How to Turn Off ‘Keep Hands on Steering Wheel’

Are you looking to gain more control over your driving experience by turning off the ‘Keep Hands on Steering Wheel’ alert in your car? You’re not alone. Many drivers, for various reasons, prefer to disable this well-intentioned but sometimes intrusive safety feature.

Whether it’s for a more traditional driving feel or simply to reduce frequent reminders, understanding how to safely and effectively disable this alert is crucial. In this guide, we’ll navigate the straightforward steps on how to turn off ‘Keep Hands on Steering Wheel’ option, tailored for several popular car models.

General Steps To Disable and Turn Off ‘Keep Hands on Steering Wheel’ Alert

Disabling the ‘Keep Hands on Steering Wheel’ alert varies across different vehicle models, but there are some general steps you can follow. Here’s a basic guide:

1. Start Your Vehicle: Ensure your car is in a safe, stationary position and start the engine. It’s important to have all systems active to access the necessary settings.
2. Access the Main Menu: Navigate to the main menu on your vehicle’s infotainment screen. This is typically done by pressing a home button or tapping the screen’s home icon.
3. Find the Driver Assistance Settings: Look for an option labeled something like ‘Driver Assistance’, ‘Vehicle Settings’, or ‘Safety Systems’. This will vary depending on your car’s make and model.
4. Locate the Steering Assist or Alert Settings: Within the driver assistance menu, search for settings related to steering or alerts. The exact name might differ, such as ‘Steering Assist’, ‘Hands-On Detection’, or ‘Alert Settings’.
5. Disable the Alert: Once you’ve found the correct setting, you should see an option to disable or adjust the sensitivity of the ‘Keep Hands on Steering Wheel’ alert. Select the appropriate option to turn it off.
6. Confirm and Exit: After making your selection, confirm the change if prompted. Then, exit the settings menu and test to ensure the alert has been disabled.

Remember, these steps are a general guideline and might not apply to all vehicle types. Always refer to your car’s manual for specific instructions.

Brand-Specific Instructions

Different car brands have unique interfaces and steps for disabling the ‘Keep Hands on Steering Wheel’ alert.

Below are instructions for some popular models:

Tesla

1. Touchscreen Menu: Tap on the ‘Car’ icon on the touchscreen to access the main menu.
2. Autopilot Settings: Select ‘Autopilot’ to open the autopilot-specific options.
3. Customize Settings: Find the option for ‘Hands-On Warning’ and set it to ‘Disabled’.

Ford

1. Instrument Cluster: Use the arrow buttons on the steering wheel to navigate through the instrument cluster menu.
2. Driver Assist Menu: Select ‘Driver Assist’ and then find ‘Lane Keeping System’.
3. Adjust Settings: In this menu, you can turn off the ‘Driver Alert’ feature.

BMW

1. iDrive System: Use the iDrive controller to navigate to the ‘Car’ menu.
2. Driving Assistance: Select ‘Driving Assistance’, then ‘Driving Assistance Plus’.
3. Steering Intervention: Here, you can disable the ‘Steering Intervention’ option, which includes the hands-on alert.

Note: These steps are based on recent models and interfaces. For older models or different versions, please consult your vehicle’s manual or contact the manufacturer for precise instructions.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

When attempting to disable the ‘Keep Hands on Steering Wheel’ alert, you might encounter some challenges. Here are solutions to common issues:

The Option to Disable the ‘Keep Hands on Steering Wheel’ Alert is Not Visible

• Update Needed: Ensure your vehicle’s software is up to date. Some manufacturers release updates that may change or add options in the settings.
• Model-Specific Features: Not all models or trims may offer the ability to disable this alert. Refer to your owner’s manual for model-specific information.

Alert Re-Activates After Restarting the Car

• Persistent Settings: Some vehicles reset certain settings after being turned off. Check if your car has an option to save custom settings permanently.
• Check for Faults: If the setting doesn’t persist, it might indicate a fault with the vehicle’s memory or system. Consult with a dealership or authorized service center.

Alert Disabling Option is Greyed Out

• Vehicle in Motion: Ensure the vehicle is stationary. Some settings can only be changed when the car is not moving.
• Restricted Access: In certain vehicles, some settings can be locked or restricted. Check if there’s a parental control or administrative setting that might be preventing changes.

‘Keep Hands on Steering Wheel’ Alert Still Sounds After Disabling

• Multiple Alert Systems: Some cars have multiple systems that trigger similar alerts. Ensure all relevant systems are adjusted.
• System Malfunction: If the problem persists, it may indicate a malfunction in the vehicle’s sensor or software system. It’s advisable to seek professional assistance.

By addressing these common issues, you can troubleshoot effectively and ensure your vehicle’s settings align with your preferences when it comes to turning off the ‘Keep Hands on Steering Wheel’ alert.

Precautions and Considerations

Before you disable the ‘Keep Hands on Steering Wheel’ alert, it’s important to consider the following aspects:

Safety Implications

• Reduced Vigilance: Disabling this alert can lead to less vigilance while driving, especially during long trips or in semi-autonomous modes. Always remain alert and in control.
• Dependency on Technology: Relying heavily on automated systems without regular manual input may lead to a false sense of security. Remember, these systems are designed to assist, not replace, the driver.

Legal and Warranty Aspects

• Legal Responsibility: Be aware of local laws regarding the use of driver assistance systems. In some regions, tampering with these systems can have legal implications.
• Warranty Concerns: Altering your vehicle’s settings in ways not recommended by the manufacturer might void certain aspects of your warranty. Consult your warranty agreement for details.

Long-Term Considerations

• Resale Value: Future buyers may prefer having all safety features intact and functional. Consider this if you plan to sell your car.
• Software Updates: Future software updates from the manufacturer might reset or override your customized settings.

It’s crucial to weigh these factors carefully before proceeding to disable the alert. Always prioritize safety and adhere to legal requirements.

Wrapping Up

While the steps to disable the ‘Keep Hands on Steering Wheel’ alert vary across different car brands and models, following the general guidelines and brand-specific instructions provided should streamline the process.

However, it’s crucial to remember that this alert is designed for your safety and the safety of others on the road. Disabling it should be done thoughtfully, considering the potential safety implications and legal aspects.

Always stay informed about your vehicle’s capabilities and limitations, and above all, prioritize safe driving practices.