Fanatec Driver & Firmware Instructions

1. Driver Installation

This section guides you through installing the necessary drivers for your Fanatec hardware.

1.1 Choosing the Correct File

IMPORTANT: A Windows-based PC is mandatory!

The zip-file includes two installation files: Fanatec_32_driver_352.msi and Fanatec_64_driver_352.msi. The first number indicates the operating system the driver is meant for (32-bit or 64-bit), and the last number refers to the version of the driver.

Most modern PCs run Windows in 64-bit. You can check your system type by:

1. Pressing the ? (Windows Key) on your keyboard.
2. Typing "system information" and pressing Enter.
3. Searching for the line named "System Type".

System Type Mapping:

• x86 = 32-bit
• x64 = 64-bit

System Information Example:

1.2 Installation

1. Initialize the correct file by running the executable file chosen in 1.1.
2. Click "Next".
3. Read and accept the License Agreement, then click Next.
4. Click "Next" or choose a different folder if you prefer.
5. Click "Install" and accept any pop-up messages.
6. Click "Finish".
7. A message will prompt a Windows restart to complete the installation. It is recommended to restart your PC immediately.

If you encounter any issues, refer to section "9. Troubleshooting" in this manual.

2. Driver User Interface

This section describes how to access and navigate the Fanatec driver software.

2.1 Open Driver User Interface

To access the driver user interface, the device must be connected to a PC via USB, and the wheel base must be in PC Mode (refer to the device's manual for mode changing instructions).

The driver user interface can be accessed via the desktop shortcut, "Fanatec Wheel Property Page", or by pressing the ? (Windows Key) and typing "USB-Gamecontroller".

To open the driver user interface, double-click on the device of your choice in the "Game Controllers" window.

Note: Some wheel bases may appear as two devices (e.g., CSL Elite WB+(PS4), CS WB V2.5, Podium DDs). Selecting either will have no effect. Pedals will only appear if connected separately via USB.

If you encounter an issue, refer to section "9. Troubleshooting" of this manual.

2.2 Pop-up Messages

If the installed driver contains new firmware versions that have not yet been flashed, you will be prompted via a pop-up message to update the firmware.

Accept the prompt by clicking "Yes" and follow the instructions for firmware updates (Section 3. Firmware Updates).

IMPORTANT: Always re-open the driver user interface after a firmware update to check for further updates, verify basic functionality (Section 4. Function Test), and calibrate your device (Section 5.2. Calibration).

2.3 Driver User Interface Overview

The driver interface typically includes several tabs:

• Function Test: Used to test your devices (Section 4).
• Settings: Used to adjust options and calibrate connected hardware (Section 5).
• Tuning Menu: Access settings that are also available on your wheel (Section 6).
• Mouse Settings: Enable and configure mouse emulation (Section 7).
• Update: Manage firmware updates.

3. Firmware Update

This section details the process of updating the firmware for your Fanatec hardware.

Each driver package contains firmware for the following hardware:

• Wheel Bases
• Selected Steering Wheels (e.g., Podium Hub, Podium Button Module Endurance, ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2, CSL Elite Steering Wheel McLaren GT3 V1/V2, CSL Elite Steering Wheel WRC, CSL Universal Hub)
• USB Pedals (via USB)
• ClubSport USB Adaptor

IMPORTANT: If you have compatible steering wheels, connect them to the wheel base after installing a new driver to check for firmware updates.

Note: The driver will automatically prompt you with a pop-up message to update if more recent firmware versions are available. This action initiates the Fanatec Firmware Manager.

You can start the Fanatec Firmware Manager manually by clicking the "Update" button in the driver interface.

The available firmware updates will be displayed based on your hardware configuration. Simply click on "Update" to start the process.

The firmware manager will guide you through all necessary steps. During the update process, please note:

• All Tuning Menu settings will reset to factory defaults after a wheel base firmware update. Consider saving your current Tuning Menu settings.
• For Xbox versions, the Wheel Base may reboot into Xbox One Mode after firmware update.
• The fan may run at full speed after a Wheel Base firmware update and will return to normal speed after the Motor firmware update.

Firmware can also be updated manually by clicking "Manual Firmware Update". This is for advanced users only and carries risks of hardware damage or permanent bricking of the device.

Note: When combining modules like the Podium Hub and Button Module Endurance, you might encounter issues updating each device's firmware. If so, disconnect the Button Module Endurance connector from the Podium Hub, reconnect it after the Podium Hub's firmware update, or use a ClubSport USB Adapter connected directly to a PC.

