Probably but it would require an entire new steering wheel and it would probably be $1500 at the minimum.

 

Exactly what I was typing ...


MUCH cheaper to hire someone to knit you custom gloves to wear for the first 15 mins of the drive

That said, I have it and LOVE it.
Hopefully you can get it replaced.

 

Don't feel bad - you'd be accidentally hitting that button on the steering wheel all the time. It would end up becoming more of a nuisance than a convenience. Better to just put on a pair of gloves - maybe some nice hand warming/driving gloves. And how many months out of the year do you really need something like that anyway. Better you saved the money.

Feel better now?

 

The very first time I configured my S, I also missed that option, but noticed it after playing with the configurator more (I think I built my car 100 times over before I locked the order). I remember thinking: "I'm glad my OCD paid off."

I think its kind of ridiculous that it's not part of the premium plus package. If that package is going to include heated seats, why omit heated steering wheel? Just to keep the price of PP below 6k?

But I do agree with above poster that I've inadvertently hit the button on several occasions so far, so it does have its quirks. I also only use it for about 5 min in the morning the last few weeks. Once the wheel is at "room temperature" I turn off the button.

 

I've inadvertently hit the button on several occasions so far, so it does have its quirks.

Don't feel bad - you'd be accidentally hitting that button on the steering wheel all the time.

I've ordered the CF heated steering wheel and now I'm wondering if it's going to be a pain.

Can you guys explain where this button is located, how you're holding the steering wheel, and under what conditions you're inadvertently hitting the button?

 

It's at the bottom of the middle spoke of the wheel, in the slot.

Once you accidentally hit it, you learn not to.

 

It's at the bottom of the middle spoke of the wheel, in the slot.

That's what I thought.

...and I'm having a hard time understanding how people hold the steering wheel in a way that results in hitting the button accidentally.

 

I hold that position on highway cruising all the time. Maybe it is just me?

 

I hit it when I'm turning the wheel to make turns.

 

Happens when I'm making certain types of turns as well (e.g., U-turns in high-rise parking garage). Doesn't happen often, but it has happened.

I'm not trying to say heated steering wheel is a bad option. I'm happy with it. Just trying to point out the quirks to make the OP feel just a little bit better. 0

 

I have a hard time FINDING it when I want it!

Wish it had a high and low setting, it actually gets too warm for me and my hands typically run cold.

 

I have a hard time FINDING it when I want it!

Wish it had a high and low setting, it actually gets too warm for me and my hands typically run cold.

Honestly this is perplexing to me. My recommendation is to check with the dealer. In my case, the steering wheel heater is perfect since it does NOTget too hot. It gradually builds to a warm, comfortable setting. I can grab it without gloves and it is just right. With gloves, I can bearly feel it.

 

janene, I agree.
It seems to be set a little hot, but I assume that's for having it on while wearing heavy gloves

 

Of course! Why didn't I think of that??
uhm...guess I didn't really need that heating steering wheel

 

I love mine but I am a displaced Texan in New England and I am cold from November to May

 

I was once a displaced New Englander living in Dallas, Texas -- DURING THE SUMMER! Dark car and had to wear a suit and nylons (strict dress code at EDS in the 80's).

 

Oh geez, I think I was exaggerating a bit, oops. It isn't too hot, just warmer than I expected. I find myself turning it off after awhile.... of course the real cold weather is just starting ... I'm just used to years and years of driving in the cold winter WITHOUT gloves on

I'm very happy that I order it.

 

In past cars with heated steering, that is how I always used it - heated until cabin warms, then off. Can't imagine wanting to keep it on for long periods of time...

 

Hello I was wondering if the macan doesn't have factory heated steering wheel, can I add on afterward or buy a factory heated steering wheel? Heated steering wheel make a huge difference on winter driving here in Chicago. I appreciate all the feedback.

 

No heated steering would be a deal killer for me. I would not touch a car without, especially since there isn’t a real useful route to adding remote start to Porsches.

I just went though this general process when I bought a Panamera. Many cars from FL and CA didn’t have it configured in. I spoke to several service advisors and they said, practically speaking no, it is not possible to add after the fact. My dealership said yes, it can be done but not easily. Wiring is not in place and the car is not programmed. He said that if I found an identical configuration car with heated steering, they could trick the other car into coding it in via software (assume PIWIS). By identical, he meant same year and trim level. This was exceedingly hard to do on a Panamera given lack of dealer availability. Might be easer on Macan.

Bottom line is that I concluded that it is possible with a fair amount of work

 

Take a look at the post”Successful Heated Steering Wheel Retrofit!” Can be done and not very difficult. Good luck!

