Driver Side Seat and Steering wheel DEAD! - BMW Forum

timindp · 11-11-2009, 03:52 PM

Ok, I change the fuse (30amp) and the seat and steering column works for about 2 minutes, then it dies. I am assuming there is a short somewhere. Has anyone had this issue?
1999 740i

beamers4life · 11-11-2009, 10:05 PM

First i would look underneath the seat and see if your seat has pinched or mashed or cut any wires that may have come unfastened from the rail. If none are visible then it sounds like you may have a relay issue which are located in the front fusebox and underneath the rear seat behind the drivers seat. If a wire has not been mashed pull these relays out one at a time and see if any of the protruding contacts appear to be burnt and have a black discoloration on the surface. If this is the case with one of them then most likely it is shorting out and i would suggest replacing them. Those are the only two possibilities i can think of unless you have a short in the steering wheel wiring which is unlikely and also difficult to access. So i would suggest checking these first. Keep us posted.

rashid · 11-11-2009, 10:32 PM

Check the connection of the Seat control module behind the driver seat trim.

If this connection is lose then the seat control, steering control & even the memory will not work

marti5 · 11-12-2009, 02:53 AM

As said under the seat connections/wire chaffed...common problem on a 7 series.

timindp · 11-12-2009, 10:14 AM

The wiring under the seat looks good. Nothing was loose nor broken. I looked in the fuse box, could not see anything else burned.

marti5 · 11-12-2009, 10:54 AM

If the wiring is faulty on the drivers side the passenger seat will not operate, check that.

timindp · 11-12-2009, 11:29 AM

Passenger side works fine

marti5 · 11-12-2009, 11:47 AM

Ok, you say you have changed on fuse....

Drivers seat is fuse #15

Steering wheel is fuse # 12

If either of the above have gone they will affect the other....

timindp · 11-12-2009, 11:54 AM

my #12 is blank, not used or no use. The 15 slot works for both the driver seat and steering column

marti5 · 11-12-2009, 11:59 AM

Do you have a multimeter, check you have 12v feed to the fuse its self, if yes, then check for 12v to the seat, then drop the steering cowl, there may be a loose connection in there.

timindp · 11-12-2009, 12:02 PM

Thanks for all the input. I don't have the necessary tools. Looks like I am headed to the mechanic.

marti5 · 11-12-2009, 12:13 PM

Ok.....to run one of these beasts you really need diagnostics kit( carsoft 6.5 is a good one for DIY) and the tools, or they will cost you $$$$$$$$...hope you get it sorted

RckyMtn760 · 11-30-2009, 04:51 PM

I have the same problem. Passenger seat works. Seat will go backwards on occasion with the switch. Does no recline but the headrest goes up and down. Steering wheel sometimes will move up and down but not telescope anymore.

marti5 · 12-01-2009, 04:05 AM

Have you checked all the above mentioned??

RckyMtn760 · 12-01-2009, 09:59 AM

Not yet. It just happened after a trip through the mountains. Once I get back to my garage I will check it