4. Function Test

This tab allows you to test the functionality of your connected hardware. The appearance of this page may vary depending on the connected hardware.

Steering Wheel Centre Check:

This feature shows the current steering angle. An indicator provides a rough overview, and the number in the bottom right displays the exact degrees of rotation. If the wheel is centered, the number should be "0". If not, follow the calibration instructions in "5.2. Calibration" to center the wheel.

Test LED, Display, FFB, and Vibration:

This section is visible when a steering wheel or wheel base with LEDs is connected. Buttons activate:

• Wheel base LEDs
• Steering wheel LEDs
• Steering wheel display animation
• FFB effects (shakes the wheel)
• Vibration motors

Test Steering Wheel Button Inputs:

This allows testing of all standard button inputs. A blue indicator appears when buttons or shifter paddles are activated. Complex inputs like rotary encoders, thumb encoders, Multi-Position Switches (MPS), D-Pad, analogue joysticks, and shifters can also be tested.

Test Multi-Position Switch (MPS):

The current mode of the MPS is shown in square brackets (e.g., [CONST], [PULSE], [ENC]). Modes can be adjusted in the Tuning Menu.

• In [CONST] and [PULSE] modes, indicators show the current positions of the left and right MPS.
• In [ENC] mode, the indicator is inactive. Rotating the MPS shows an impulse in the boxes on the right: "+" for right rotation, "-" for left rotation.

Mode Switch:

The Mode Switch indicator and letter show the current mode of the analogue paddles. Details are in the wheel quick guide.

• A: Dual Clutch Bite Point Mode (both paddles mapped to clutch).
• B: Left paddle mapped to clutch, right paddle to handbrake.
• C: Left paddle mapped to brake, right paddle to throttle.
• D: Axes replace analogue joystick and can be mapped freely in-game.

Thumb Encoder:

Shows input from the left and right thumb encoder. A blue square appears when rotated. Upper boxes indicate left rotation, lower boxes indicate right rotation.

D-Pad:

D-pad arrows (up, down, left, right) change color from black to blue when pressed on the D-Pad or FunkySwitch™.

Analogue Joystick:

Tests the analogue stick's left/right (X-axis) and up/down (Y-axis) movement. If Mode Switch is "D", the stick controls analogue clutch paddles. It can also be used for mouse control (Section 7. Mouse Emulation).

Rotary Encoder:

Shows rotary encoder input from the FunkySwitch™. A blue square appears in one of two boxes when rotated left or right.

H-Pattern and SEQ-Shifter:

The "2GS" indicator shows input when the shifter is in SEQ mode. In H-Pattern mode, gear boxes fill red to indicate shifter position. Re-calibrate the shifter if issues occur (refer to quick guide or "5.2. Calibration").

Test and adjust pedals and handbrake:

Blue bars indicate input for clutch, brake, throttle, and handbrake. If Mode Switch is A, B, or C, analogue paddle inputs are also reflected. By default, "set max" and "set min" buttons are hidden, and pedals auto-calibrate. Manual calibration can be activated in the "Settings" tab. The vibration feature of the brake and throttle pedal can be tested with "Test Rumble..." buttons.

5. Settings

This tab allows you to adjust settings (5.1.) and calibrate your hardware (5.2.). The page appearance varies depending on the connected hardware.

5.1 Options

Note: Some options may not be visible depending on the connected hardware.

• Combined pedals: Merges throttle and brake pedals into one axis, useful for compatibility with older games.
• Enable CSP V3 manual mode: Deactivates Auto-Calibration and adds "set min" and "set max" buttons for pedals and handbrake (Section 4. Function Test).
• Map sequential shifter to the shifter paddles: Binds sequential shifter inputs to paddles (push for downshift, pull for upshift).
• Wheel angle / sensitivity [SEN]: Adjusts maximum steering angle. For wheel bases like CSL E or CSW 1.0 that don't support the Tuning Menu within the driver, the Tuning Menu setting "SEN" must be "AUTO" for this slide to have an effect.

5.2 Calibration

• Wheel Centre Calibration: After every wheel base firmware update, calibrate the wheel centre. Center the wheel, click the button, and confirm. The new center can be checked in the "4. Function Test" tab. Calibration can also be done via a steering wheel button combination.
• H-Shifter Calibration: Starts shifter calibration, which can also be done via button combination and is described in the shifter manual. Follow on-screen instructions. Tip: For best results, release the shifter lever after each gear selection before pressing "Next".
• DD Motor Sensor Calibration: After every wheel base motor firmware update of a Podium DD, this calibration ensures smooth steering feel. Remove the steering wheel before starting. The wheel base shaft will rotate slowly. A message on the DD display confirms completion. Do not touch the shaft during calibration.