 

It's an option so just buy one with that option.

To convert one would be a PITA. The simplest way to do it would be to purchase a new steering wheel with the heating elements in it, and then install wiring from the nearest power panel with an auxiliary relay and fuse and mount a control switch on a lower dash panel.

 

I reverse engineered (among many other things) a heated steering wheel to my V8 Touareg. With my labor it came to about a grand: heated steering wheel from Poland, clock spring etc. Care must be taken with the airbag, if you've not handled one before then read and follow directions, if unsure have someone show you.

For where I live, a heated steering wheel is a must and of course if you can, order it when you buy the vehicle. If like myself you bought it pre-loved then you should be able to reverse engineer it.

And of course you need the equivalent of a VCDS diagnostic tool or VW VAS to enable the circuitry. Don't know if Durametric or other would allow you to do so on a Porsche.

siberian
the best long distance runners eat raw meat, run naked and sleep in the snow

 

Bought my 2018 Macan from dealer inventory and it was missing three options I wanted. Two of them, Apple Car Play and Sport Plus Mode were easy as the parts and activation codes were readily available from Porsche, although it often takes some dealer education to get them installed. The last item, heated steering wheel, is not so easy. Porsche will not support installation of a heated steering wheel unless it was included as a factory option. There is some good information in other posts about how to do this yourself but it was never really clear which parts must be replaced and how to accomplish this retrofit with proper activation coding.

First off, before working on sensitive components like airbags, etc, you should download the appropriate Macan Service Manual. I downloaded a PDF of the manual for about $30 and it was very valuable. The two components that need to replaced are the steering wheel as well as the clock spring which resides in the steering column just behind the steering wheel. The activation coding needed for the heated steering wheel to work resides in the steering wheel control unit which is mounted in the heated steering wheel below the center hub of the wheel.

The key to this project is obtaining a used steering wheel that was coded at the factory for the steering wheel heat option. You need to ensure the wheel you buy matches the options in your car. Most Macan's have similar steering wheel functions such as PDK paddles, and multifunction controls, but some new models also have PASM controls on the wheel, so you need to ensure the wheel controls looks exactly like yours. The wheel I purchased on eBay was about $800 and came from a Cayman. Caymans, Boxster and Macans (and other models) use the same steering wheels. eBay listings often include a compatibility list which is a good start, but be sure you are getting a wheel that matches your car. My base Macan has the standard leather wheel so finding a used one with heating was not difficult. Unfortunately the wiring harness on the one I purchased had damaged connectors so I had to replace the steering wheel wiring harness. This was actually good as the process of replacing the wiring harness was a great way to understand how the wheel is wired. (Seller paid for the new harness)

The replacement clock spring is necessary as the one installed by Porsche for non-heated wheels does not have the electrical connections installed to supply power to the wheel heating circuit. There are a lot of clock springs available on eBay so make sure the one you select has the electrical connection for the heated wheel. This connector is at about 8 o'clock on the face of the clock spring and has two contacts. Most sellers will be able to verify the donor car was equipped with a heated steering wheel. Note, the electrical wiring harness for the heated wheel from the fuse box to the clock spring is installed on all Macans so no further wiring is required.

I will not detail the full procedure for changing these components as the service manual is pretty detailed and easy to understand. However, there are some important things to note. Be absolutely sure to disconnect the battery negative terminal (in the boot by the spare tire) and wait a few minutes before you begin the process. Removal of the air bag module is actually simple. If you have your new wheel without an airbag installed you can practice using a narrow screw driver to release the clips. Be careful in removing all the electrical connectors to insure they're not damaged. The connectors all have different release mechanisms so make sure you study each one before releasing it. The steering wheel has a mark that allows you to align it properly with a mark on the steering shaft. The new wheel should be oriented to match the relationship of these marks.

To remove the clock spring you need to remove the plastic shroud around the steering column. The top part simply pops off and the bottom is held by three screws; two on the front at the top corners and one underneath. The one underneath is accessed directly if you have a manual adjust column or by removing the column adjusting switch if you have the memory package. The clock spring is held in place by a tiny silver screw at the bottom in the center and two clips at the top. (Work the top clips off gently so you don't snap them off.) The clock spring has a coiled ribbon of conductors inside its case. This ribbon winds left or right when steering to accommodate the steering wheel position. This is simply the modern way to maintain all the electrical connections on the wheel. You need to ensure the new clock spring was actually centered when it was removed from the donor vehicle. The case is transparent so you can make sure it looks the same as the internal coil on the one you removed. If you want to physically check it, you can depress the button on the front and rotate it fully in one direction then the other way while counting the number of turns. Then simply wind it back half the number of turns to make sure it's centered.

