Not that long along the only button on your steering wheel was the horn, however, most vehicles these days have control buttons on the steering wheel for you to control things like the radio volume, answer your phone, the AC, cruise control, etc.
If any or all of the control buttons stop working this can adversely affect your driving experience.
In this article, we will discuss what could be causing the buttons to stop working and what you should do about it.
Why Are My Steering Wheel Controls Not Working?
There are a few different reasons why the steering wheel controls can stop working properly, including:
- The Buttons are Stuck or Broken – The physical components of the steering wheel controls, such as buttons or switches, can wear out or fail over time. If a specific control or multiple controls on the steering wheel are not working, it could indicate a problem with the control module or the individual switch. In such cases, replacing the faulty components may be necessary.
- Faulty Clock Spring – A clock spring is a circular electrical connector component located inside the steering wheel. When you turn the steering wheel the clock spring ensures the buttons/ controls are still connected properly and work. If this component becomes faulty the buttons will stop working. When this happens, you’ll have to get your mechanic to inspect the clock spring and if it is faulty they can fix it or replace it for you.
- Blown Fuse – A blown fuse can cause the steering wheel controls to stop working. Fuses are designed to protect electrical circuits from excessive current flow. If a fuse related to the steering wheel controls has blown, it will disrupt the electrical circuit and prevent the controls from functioning. Checking the fuse box and replacing any blown fuses can resolve the issue.
- Problems with the control module – Steering wheel controls are typically connected to a control module, which interprets the input signals and communicates with the corresponding systems, such as audio, cruise control, or phone functions. If the control module malfunctions or fails, it can lead to the loss of steering wheel control functionality. In such cases, the control module may need to be repaired or replaced.
- Software/firmware issues – In modern vehicles with advanced electronic systems, steering wheel controls may be integrated with the vehicle’s software or firmware. If there are glitches or software/firmware bugs, it can affect the functionality of the controls. Updating the software or performing a system reset may help resolve these issues.
What Should I do If My Steering Wheel Control Buttons Stop Working?
The best thing to do is book your car in with your local mechanic. They will then be able to do a full diagnostic check of all of the relevant components to find out what the cause of the problem is. As long as they have the relevant tools and experience, they should then be able to fix the problem for you.
If you feel confident locating the fuse box in your car, you can check the fuse to see if it needs replacement. A new fuse can then be picked up from most petrol stations or automotive shops like Supercheap or Repco.
Steering Wheel Control Replacement Service in Hamilton
If something is wrong with the steering wheel control buttons in your car, contact the team at Grimmer Motors. Our skilled and experienced team will be able to diagnose the problem and give you a full set of options for how to fix it.
For top-quality automotive servicing and replacements in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today.