Steering Wheel Audio Controls Not Working!

[DAY1LSFAN]

Ok! Here it is. My steering wheel controls(audio) doesn't work. From time to time the display on the radio flashes no portable(I have the cellular attachments in my car so if you push mute, it will display no portable if the phone is not plug in). while the display is flashing, the controls will work when they want to. I took it to the dealership and they said the radio needs to be replaced($480). So I bought a brand new one on Ebay ($75), but it is still doing the same thing. I can only assume there is a bad connection or ground somewhere.

I was hoping if someone had a similar problem so I can get a idea of where to start. I tried to use the repair CD. I got a response from the steering wheel controls using an ohmmeter, but I am stuck at this point.

Any suggestions?

 

[Quik LS]

The steering wheel controls (and air bag wiring) connect through a hub at the top of the steering column (called a clockspring) then down the steering column and on.

The clockspring is a plastic gear assembly that has a couple of feet of wiring rolled up in a special way to allow you to turn the steering wheel each way and still maintain an electrical connection through it.

the plastic housing tends to rub the edges of the wiring in the clockspring and begins to fray the actual wires. this causes intermittent connection - especially if you can cause it to happen when you turn the steering wheel.

a replacement clockspring is about $100 and takes about 30mins to replace.

to test it - you could :
- disconnect the battery and let sit for 10mins
- remove the airbag by removing the two bolts (one on each side) of the steering wheel (under a plastic plug), then electrically disconnect the airbag
- you'll see the radio controls and the airbag connector - they plug into a connector that is rotated when you turn the steering wheel.

so either:
- those little radio control switch circuits are bad (not likely if both on each side are having the same issue)
- the connections from the radio switch circuits are loose
- the connections to and from the clockspring are loose
- the wiring inside the clockspring it bad.

 

[DAY1LSFAN]

thanks

Thanks for the Info Quik. I will Check the connections and the clockspring.