Reassembly is simply the reverse. Make sure you securely fasten all the electrical connectors to the clock spring and they lock in place. When replacing the steering wheel, orient it to the mark on the steering column and make sure the upper electrical connector and the heated steering connector are firmly in place before screwing the wheel in place. (Porsche actually calls the steering wheel nut a "steering wheel screw".). The proper torque is listed as different values in different places but the service manual indicates the initial tightening is to 30 NM and the final tightening is to tighten it another 90 deg's. Strange but that's what they recommend. Also, be sure to securely fasten the two air bag connectors. Both of them have a tab on top that must be popped up before removal. When the connectors are firmly in place you push down on the tabs to lock them in place. Some people have not attached the air bag connectors properly resulting in air bag faults. BTW, Porsche strongly recommends using a new steering wheel screw each time it is removed due to fresh thread locker on the new one. If you have your tools ready to go the entire process should take less than an hour. It is not difficult, simply one that you want to do slowly and carefully.

As this process requires there can be no electrical power to the car, disconnection of the battery will cause the car to forget certain settings. When you finally restart the car you will get error codes related to the battery disconnect. This is completely normal. People have reported different error codes but mine Indicated 1) PSM Failure, 2) AWD Failure, 3) Lighting system malfunction and 4) Limited steering system support. In addition the auto start/stop was deactivated and the Hill Descent button did not function. Literally all of these error codes are related to the need to recalibrate the steering angle sensor.

You can have the steering angle sensor recalibrated using the OEM Porsche diagnostic tool, or an aftermarket code reader such as the FOXWELL NT650. My recommendation is to take the car to an aftermarket garage specializing in Porsche maintenance and have them do it. It takes about 5 minutes and most garages charge only a nominal fee or nothing at all. In my case the local dealer indicated the codes could not be removed and so they were not able to correct them. Per the dealer this was because my car was not built with heated steering. One of the service reps told me quietly to take it to a local garage as they're much more "flexible" than the dealer who is under Porsche control. I did that and it was corrected in 5 minutes. The shop tech simply shook his head about the inability of the local dealer to accomplish this simple task. Chalk it up to OEM politics.

So, long story short my 2018 Macan now has fully functional steering wheel heating and operates perfectly.

Note that pretty much all Porsche cars are spec'd differently so there are endless variations that could affect this process. My car is a base Macan. but I spent a good deal of time researching the process which worked for my car. In addition, you will be banking on the fact the steering wheel you acquire was coded properly at the factory and is still fully functional. Most of the used steering wheels available are from donor cars that were scrapped and likely experienced an airbag deployment. So there are risks. However, that's part of the fun. It's a great feeling the first time you hit the heated steering wheel button and the multifunction display pops up with the message. "Heated Steering Wheel On".

Good luck with your project if you decide to give it a shot!

 

Bought my 2018 Macan from dealer inventory and it was missing three options I wanted. Two of them, Apple Car Play and Sport Plus Mode were easy as the parts and activation codes were readily available from Porsche, although it often takes some dealer education to get them installed. The last item, heated steering wheel, is not so easy. Porsche will not support installation of a heated steering wheel unless it was included as a factory option. There is some good information in other posts about how to do this yourself but it was never really clear which parts must be replaced and how to accomplish this retrofit with proper activation coding.

First off, before working on sensitive components like airbags, etc, you should download the appropriate Macan Service Manual. I downloaded a PDF of the manual for about $30 and it was very valuable. The two components that need to replaced are the steering wheel as well as the clock spring which resides in the steering column just behind the steering wheel. The activation coding needed for the heated steering wheel to work resides in the steering wheel control unit which is mounted in the heated steering wheel below the center hub of the wheel.

