Steering Wheel Controls Inoperative

Steering Wheel Controls Inoperative

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview)provides an overview of each diagnostic category.



Circuit/System Description

The radio supplies voltage to the audio steering wheel control momentary contact switches and monitors the return signal. Each switch is associated to a set resistance value. When a switch is pressed, a specific voltage drops across the series of resistors unique to that switch. The radio identifies the switch selection and activates the feature or the radio sends a serial data message to the component that activates the feature.


Diagnostic Aids

* This diagnostic is for the audio steering wheel controls.
* Before diagnosis of the steering wheel controls, ensure the primary controls of the associated component are functioning properly.
* Review schematic when testing switch resistance values.



Reference Information
Schematic Reference

Steering Wheel Secondary/Configurable Control Schematics (Steering Wheel Secondary/Configurable Control Diagrams)
Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation

Steering Wheel Controls Description and Operation (Steering Wheel Controls Description and Operation)
Electrical Information Reference

* Circuit Testing (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Connector Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Wiring Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)

Scan Tool References

Control Module References (Programming and Relearning)


Circuit/System Testing
Caution: Refer to SIR Caution (SIR Caution) .

Important: It is recommended that Component Testing is performed before Circuit Testing when diagnosing steering wheel controls.



1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the right steering wheel control switch.
2. Ignition ON, Radio ON, test for 8.5-10.5 volts between the 10-volt reference circuit terminal 2 and ground.

• If less than the specified range, test the 10-volt reference circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the radio.


• If greater than the specified range, test the 10-volt reference circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the radio.

3. Test for 8.5-10.5 volts between the 10-volt reference circuit terminal 2 and the signal circuit terminal 4.

• If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the radio.


• If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the radio.

4. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X1 harness connector at the radio.
5. Test for infinite resistance between the signal circuit terminal 11 and ground.

• If not the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to ground.

6. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the steering wheel control switch.



Component Testing
Caution: Refer to SIR Caution (SIR Caution) .

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the right steering wheel control switch.
2. Test for infinite resistance between the 10-volt reference terminal 2 and the signal terminal 4 with the switch in the open position.

• If not the specified value, replace the steering wheel control switch.

3. Test for less than 3,100 ohms between the 10-volt reference terminal 2 and the signal terminal 4 with the switch closed in each position and verify readings are approximate to what the schematic reads.

• If less than the specified value, replace the steering wheel switch.




Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.

* Steering Wheel Control Switch Assembly Replacement (Service and Repair)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning)for radio replacement, setup, and programming