LED Steering Wheel Install and Wiring
Helpful Installation Information
This guide provides customers with a clear outline of the installation process for our LED performance steering wheels. As the only company offering high-quality custom steering wheels at an affordable price, we also provide detailed installation instructions to ensure a smooth process. By following this guide, you’ll be able to get the most out of your purchase and easily install your next-gen LED steering wheel.
Please note that wiring diagrams can vary across BMW models and trims. Always consult your vehicle’s owner manual or wiring diagram for specific details. Additionally, be sure to disconnect the negative battery terminal before handling any wiring to ensure safety.
Your BAVMODS® LED Performance Steering Wheel
Your BAVMODS® LED performance steering wheel comes with a Bluetooth-connected OBD2 control box. The LED lights on our custom steering wheels use this Bluetooth connection to your vehicle’s OBD2 port, enabling the LEDs to function based on real-time data such as RPMs, oil and coolant temperatures, shift points, and other key vehicle information.
Installing the Bluetooth OBD2 Control Module
The Bluetooth OBD2 control module must be installed into your vehicle’s OBD2 port to sync the LEDs with the vehicle’s data. Simply insert the module securely into the port, ensuring that none of the pins are bent or damaged during installation.
OBD2 Converter Harness and Steering Wheel Wiring
Your LED performance steering wheel comes with three wires that need to be connected to the vehicle:
- 1 x Red 12V power cable
- 1 x Black ground cable
- 1 x Blue bypass cable (Note: This cable is not required if the red power cable is directly connected to 12V power).
In some cases, we provide a separate OBD2 converter harness. If included, connect one end to the OBD2 port and the other to the supplied white box. This box can be tucked away in the driver’s kick panel. Once this is done, the OBD2 setup is complete, and you can proceed with wiring the steering wheel.
Grounding Cable Installation
The first cable to connect is the black grounding cable. We’ve designed our grounding cable with a round base for a factory-like fit. To install:
1. Align the LED performance steering wheel ground with the grounding screw point.
2. Place the airbag ground on top of it.
3. Remove the factory T5 grounding screw [and/or bracket] from your original steering wheel and transfer it to our upgraded LED performance steering wheel.
4. Firmly tighten the grounding screw, securing both the LED steering wheel ground and airbag ground in place, but be careful not to overtighten.
The final result should be the airbag bracket sitting flat, with the LED steering wheel ground and airbag ground stacked on top of each other, secured by the grounding screw.
Routing the Red 12V Power Cable
With the black grounding cable securely connected to the airbag grounding harness and faceplate, you can now route the red 12V power cable.
There are several suitable power points you can use to supply power to the LED lights. Our recommended 12V power sources are:
- OBD2 connector wiring harness
- Airbag wiring power cable
- The vehicle’s clockspring (if equipped with a 12V power point, aftermarket options are available)
- CAS module on the vehicle
- Cigarette lighter wiring
We highly recommend using the 12V wire located on the backside of the OBD2 wiring harness or the wiring harness behind the airbag. This wire is usually thicker than the others and will typically be red or orange-red in color.
If needed, the LED performance steering wheel power cable can be extended using generic automotive copper wiring to connect directly to the vehicle’s battery. If you experience any battery drain issues, we suggest re-routing the red power cable to a switched power source to avoid continuous power draw.
Routing the Red 12V Power Cable to the Airbag Wiring
A simple and clean wiring method is to splice the red BAVMODS® power cable from our LED performance steering wheel into the red power cable on the airbag wiring harness. Once connected, cover any exposed wiring with electrical tape to prevent electrical shorts. If the red power cable is connected to the airbag wiring harness, the blue cable does not need to be connected.
Wire Routing: Note
For the cleanest wire routing, guide the power cable underneath the body panels of the vehicle. Ideal places to hide the wiring for a factory-like finish include the leather sleeve behind the steering wheel, the trim piece near the trunk release lever, and the driver-side kick panel.
Connecting the Optional Blue Cable
The blue cable is optional and only required if connecting the red cable to a 12V power source is not feasible. If needed, the blue cable can be connected to the horn’s power cable. However, if the red 12V power cable is already properly connected, there is no need to connect the blue cable.
Final Steps: Testing the Installation
The last step is to transfer all applicable airbags, wiring harnesses, buttons, and connectors from your factory steering wheel to your new BAVMODS® LED steering wheel. Once everything is transferred, mount the new wheel and airbag into place.
After installation, start your engine to confirm that everything is functioning properly and that your new LED performance steering wheel is working as expected. Enjoy your upgrade and take full advantage of the enhanced features it brings to your vehicle’s interior!
Have a question? We’re here to help.