6. Tuning Menu

This tab contains Tuning Menu settings, also accessible on your wheel. Settings vary with the detected hardware combination.

Click the ❓ icon next to a setting for a description. Additional information is available in product quick guides and manuals.

Sliders are automatically synced with the wheel base settings. Changes made in the driver or on the wheel are mirrored instantly, without needing to "Apply".

Up to 5 individual profiles of settings can be saved on the wheel base.

The "Reset" button reverts all settings to factory defaults.

Watch the Tuning Menu Tutorial video on the official Fanatec YouTube channel.

7. Mouse Settings

This section allows you to enable and configure mouse emulation.

IMPORTANT: Only available with steering wheels featuring an analogue joystick.

Note: If your wheel has the Advanced Paddle Module, Mode D for analogue paddles cannot be used as it conflicts with mouse functionality. Use Mode A, B, C, or disable mouse emulation. Modes are described in "4. Function Test" under "Mode Switch".

Check the "Emulate Mouse" box to enable mouse emulation.

• Hotkey Button: Select a button to enable/disable emulation.
• Cursor Speed: Adjusts how fast the mouse cursor moves.
• Buttons: Map buttons for left, middle, and right mouse clicks. The steering wheel diagram shows corresponding button numbers.
• Axes: By default, the mouse follows the joystick's left/right and up/down movement, but this can be changed here.
• Wheel: Rotation of the FunkySwitch™ can be used as the mouse wheel.

The "Default" button resets all settings.

8. Troubleshooting

This section provides solutions for common issues.

8.1 Device Not Visible / Driver UI Does Not Open

Note: Not all steps may be necessary; follow them in order from easiest to quickest.

Possible Solutions:

• Ensure the wheel base is in PC mode. Switch modes using the mode button or a button combination on the steering wheel (refer to the quick guide or manual if unsure).
• Unplug and re-plug the USB cable, or try a different USB port. Use mainboard USB ports, as add-on ports, extensions, or hubs can sometimes cause issues.
• Use the repair function of the driver installer.

Repair Function Steps:

1. Ensure the device is connected, switched ON, and in PC mode.
2. Start the same installer used for the initial driver installation.
3. Click "Next".
4. Click "Repair".
5. Click "Repair" again.
6. Accept the Administrator message with "Yes" if prompted.
7. Click "Finish".
8. A pop-up message will prompt to restart your PC; click "Yes".

Manual Driver Update via Device Manager:

1. Press the ? (Windows Key) on your keyboard, type "Device Manager", and press Enter.
2. Look for an "Unknown Device" with a yellow exclamation mark ⚠️. Unplugging and re-plugging the USB cable can help identify the correct device.
3. Right-click on the "Unknown Device" and choose "Update driver".
4. Select "Browse my computer for driver software".
5. Browse to the folder: C:\Program Files\Fanatec\Fanatec Wheel.
6. Click "Next".
7. Restart your computer.
8. Check Device Manager again for any remaining "Unknown Devices" with a yellow exclamation mark ⚠️ and repeat the process if necessary.

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, revert to a previous driver/firmware version as explained in section 8.2.

8.2 Reverting to Older Driver / Firmware

If a new issue arises, you can revert to a previous driver or firmware version that did not exhibit the problem. If multiple versions do not help, contact Fanatec Support, as the issue may be hardware-related.

Uninstalling the Current Driver:

1. Press the ? (Windows Key) on your keyboard, type "Apps & features", and press Enter.
2. In the search bar, type "Fanatec".
3. Locate "FANATEC driver package".
4. Click "Uninstall" and follow the on-screen prompts.

Install a Previous Driver:

If you need an earlier version that worked previously, older drivers can be found on the product page or the Fanatec forum under "Fanatec Software" and "Beta Drivers". Install the driver as described in "1. Driver Installation".

Reverting Firmware Versions:

For advanced users only! Risks include hardware damage and permanent bricking of the device.

1. Open the driver user interface as described in 2.1.
2. Navigate to the "Update" tab.
3. Click on "Open Firmware Update Assistant".
4. Enable "Manual Firmware Update".
5. Select your desired hardware for which you want to perform the firmware reverting procedure.
6. The firmware manager will guide you through the necessary steps, similar to updating firmware.
7. Repeat this process for other firmware versions as needed.