Steering wheel buttons are among the most critical features in your car. They’re part of the supplementary driver-support systems that place a few functions at your fingertips. With these buttons, you can control audio, telematics, and cruise control without taking your eyes off the road or hands off the wheel.
However, steering wheel controls can malfunction unexpectedly and leave you frustrated. Often, these controls fail due to blown fuses, faulty wiring, a damaged clock spring, defective buttons, and software malfunction.
Herein, we address nine reasons for steering wheel buttons not working and practical solutions.
Question: Why Are the Buttons on My Steering Wheel Not Working?
The buttons on your vehicle’s steering wheel aren’t working because of:
- Damaged clock spring
- Defective buttons
- Faulty wiring
- Blown fuse
- Malfunctioning control module
- Damaged steering wheel
- Malfunctioning battery
- Software issues
Read on to know the causes of the car steering wheel controls not working and what you can do to fix them.
Damaged Clock Spring
The clock spring (found behind the airbag pad) is a crucial component in the steering wheel assembly. It’s responsible for transmitting electrical signals while ensuring smooth steering wheel rotation. It transmits signals from the buttons, horns, and airbags to the car’s control module.
Over time, the clock spring can wear out or break. Once this happens, your steering wheel buttons will stop working due to the interference of electrical signals.
Solution:
Remove the steering wheel, cables, and airbag to inspect the clock spring. If it looks worn or broken, replace it.
Replacing a clock spring can be intimidating if you don’t have prior experience. So, hire a professional to install a compatible replacement.
Defective Buttons
Regular use and exposure to heat or moisture for an extended period cause the buttons to wear and malfunction. If you press the buttons too often, they can get stuck and fail to work correctly.
If your car is new, but the buttons won’t work, exposure to excessive moisture or heat can cause them to malfunction. Moreover, dirt can accumulate inside the buttons and cause them to fail.
Fixes:
Remove the steering wheel cover and check for worn or damaged buttons. Install new buttons to replace the damaged ones. If water accumulates around the controls and other components, use a soft cloth to wipe it out.
If you find gunk lodged in the buttons, dip some cotton swabs in diluted rubbing alcohol and clean the dirt. Reinstall the steering wheel cover to see if the buttons work.
Faulty Wiring
Frayed, broken, or loose wires can affect the relay of signals from the buttons to the control module. Issues with the wiring occur due to exposure to heat, dirt, friction, and bumpy rides.
Defective wires will also cut power from the battery to the car’s electrical components. If the electrical components malfunction, they won’t receive commands from your steering wheel buttons.
Solution:
Locate the wires transmitting signals from the steering wheel to the dashboard. If you find any loose connections, secure them properly. Wipe any dirt or gunk on the connections to ensure smooth transmission of signals.
Check for frayed or broken wires and replace them. If you can’t find or replace the frayed or broken wires, seek a specialist to inspect the wiring system and fix the problem.
Blown Fuse
A blown fuse is another common cause of steering wheel buttons not working. When the fuse blows out, it prevents the steering controls from getting power. Fuses blow out while defending components from electrical surges.
Fixes:
If you suspect your car has a blown fuse, check the fuse box under the hood and examine all the fuses. Some vehicles have a fuse labeled “Steering wheel controls/buttons.”
If the fuse appears blown, burnt, or broken, replace it. You can replace any other blown fuse to ensure your car’s electrical system works fine.
Malfunctioning Control Module
Your car has a control module that receives commands from the steering wheel buttons. These commands include adjusting volume, scanning radio stations, answering phone calls, and changing speed. The control module interprets these commands and sends signals to various parts of the car.
However, the control volume can malfunction over time and fail to manage inputs from the buttons. So, if you press the steering wheel controls, nothing will happen.
Solution:
Fixing issues with the control module can be challenging and requires the hands of a professional. Take your car to a specialist to identify the problem and repair or replace any defective components in the module.
Damaged Steering Wheel
Why are the buttons on my steering wheel not working? The steering wheel might be the culprit. Accidents or bumpy rides can cause damage to the steering wheel frame and casing. This damage can affect the electrical components in the steering wheel, including the buttons.
Besides accidents, drivers are fond of hitting the steering wheel due to frustrations while driving. With time, these physical blows greatly impact the delicate electrical parts within the steering. They tend to break various parts and misalign others.
Fixes:
If your car had a recent accident or something heavy dropped on the steering, take the car to a professional to diagnose the issue. The professional will inspect the damage around the frame, casing, and buttons. They can replace any damaged parts to ensure everything works properly.
Malfunctioning Battery
A malfunctioning battery is the most apparent reason behind the steering wheel buttons not working. Battery issues such as low charge, loose cables, corroded terminals, and bad battery can cause the buttons not to work.
Your car might have other electrical issues if the battery is malfunctioning. For example, lights might fail, the infotainment system might malfunction, and the vehicle might have starting issues.
Solution:
Inspect the battery and ensure the cables are well connected. If the terminals appear corroded, use a wire brush to clean them. Baking soda and water should help remove stubborn dirt or rust around the terminals.
Next, ensure you have a properly charged battery before testing the buttons. If the buttons fail, your battery might be defective and needs replacing.
Software Issues
The software in your car’s control module or infotainment system might cause the steering wheel buttons to malfunction. If you have outdated software, the control module won’t interpret commands from the buttons and transfer signals to various parts.
Other issues, such as fault codes, can interfere with the transmission of signals from the buttons, module, and infotainment system. When this happens, the buttons won’t work after pressing them.
Solution:
First, check for fault codes in your car that might cause problems when transmitting signals. Refer to the manual to read and clear the fault code.
If the issue results from outdated software, update it with the latest version from the car’s manufacturer. You can also reset the car’s computer to deal with glitches interfering with the transmission of signals.
Incorrectly Installed Buttons
Inexperienced or unlicensed mechanics can harm your car if you hire them to fix a problematic steering wheel. They can damage the wiring or reinstall the buttons incorrectly.
Each button in your steering wheel is customized to perform a specific task. If you have incorrectly installed buttons, they might fail to send commands to the control module.
Fixes:
Remove the steering wheel cover and use your vehicle’s manual to see how the buttons should be set. If they’re incorrectly set, pop them out and install them as guided in the manual.
Final Thoughts
There are several reasons for steering wheel buttons not working. Issues such as damaged buttons, faulty wiring, blown fuses, damaged clock spring, and malfunctioning software might be the cause.
Thankfully, you can diagnose these issues and resolve them. If you can’t resolve problems with the steering wheel controls, seek help from a dealer or professional. Lastly, avoid hitting the steering wheel with your fist or heavy objects to avoid damaging the buttons.