X5 steering column stopped working

[rcrouse2]

A few months ago I was on the Cross Sound Ferry in bad weather and the motion kept triggering my car alarm. Coincidentally (??) I had low battery. After the trip was over I replaced the battery but noticed my steering column adjustment has stopped working in both directions. When I triggering the adjustment button I can hear clicking like power is going to the motors but get no movement.
Any thoughts on how to fix this that don't involve a trip to the dealer? Every thing else works awesome on the car. The auto move function for the steering column when you turn the car off or on doesn't work now either.
Love some help here. It just doesn't seem normal that both motors would stop working at the same time.
Wondering if there is some sort of reset for it.
Rich

[80stech]

If you are hearing clicking that rules out a lot and you might just have a blown fuse.

[rcrouse2]

I checked the fuses in the back near the tail gate and looks good. Are there any other fuse locations in the car or a relay maybe? I meant to post earlier that it stopped working following the ferry ride and I was hoping switching out the battery would solve it but it didn't. Thankfully it's stuck in a great position for me but not for others when they drive it.

[80stech]

There is a fuse/relay panel behind/under the glove box.
I'm more familiar with the E53 but if the relay is clicking and the motor not moving then either there isn't power getting to the relay or the relay is faulty. The chance that both motors are burnt out is pretty slim. I would get a wiring diagram and check which fuse the power for the steering motors comes from and go from there.

[ard]

Do you have access to TIS? There are schematics as well as a functional descrtping as to how the system works.


Oddly, IHKA (the heat and AC controller) is how this is controlled. There is a reset/recal proceure in ISTA


SOme comments:

Notes for Service department

Diagnosis instructions

After coding or programming the IHKA control unit, standardisation of the steering column is to be run. After repair work on the electrical steering column adjustment, the service function ”Standardisation” is also to be run. Note! Failure of the Hall sensor on the motor

In the event of failure of the Hall sensor, no identification of the position is possible for the steering column adjustment. In the same way, the system cannot move to any position stored in the memory. The Softstop is switched off. The time for activation of the overload protection is shortened. This protects the steering column adjustment motor against overheating.
Note! Failure of the Hall sensors for the Softstops

In the event of failure of the Hall sensors for the Softstops, the time for activation of the overload protection is shortened. This protects the steering column adjustment motor against overheating.
Note! System state due to cold

Blocking of the steering column adjustment due to cold is regarded as a mechanical stop. This might mean that the adjusting path in one adjustment direction is restricted.


Notes on coding / programming

Important! IHKA control unit

After coding or programming the IHKA control unit, standardisation of the steering column is to be run.

Oh as 80stech commented, there is another fuse box. F1 in the box behind the glove box is for the steering column...

[rcrouse2]

Thanks,
I checked the correct fuses in both locations (under the glove box and in the rear hatch area). Both fuses are good. I can hear noise when I try to adjust the steering column in both directions so I know power is getting to the motors. Almost sounds like it's stuck in the current position. I don't have access to a code reader.

Is it time to bring it to the dealer??

[pshovest]

Looks like the unit has a single motor for up/down and in/out movement. There is a solenoid that likely engages one of two adjustment mechanisms.
Might try pushing/pulling on steering wheel while engaging switch.

[80stech]

For sure, if it's one motor there could be a problem with the gear/transmission/selector thingy.

[rcrouse2]

How big of a project is it to replace the entire steering column and motor? Ebay has the right model for <$100.

[Zulu95]

When I replaced one of the motors in Der Adler I found that you needed to run a relearn process to get the adjustment fully functional. I'm sure the E70 must have something similar. I used the BimmerGeeks app and, when it could not fully align the system BimmerGeeks linked in and reset the system for me prompting me via the phone during the process. So you need to get a scanner and I would recommend the BimmerGeeks App and associated bluetooth dongle. It is also a great tool that would be worth running before you do anything else in case you just need a reset.