2014 Mini Steering wheel won't unlock

[Shara99]

Hi guys

I have a 2014 Cooper Convertible - with a problem! Yesterday I got in the car but couldn't start it because the steering wheel is locked and won't budge.

Looking at the internet this is not an uncommon problem. When I spoke to the local dealer they were not interested, suggesting they recover the car & replace steering column at an estimated cost of £1200! Surely this is not necessary?!? It must be an easily fixable electronic issue? The car is still practically brand new!

Any help / advice you can give will be much appreciated.


Thanks in advance.

[CarsOrBikes]

Is the steering wheel weighted against the lock? Pull it away and try again

[rigga]

Get this at times, when there is force against the column when I've parked up, just move the wheel to release the pressure and the car starts, was the steering wheel impossible to move to release the tension?

[Shara99]

Yes the steering wheel will not budge in any direction. The wheels are straight & not buffered up against anything

[rigga]

Wheels don't need to be against anything for this to happen, its just when the car is turned off and there is force built up when the ignition is turned off, is there a clicking sound coming from the column area, ? and although its not a major amount of force needed to release the tension, it does take some effort, if its absolutely solid though, then its obviously not the normal fix, if it is goosed I'd strongly suggest using a mini Indie rather than a main dealer, if you post your location, then someone might be able to suggest somewhere.

[CarsOrBikes]

Why a Mini indie? 2014 car might get some help with this, and chances are so called indies won't know where to look other than internet help or guesswork

[brrapp]

More likely to be a Can-bus issue than a physical problem. Needs plugged in and a reset.

[Shara99]

Thx all.

A local guy - I'm in London - plugged in to diagnostic computer and got this:

" fault at A559 terminal 30G-F switched off"

He thinks this may refer to the IBS reporting a low battery SOC (State of Charge) to the DME. The DME and IBS then shut down one of the load centers ("hotel" loads) to ensure sufficient voltage to start the engine.

We think also as a result of this the anti theft immobiliser has kicked in hence unable to unlock the steering wheel.

Does this all sound logical / feasible?

The battery is showing good condition but needing a charge as voltage only 12.15. Next step is to charge it up and see if that clears it. If not I'll get it recovered to Mini dealer. It's only 2 months out of warranty so I'd hope they'd be reasonable about making a contribution to the cost.

[Shara99]

PS what is a can-bus?

[E-bmw]

It is a transport device for carrying lots of beer.

[brrapp]

Shara99 said:

PS what is a can-bus?

Controller Area Network, the communication system between all of the electronic gubbins in a modern car.

[blank]

Had this on a 2013 Countryman.

It was the electronic steering lock refusing to release. Fortunately it was under warranty. It shouldn't need a column.

Real pain is getting it to a dealer as it will need to be winched on to a flat bed truck or something.

[Elliot2000]

If it is the steering column failed u don't need to replace the whole column now- just the electric lock section which is about £120 but it needs the old one drilled off

[rigga]

CarsOrBikes said:

Why a Mini indie? 2014 car might get some help with this, and chances are so called indies won't know where to look other than internet help or guesswork

If its not covered by any warranty, then cost is the obvious answer, and there are some excellent independent mini specialists about who are well versed in the cars, as they deal solely with them, the one I use is top notch.