The key to this project is obtaining a used steering wheel that was coded at the factory for the steering wheel heat option. You need to ensure the wheel you buy matches the options in your car. Most Macan's have similar steering wheel functions such as PDK paddles, and multifunction controls, but some new models also have PASM controls on the wheel, so you need to ensure the wheel controls looks exactly like yours. The wheel I purchased on eBay was about $800 and came from a Cayman. Caymans, Boxster and Macans (and other models) use the same steering wheels. eBay listings often include a compatibility list which is a good start, but be sure you are getting a wheel that matches your car. My base Macan has the standard leather wheel so finding a used one with heating was not difficult. Unfortunately the wiring harness on the one I purchased had damaged connectors so I had to replace the steering wheel wiring harness. This was actually good as the process of replacing the wiring harness was a great way to understand how the wheel is wired. (Seller paid for the new harness)

The replacement clock spring is necessary as the one installed by Porsche for non-heated wheels does not have the electrical connections installed to supply power to the wheel heating circuit. There are a lot of clock springs available on eBay so make sure the one you select has the electrical connection for the heated wheel. This connector is at about 8 o'clock on the face of the clock spring and has two contacts. Most sellers will be able to verify the donor car was equipped with a heated steering wheel. Note, the electrical wiring harness for the heated wheel from the fuse box to the clock spring is installed on all Macans so no further wiring is required.

I will not detail the full procedure for changing these components as the service manual is pretty detailed and easy to understand. However, there are some important things to note. Be absolutely sure to disconnect the battery negative terminal (in the boot by the spare tire) and wait a few minutes before you begin the process. Removal of the air bag module is actually simple. If you have your new wheel without an airbag installed you can practice using a narrow screw driver to release the clips. Be careful in removing all the electrical connectors to insure they're not damaged. The connectors all have different release mechanisms so make sure you study each one before releasing it. The steering wheel has a mark that allows you to align it properly with a mark on the steering shaft. The new wheel should be oriented to match the relationship of these marks.

To remove the clock spring you need to remove the plastic shroud around the steering column. The top part simply pops off and the bottom is held by three screws; two on the front at the top corners and one underneath. The one underneath is accessed directly if you have a manual adjust column or by removing the column adjusting switch if you have the memory package. The clock spring is held in place by a tiny silver screw at the bottom in the center and two clips at the top. (Work the top clips off gently so you don't snap them off.) The clock spring has a coiled ribbon of conductors inside its case. This ribbon winds left or right when steering to accommodate the steering wheel position. This is simply the modern way to maintain all the electrical connections on the wheel. You need to ensure the new clock spring was actually centered when it was removed from the donor vehicle. The case is transparent so you can make sure it looks the same as the internal coil on the one you removed. If you want to physically check it, you can depress the button on the front and rotate it fully in one direction then the other way while counting the number of turns. Then simply wind it back half the number of turns to make sure it's centered.

Reassembly is simply the reverse. Make sure you securely fasten all the electrical connectors to the clock spring and they lock in place. When replacing the steering wheel, orient it to the mark on the steering column and make sure the upper electrical connector and the heated steering connector are firmly in place before screwing the wheel in place. (Porsche actually calls the steering wheel nut a "steering wheel screw".). The proper torque is listed as different values in different places but the service manual indicates the initial tightening is to 30 NM and the final tightening is to tighten it another 90 deg's. Strange but that's what they recommend. Also, be sure to securely fasten the two air bag connectors. Both of them have a tab on top that must be popped up before removal. When the connectors are firmly in place you push down on the tabs to lock them in place. Some people have not attached the air bag connectors properly resulting in air bag faults. BTW, Porsche strongly recommends using a new steering wheel screw each time it is removed due to fresh thread locker on the new one. If you have your tools ready to go the entire process should take less than an hour. It is not difficult, simply one that you want to do slowly and carefully.

As this process requires there can be no electrical power to the car, disconnection of the battery will cause the car to forget certain settings. When you finally restart the car you will get error codes related to the battery disconnect. This is completely normal. People have reported different error codes but mine Indicated 1) PSM Failure, 2) AWD Failure, 3) Lighting system malfunction and 4) Limited steering system support. In addition the auto start/stop was deactivated and the Hill Descent button did not function. Literally all of these error codes are related to the need to recalibrate the steering angle sensor.

You can have the steering angle sensor recalibrated using the OEM Porsche diagnostic tool, or an aftermarket code reader such as the FOXWELL NT650. My recommendation is to take the car to an aftermarket garage specializing in Porsche maintenance and have them do it. It takes about 5 minutes and most garages charge only a nominal fee or nothing at all. In my case the local dealer indicated the codes could not be removed and so they were not able to correct them. Per the dealer this was because my car was not built with heated steering. One of the service reps told me quietly to take it to a local garage as they're much more "flexible" than the dealer who is under Porsche control. I did that and it was corrected in 5 minutes. The shop tech simply shook his head about the inability of the local dealer to accomplish this simple task. Chalk it up to OEM politics.

So, long story short my 2018 Macan now has fully functional steering wheel heating and operates perfectly.

