Follow these steps to potentially solve the problem:

1. Open the Steam application
2. Select “View”
3. Select “Settings”
4. Select “Controller”
5. In “General Controller Settings”, uncheck the checkbox for “Generic Gamepad Configuration Support”.

If the issue persists, reinstall the Steam Client.

Since Microsoft dropped their own support (April 2014) of Windows XP after more than 13 years we are not longer able to support this PC platform. The last wheels/pedals/shifter driver which supports Windows XP is driver 144. Later driver versions use new software technology which is just not possible on Windows XP.

If your hardware or a new firmware requires a newer operation system we only can recommend to upgrade your Windows operating system to a newer version which will not be outdated for a longer while.

In theory you can use any RJ12-RJ12 (6p6c straight) and USB (type A — type B; USB 1/2.0) cable which has the right connectors on both ends. If you use high quality cables of similar length to the originals, there should be no problem. Please keep in mind that Fanatec cannot guarantee perfect functionality if third-party products are involved even if the combination should work.

Important notes regarding (replacement) cables:

• Cables which are significantly longer than the original cables can cause connection issues
• Extension cables are often the source of connection issues. Longer high-quality cables are the better option
• If your product came with a high-quality ferrite core cable, a replacement cable should be of similar quality

Q: Can I purchase replacement “RJ12–RJ12” / “USB A — USB B” cables from Fanatec?

A: We should be able to offer replacement cables for all recent products. If they are not offered in the webshop, please ask our support team. But alternatively, it is also possible to use similar standard USB/RJ12 high quality cables, which are inexpensive and can be found at most electrical retailers.

We have received a couple reports that driver v261 cannot be installed on some Win7 PCs. The root cause is that Windows 7 Updates sometimes are not working as expected. Windows 7 is not aware of recent verification signatures. Therefore we needed to export a special driver for Windows 7 which includes our old driver signature as well. Please try this driver if you are experiencing issues like that:

2016.12.05-Fanatec_driver_261_DualSigned:
https://www.fanatec.com/forum/uploads/FileUpload/1d/bfd0b5d389b03d56d485708e3b9e8c.zip

CSW V2 and V2.5 users can also use our latest beta driver (V281) which resolves the issue as well:
https://www.fanatec.com/forum/discussion/547/fanatec-beta-driver-v281-for-csw-v2-and-v2-5/p1

This driver also works well for other Windows versions (Win7, Win8, Win8.1, Win10). Feel free to test this driver if you are having any issues installing the latest official driver v261 and let our support team know. Thank you!

EVERY PC game can use extended features (display, vibration, rev LEDs, rev Stripe, etc.) of our Fanatec Wheel products as well as ABS software controlled vibration (CSP pedals) but the game developer has to implement those features. We are rolling out the SDK right now (Okt. 2012)to them and they can implement whatever they want.

CSR, CSRE, GT2, PWTS, GT3V2: Fully supported using firmware 750+
CSW Series: Fully supported (all firmwares)
CSL Series: Fully supported
ClubSport Pedals: Fully Supported

Great example: Codemasters just updated F1 2012 on PC to use the SDK directly without any necessary modifications.

Alternatively you can use Fanaleds or SLIMax Manager to activate these unique features in many games. Both great applications can be downloaded for free:

www.fanaleds.com
http://www.eksimracing.com/getting-started-with-fanatec-hardware-and-slimax-mgr-pro/

-> If a game features native SDK support it will override the use of any 3rd party tool like Fanaleds.

If you connect a P1 Steering Wheel or the Universal Hub for Xbox One to a Fanatec Wheel Base (CSL E WB or CSW V2) the wheel base will directly go into Xbox One Mode which is indicated by the green LED on the wheel base. In order to use the Wheel Base on PC you will have to set the device into PC mode.

CSW V2:
Please check the manual/quick guide of your steering wheel (P1 or UHX) how to set the wheel base into PC mode.

CSL E WB:
Press the “Mode” button on the wheel base to set it into PC Mode. The LED will turn red and your PC will be able to detect the device now.

What is the Fanatec SDK or what can you do with it?

The fanatec SDK is a package (VS based library) which lets programmers and developers use the extended features of our Fanatec Wheel and Pedal products. With use of the SDK code your game/software can

…make use of the additional wheel vibration/rumble motors (not the FFB motors)
…make use of the tuning display (for gear display, speeder, …)
…make use of the vibration motors on ClubSport Pedals
…make use of the rev LEDs on ClubSport Wheel rims
…detect different Fanatec products if they have the same USB product ID (CSR or CSR Elite, etc.)
…detect the rim type connected to the ClubSport Wheel Base
…etc.

Is the Fanatec SDK available for anybody?

No, not in general. If you want to use the Fanatec SDK please contact our support team and mention what your plans are to use the SDK. After reviewing those plans you might receive a NDA which has to be signed before the SDK would be sent to you.

What is not a function of the Fanatec SDK?

The SDK is not necessary to get any output (pedal axis, steering wheel axis/rotation, button inputs) from our hardware. This is controlled by DirectInput only as our devices are HID standard devices.
The SDK is not necessary to send force feedback effects to the wheel. For that you will only need to install the driver and to send standard direct input commands for FFB.

So in gerneral all input/output and FFB features of our products do not need the SDK. It is only need for special Fanatec functions as mentioned on top of this article.

In general we are not able to provide developer support how to read and control force feedback devices (which works 100% the same way for Fanatec hardware as for Logitech, Thrustmaster etc.). Please use Microsofts documentation. Here are some useful links to get you into the topic:
DirectInput – Enumerating devices – https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/bb153253(v=vs.85).aspx
DirectInput – Capturing from Devices – https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/bb153252(v=vs.85).aspx
DirectInput – Using Force Feedback – https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/bb153254(v=vs.85).aspx

We are asked very often, if gloves should be used on our wheels to keep them in good condition. The question cannot answered that easily. In general, gloves can help to keep the wheel clean and protect it sweat. But on the other hand, gloves can increase the wear of the wheel rim material (leather, strands etc.), to a much higher level than bare hands would do. This additional wear cannot be covered by warranty. Testing capabilities are limited and it is impossible to test all types/brands of gloves, to make recommendations.

Because of this and the possibly increased wear & tear, Fanatec cannot give a general recommendation to use gloves.