Problem with steering wheel controls

[Jamesrichard1143]

So I recently been having problems with my steering wheel controls. The controls don’t work at all until I turn my steering wheel left all the way then they start working. Also when my wheel is straight my airbag light turns on but when I turn my wheel all the way left the light turns off. Anyone have an idea on why this is happening?

 

[ORVietVet]

Welcome to the forum from Oregon.

Before we get too deep in the weeds and because every GMT800 is not the same, please supply the vehicle/truck information. Also, have you done any previous work in the steering column/dash area? If so, what did you do?

 

[Cadillacmak]

That sounds like wires rubbing, had that in a 94 Pontiac Grand Prix, they recalled the harness twice.

 

[Jamesrichard1143]

Welcome to the forum from Oregon.

Before we get too deep in the weeds and because every GMT800 is not the same, please supply the vehicle/truck information. Also, have you done any previous work in the steering column/dash area? If so, what did you do?

So it’s a 2004 Chevy Silverado, only work I have done was remove the volume switch for the fact that it didn’t work anymore. It’s odd because they only work with the steering wheel cranked all the way left.

 

[ORVietVet]

So it’s a 2004 Chevy Silverado, only work I have done was remove the volume switch for the fact that it didn’t work anymore. It’s odd because they only work with the steering wheel cranked all the way left.

Did everything work correctly/as expected, before the volume switch removal?

 

[Jamesrichard1143]

Did everything work correctly/as expected, before the volume switch removal?

Yes, everything worked flawlessly till this problem arose. When I have time I can post pictures so I hope you can better understand the issue.

 

[stutaeng]

Lookup a wiring diagram at charm.li website. IDK how the steering wheel controls are wired?

My 99 had a Tow/Haul mode that only worked intermittently. There's a little orange wire that tends to break with so many shifting the lever. I ordered a new lever that has that wire included and everything works now. Maybe something similar is going on, especially since you mention stuff works when steering wheel is turned a specific way?

 

[Jamesrichard1143]

Lookup a wiring diagram at charm.li website. IDK how the steering wheel controls are wired?

My 99 had a Tow/Haul mode that only worked intermittently. There's a little orange wire that tends to break with so many shifting the lever. I ordered a new lever that has that wire included and everything works now. Maybe something similar is going on, especially since you mention stuff works when steering wheel is turned a specific way?

Lookup a wiring diagram at charm.li website. IDK how the steering wheel controls are wired?

My 99 had a Tow/Haul mode that only worked intermittently. There's a little orange wire that tends to break with so many shifting the lever. I ordered a new lever that has that wire included and everything works now. Maybe something similar is going on, especially since you mention stuff works when steering wheel is turned a specific way?

I also have the problem with the airbag system too. When I turn the wheel it’s turns off, so both steering wheel controls and airbags are tied together

 

[ORVietVet]

Try this, reinstall the removed volume switch and see what happens. If you get inside the steering wheel, you need to be careful of the clock spring. I would say, you did something during the removal of the switch. Remove the center cover and inspect. Post pics please.

Sorry for all the questions. That is my former service writer coming out in me. The fact that the problem did not start till you removed a switch, is something you did not volunteer till asked. Info like that is very important.

 

[Tonimus]

Sounds like a bad clock spring. Pretty common failure in high mileage cars of all kinds. https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=8874952&cc=1434093&pt=10480&jsn=1161

If you go pull one at a wrecking yard, be careful of the airbag.

 

[JorgeS]

I agree with the clock spring comment.
It coils and uncoils every time the steering wheel is turned. After some time, some of the wires in it can crack, losing the connection. When the wheel is turned all the way, the two ends of the cracked wire make contact, and things work again. When the steering wheel is centered, the crack opens up again, losing connection. This would affect the steering wheel controls, the air bag, and the horn; all of them, or some of them.
This link explains the function of the clock spring.

Car ClockSpring: What It Is, How It Works, & When To Replace It

The clockspring is part of the steering wheel that helps keep the steering wheel's electrical components - airbag, horn, and steering wheel buttons -

www.youcanic.com

 

[someotherguy]

I had a clockspring total failure in a nearly-new 2016 F450SD, only 26K miles on it. Airbag light, none of the steering wheel control buttons worked, and a nice ratchety-clicking noise when you turned the wheel.

Sure sounds like yours is going bad.

Richard

 

[jwhsum]

I just replaced my clock spring (04 Sierra SLT Z71). 320 bucks and two hours of my time… took an hour longer than I told my wife cuz I spent most of it trying to figure out where the plugs went. Take pictures before you pull the old spring out.

 

[mars2878]

Your clockspring is bad. It happens.

 

[mars2878]

Did you figure out the problem??