trim should come off revealing all the electronics.

Replacement is reverse of removal, but ensure you re-connect everything as you go.
If things were meant to be easy, then I will soon complicate them....
Please note...
Anything I say is only from my personal experience and knowledge..
I don't assume to know everything, and know there is a lot I don't know..
But then I could be talking bollox.. O:-)

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Sanj
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Re: Steering Wheel Control Lights

Post by Sanj » Mon Oct 07, 2013 1:18 pm

Try this link too - it's in there with pictures (& series but similar to an E53) along with a whole host of other useful tips.
Scn Protect,Alarm Chirp,Ashtray del,Sub install,IV2,Screens,PS2 Media,Chrome rings,Schnitzer pedals,Reverse cam,Silver Grills,F/mirrors,Comp Spkrs,Heated S/W,20"168s,Splash scn,Arches,Remap,LED Tails,ACS Spoiler,'is' Bumper Trim,Rear heated seats,Rear blinds

Jayx5
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Re: Steering Wheel Control Lights

Post by Jayx5 » Mon Oct 07, 2013 1:50 pm

I dont know if this helps but my old seat toledo (56reg) had light up controls on the steering wheel and you could turn them on and off by holding two buttons down on the wheel. Would an x5 do this? :(
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dobbor1
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Re: Steering Wheel Control Lights

Post by dobbor1 » Mon Oct 07, 2013 4:17 pm

I'll give it a go thanks. Do you know if I can just change the LED's if that's all it is?

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Currently:  2011 E70 X5 40D M Sport Black Sapphire
Previously: 2006 E53 X5 30D Le Mans Blue Sport Edition

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Steamyrotter
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Re: Steering Wheel Control Lights

Post by Steamyrotter » Tue Oct 08, 2013 1:08 pm

the LEDs are surface mount and very small
Not sure of part numbers but if you are handy with a very thin tipped soldering iron then it is always a possibility

But if all are off it is more likely to be a supply issue, fuse or regulator??
or even a broken track on the PCB
If things were meant to be easy, then I will soon complicate them....
Please note...
Anything I say is only from my personal experience and knowledge..
I don't assume to know everything, and know there is a lot I don't know..
But then I could be talking bollox.. O:-)

dobbor1
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Posts: 277
Joined: Tue Sep 18, 2012 7:09 pm

Re: Steering Wheel Control Lights

Post by dobbor1 » Tue Oct 08, 2013 5:28 pm

Yes you are right, seems a coincidence both being off. I'll check the supply first. Thanks

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Currently:  2011 E70 X5 40D M Sport Black Sapphire
Previously: 2006 E53 X5 30D Le Mans Blue Sport Edition

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