Since the Thrustmaster T818 has been available for some time, updates have only enhanced the wheelbase and the overall driving experience, which is excellent for those who have waited to join the Thrustmaster ecosystem later.
Although rough edges have been smoothed out, certain issues may still occur. Fortunately, because the base has been on the market for a while, the user community has worked hard to troubleshoot and identify common problems with the wheelbase.
Image by Thrustmaster
So what are these potential system gremlins?
- The wheel can disconnect mid-game
- FFB can fail intermittently or altogether
- In severe, rare cases, the wheel can ‘brick’ after a firmware update
In this entry, we will explore how to overcome these frustrating types of speed bumps you might encounter and how to leave them behind in the rearview mirror as quickly as possible. Let’s get started!
Updating the Software and Firmware through the My Thrustmaster App
Make sure that you have the latest software and firmware installed before doing any of the steps below. For both parts, you will need the My Thrustmaster app, which notifies you when new updates are released, so make sure your software driver is up to date.
For the firmware update, also found in the link above, make sure to carefully follow Thrustmaster’s instructions, as failure to do so could result in unintended consequences.
Source: Thrustmaster
If you are worried about moving forward with the firmware update, make sure to read our other guide on the topic, which is designed to help you safely complete the process without harming your wheelbase.
Avoiding USB hubs and only connecting directly to the system
If you’re experiencing connection issues with your wheelbase, consider removing it from the USB hub (if you’re using one) and connecting it directly to your PC.
It’s essential to ensure the wheelbase connection is through a USB 3.0 port or a newer version, such as 3.1 or 3.2, which are typically found on the motherboard on the back of your computer case. To identify the correct ports, refer to your motherboard’s manual, which is often available on the manufacturer’s website, where the ports are usually distinguished by colour.
Additionally, you can use a program like USB Device Tree Viewer to check which USB port a specific device is currently connected to, which can be helpful for troubleshooting. Since high-bandwidth devices like wheelbases require fast, stable data transfer, connecting the device directly to a rear USB port helps ensure a clean, reliable connection with sufficient power.
Disabling PC power saving settings
After completing the previous step, consider disabling the PC’s power saving settings, which are controlled by two separate options in Windows 11. These power-saving features often disrupt stable connections between your wheelbase, PC, and other peripherals. Since a wheelbase requires high-speed data and power transfer from the motherboard, this can cause problems.
Your first move should be to Disable USB Power Saving.
You do this by opening Power Options. Press Windows Key + R, type powercfg.cpl, and hit Enter.
Then, click “Change plan settings” next to the plan you’re currently using.
Click “Change advanced power settings”.
In the new window, expand “USB settings” until you reach the “USB selective suspend” setting.
Select “Disabled” here.
Click “Apply” and then “OK”.
Your second move should be to prevent Windows from turning off USB devices, with focus on your wheelbase. This is where the aforementioned USB Device Tree proves invaluable once again, since the standard Windows Device Manager won’t provide much info on which device is which.
Once you are in the USB Device Tree Viewer app, locate your T818 Wheelbase within your system (in the example below, a VRS DFP15 is connected, but the approach works for any wheelbase).
If need be, expand each tab by left-clicking it until you find the “HID-compliant game controller” (which is what it is called in the Windows Device Manager).
Right-click on the “HID-compliant game controller” tab and click on “Device Properties” found on the pop-up context menu.
Within the “General tab” in the new window, click on “Change settings” in the lower left.
Another window, “USB Input Device Properties”, will open. Here, you will go to the “Power Management” tab.
By default, the “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” should be on. Disable this and press “OK”.
Remember to re-disable the setting if you switch USB ports for your peripherals, since the settings may reset.
Replacing the OEM USB-C cable
Some T818 users have found that replacing the included USB cable resolves their issues permanently, making it a common fix for this problem.
The type of USB-C data cable you should look for is a braided, durable cable, as they withstand vibration better. This is vital, as the cable will be exposed to vibrations from the wheelbase during driving, which may cause disconnections.
UGREEN offers one on Amazon, but depending on your location, you might need to go directly to their website or find another equivalent.
Spending more money on already expensive gear will not be many users’ first choice, so reaching out to Thrustmaster Support is the better first choice, before resorting to fixing the issue oneself.
Replacing the Power Supply Unit of the wheelbase
Higher FFB settings demand more power from the T818’s PSU. If the force feedback suddenly goes numb, or the wheelbase shuts down or restarts under load, it may indicate that the power supply is failing and needs to be replaced.
Replacing the PSU on the T818 is not as straightforward as with wheelbases from brands like Fanatec, where users have occasionally succeeded in using third-party power supplies with similar wattage and connector standards. In the T818’s case, the power supply appears to be a proprietary unit, making third-party replacements next to impossible to find, according to user reports (and the lack thereof) across forums. This has led some technically inclined users to engineer their own custom PSUs, which is impressive but far beyond what most owners should attempt.
Therefore, before considering any such extreme measures, it is best to contact Thrustmaster Support and request an RMA for the power supply. This ensures you receive a compatible, manufacturer-approved unit that delivers the correct power safely and reliably.
When to Contact SimRigSupport
Searching the web for solutions can be time-consuming and energy-draining, and sometimes your problem might be so unique that there’s no clear answer. Sim rigs are complex because they are composed of a myriad of parts, firmware, and software from a myriad of different brands, which can lead to tangled wires or driver conflicts.
That’s where SimRigSupport steps in. Whether you need on-site assistance or support at your home rig, we’re here to help. We aim to get you back up and running as quickly as possible. Please contact us if you would like to learn more.Reach out to us as soon as possible! Don’t get stuck in the pits!