Note that pretty much all Porsche cars are spec'd differently so there are endless variations that could affect this process. My car is a base Macan. but I spent a good deal of time researching the process which worked for my car. In addition, you will be banking on the fact the steering wheel you acquire was coded properly at the factory and is still fully functional. Most of the used steering wheels available are from donor cars that were scrapped and likely experienced an airbag deployment. So there are risks. However, that's part of the fun. It's a great feeling the first time you hit the heated steering wheel button and the multifunction display pops up with the message. "Heated Steering Wheel On".

Good luck with your project if you decide to give it a shot!

do you know if I buy a steering wheel frame that has heating steering but the rest of the frame and controls are from my steering will it work? also, how do you activate the heated steering wheel?

I ask because I am, buying a steering wheel that is carbon fiber that has harness for heated steering wheel but my car does not have it .... I'd like to add it if I can

 

Great post. Do you have a link for downloading the manuals?

 

Try: Porsche Macan 2017 2018 Repair Manual

 

Fantastic work!!!! I live in a very cold place so a car without heated steering wheel is a deal breaker to me. Specifically on Porsche I struggle to understand why they do not simply raise the Premium Package by $280 (a drop in the bucket for someone spending over $60k in a car) and include heated steering wheel with the heated seats. It is the cheapest option one can add to a Macan ($280) but if you forget to check that box you have to go through the pain you endured.

 

The heated steering wheel is a funny option. Not sure what percentage of Porsches are spec'd with it but once you've had it, you can't live without it. My guess is that given the varying opinions of buyers, Porsche doesn't think it rates being included in the Premium Packages. BTW, I do not want to be negative about the dealers ability to help with this type of project. Actually, asking them to help out is like asking them to be a partner in your Porsche hack. I think the dealers tools are programmed to support Porsches policies and thus coding heated steering wheels in cars without the original option is verboten. My dealer would like to help but I think his hands are tied. Anyway, on cold mornings the first thing I turn on after the ignition is my heated steering wheel. My old stiff hands love it! (Not to mention it was actually a fun project!)

 

Take a look at the post “Successful Heated Steering Wheel Retrofit!”. Can be done and not too difficult. Good luck!

 

Here’s the link to that thread

Arrrggh!! Heated steering wheel retrofit?

Somewhere between my initial config and the numerous changes I made before my final build order, I did not check off the heated steering wheel. I was rather bummed to find out during the pickup that my steering wheel lacked the button for the heated function. Had been looking forward to having...

www.macanforum.com

 

Hello All,

Three questions:

1. Have you noticed a difference between heated and non-heated steering wheel? I just got 2020 Macan base as a loaner and it has heated steering wheel which feels cheap, on the other hand, my non-heated steering wheel feels like it's made from better leather. Is this a difference between Macan base and S or between heated and non-heated steering wheel? I am thinking of swapping the wheels but if heated always feels like that I will have to pass.
2. What kind of efforts are associated with retrofitting LCA? I see that I can buy side mirrors with amber lights, but I bet I will have to do something else, like sensors etc? Anyone did that?
3. What happens if I activate PDLS+ if I don't have LKA? Will it still work or no? If no, can I add camera to my windshield to activate it?

any input appreciated.

thanks!

 

I’ll admit I’m not the expert, hopefully others will weigh in. I have looked at swapping steering wheels (I miss heated steering) and It can be done, but you have to make sure the wheel has the same features, which makes it more challenging. Do you have an upgraded leather package? That’s more likely the difference in the quality. (Another thing you’d need to match)

LCA requires a front facing sensor located in the mirror. PDLS+ might as well. In many cases retrofitting multipart systems is a pain. I’m pretty sure some searching will lead you to threads that talk about these. Best of luck.

 

Heated steering Wheel = bliss.

 

Earlier this year I was about to buy a 2021 Carrera S. Saw one I liked, in my price range, but it lacked the heated steering wheel which for me is an absolute must have. I like to think other things are must haves, but I can usually do without them. The dealership got back to me a day or so later and said they could install a heated steering wheel at not additional cost. By that time, unfortunately, I had already purchased an M5.

It is absolutely possible that steering wheel leather differs between models and even amongst them. In my 2021 Ford Raptor I have the upgraded alcantara Recaro seats. That comes with a leather steering wheel which to me feels of lower quality than the Raptor with the cheaper seats. Go figure.

As for LCA, retrofit, etc., I find LCA also a kind of must have. LKA you can keep.

PDLS+ is a nice addition but far from a deal breaker. Aside from the auto high beam function, it also extends the reach of the headlights over a certain speed. I'm not often going that fast and have yet to experience it.