How to Fix Radio Controls on Steering Wheel: Troubleshooting!

  • Turn off the car, wait a moment, then restart. Minor glitches can often be resolved with this easy fix.
  • Examine buttons and the surrounding area for dirt or debris. If necessary, wipe with a soft towel. 
  • Inspect the wiring connecting the steering wheel controls to the radio. Don’t let them corrode. Make sure they’re properly fastened. 
  • Check the fuse, and replace it if broken; ensure the relays function properly. 
  • Finally, check for radio system updates. 

Here is a quick troubleshooting step to fix the problem. The situation can be handled in other ways. So, stick with the article to learn all of them. 

Key Takeaways

  • Wait a moment and restart the car after turning it off. Minor glitches can often be resolved with this simple action.
  • Ensure that buttons and the surrounding area are clean. Use a soft cloth to wipe the surface
  • Examine the wiring that connects the steering wheel controls to the radio. Make sure they are secure and corrosion-free.
  • Make sure the relays are functioning properly; replace a broken fuse. Check for updates to the radio system next.
  • Insert key, turn to ACC position. Keep the mode button pressed for at least 10 seconds. Push the up button after releasing the mode button.

How to Fix Radio Controls on Steering Wheel: Troubleshooting

radio controls on steering wheel not working

If the radio controls on the steering don’t work properly, it needs to be fixed. In case you’re having trouble controlling the radio on your steering wheel, here’s a quick guide to help you out. 

Restart your Vehicle: 

You should shut off your car, let it cool down, and then restart it. Sometimes, this simple restart can fix small issues.

Check for Physical Obstructions:

If the buttons on the steering wheel aren’t working correctly, there might be dirt or tiny pieces of stuff inside them. If that happens, remove the steering wheel and clean the buttons from the inside.

The steps presented here will help you clean the buttons easily. Similar steps are involved in cleaning the FCW sensors.

  • Before you start cleaning the buttons on the steering wheel, make sure to turn off the power. In this way, the electrical components will not be damaged.
  • Then, you can use a mix of alcohol and distilled water to clean the buttons. This can work well if the buttons are a little sticky. Pour the mixture into a spray. Spray it on the buttons from different angles and use a Q-tip to clean the buttons.
  • Before turning on your vehicle, let the surface of your buttons dry for a few minutes.

Consult your vehicle’s manual. It might have specific instructions on how to clean the steering wheel buttons. 

Some vehicles need special cleaning stuff or ways of cleaning. Remember one thing, when you clean the buttons, be careful. Don’t use regular soap, water, or general cleaners.

Verify Electrical Connections:

Check the wires that connect the steering wheel controls to the radio unit. Don’t let them corrode, and make sure the connections are tight. If they’re loose, connect them again. Faulty wires are also culpable for SOS limited functionality in your Land Rover.

There might be an issue with something called the clockspring. This part lets electrical connections go through the steering wheel. If you need to replace the clockspring, it could take some time and skill. However, doing this could fix the problem for good. Check out the following tutorial for replacing the clockspring

Look at Fuses and Relays:

Blown fuses are a frequent reason for buttons not working properly on a car’s steering wheel. When a fuse is faulty, it can stop power from reaching the buttons or cause them to stop working altogether. To identify the fuse for your car radio, consult your vehicle manual because its position in the box varies depending on the model. 

This fuse usually measures between 20 and 25 Amps and is located either under the dashboard or underneath the engine hood of the vehicle. Checking this fuse before trying any other solution is a good idea.

Software Updates:

See if there are updates for your car’s radio system. It’s important that you should update your car stereo software. Consult the manual to check the software version and update related information.

Manufacturers release updates to fix problems and make things better. Keeping updated to the latest version also solves issues like Subaru Bluetooth pairing problems.

How to Fix Radio Controls on Steering Wheel: Other Methods

Method 1: Reset Procedure

Certain vehicles feature an uncomplicated reset method designed to address problems with steering wheel controls. To illustrate, you might consider these steps:

  • Insert the key and turn it to the ACC position. You must complete the procedure within 30 sec after turning the key to acc.
  • For a minimum of 10 seconds, keep pressure on the MODE button located on the steering wheel.
  • After 10 seconds, let go of the mode button and proceed to press the UP button 3 times. Then press the down button 3 times.
  • Turn the key to the ON position. then turn it off.

Method 2: Align with Remote Control System

Another way to repair steering wheel buttons that aren’t working is to sync them with the remote control system. This could mean getting an app on your Android device and then following the given instructions.

If you don’t feel confident doing these fixes on your own, it’s a good idea to talk to a professional mechanic or a specialist in car audio. A car radio repair can cost anywhere from $25 to $300, depending on the issue.

Remember, if you’re unsure about any of these steps, you can always check your vehicle’s manual.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Can I Add Audio Controls to My Steering Wheel?

Yes, it is possible to add audio controls to your steering wheel. You have the option to set up a steering wheel control adapter, which enables you to link your new head unit to your steering wheel controls. This adapter will change the signals from your steering wheel controls into signals that your head unit can recognize.

How Do I Adjust My Steering Wheel?

Push the lever forward to let go of the steering wheel. Then, set the steering wheel where you want it. You can change how high, far, and tilted it is. Now, put the lever back up to hold the steering wheel still. Finally, test whether the steering wheel feels comfortable and enables you to see clearly.

What Is Adjustable Steering?

When you drive with adjustable steering, you can adjust the steering wheel’s placement to suit your preferences. With this type, you can move the steering wheel up or down to change its height. It is possible to do this with power motors or locks that operate with compression.

Conclusion

I hope, now you know how to fix radio controls on steering wheel. 

Don’t underestimate small malfunctions, they can lead to significant disasters. Instead of risking your life due to a simple technical glitch, take control by addressing the issue with guidance. Malfunctioning radio controls might affect your mood and pose serious problems during long journeys.

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