The steering wheel not only takes care of the directions/turnings of your wheel. It also acts as an internal remote controlling software, the airbag stimulation, and an audio player controller. When it stops working, it most certainly makes for a difficult driving situation.
Keep reading to learn how to fix your vehicle’s steering controls
Causes of steering wheel controls failure and potential fixes
The two main causes of steering control failure are;
- Malfunction of your Clockspring
- Improper alignment of Controls System
What does a clockspring do?
A Clockspring is a circular control contact incorporated object that is located inside the steering wheel precisely behind the airbag pad of your steering. A clock spring is prominently inserted at the middle mounted with a circuitry ping at the top of the brim plugged with tabs on both sides that take care of the Airbag system and your vehicle’s audio system.
In general terms, A clockspring is a system that takes care of:
- Audio Control
- Trip Control
- Cruise Control
- Cluster Control
It is responsible for accepting electronic signals and the rotation of the steering wheel. Inside the Clockspring, there is a ribbon circular coil that controls the finite rotatory motion of the wheel. The brim of the Clockspring mounts up with a circulatory ping that helps the buttons control the symptoms.
The Clockspring locks the rotatory motion of the steering wheel. If you apply more pressure to the wheel the coil incorporated inside the clockspring will get broken. Resulting in the malfunction of your rotating steering wheel.
Inside the steering shell, one part of the Clockspring is attached to the steering wheel and the other is attached to that of Steering Column.
Troubleshooting steps
There are multiple ways you can use to diagnose your steering wheel buttons problems;
- Constant Fluctuation Of Lights Indication inside the Control Unit Box.
- Weird noises while driving. For Example – scratching, grinding noise, and extensive rubbing sounds.
- The interlinked possible connections might hint you the trouble at the display meter.
- Your Steering wheel becomes hard to turn. It does not cooperate with your routine force to turn the wheel.
- Improper Stability and Contractions.
Note: Another major problem that might lead you into a complete disaster when you ate having trouble with your Clockspring is The Deployment of Airbags.
How To Fix Your Steering Wheel Buttons Not Working?
There are two ways can help you fix your non-functioning steering wheels;
- Replacing The Clockspring
- Aligning with the remote Control System.
How to Fix/Replace Your Clockspring:
- Before performing any action inside your vehicle, ensure you unplug the battery power system.
- Now, wait of complete 15 minutes to let the supplied energy drain inside your vehicle.
- Adjust your seat position according to your steering.
- Now, take a keen look behind your steering wheel you can spot 2 small holes on either side of the steering.
- Pic up the SST tool key from your kit – a small seven shaped bar. Insert the SST key inside the hole and apply some pressure.
- Now you van gently applies some pressure to remove the airbag pad from your steering.
- Disconnect the plug that connects your Airbag pad and the Clockspring.
You should be able to see the big steering nut hat is insulated at the middle of your steering, ensure you see the proper crowbar to loosen up the nut. Different vehicle carries different removing the nut disconnects the clockspring connection.
Note 1: While unplugging the string wheel ensure that wheel is pointed straight forward towards the front end. You can make sure the position by confirming it with the position of the front wheel.
Note 2: Use a marker or a colour tape to mark the straight positioning of the steering before continuing to the next option.
- Then slide your hands before the clockspring to find the click bars that will help you unlock the clockspring from the position by just pressing the bar down.
- The click sound hints that the clockspring is free to remove from the bar hat s placed in the middle of the spring.
- Now, assuming that you have the new one in your hand, replace the clockspring.
- Just follow the steps backwards to fix your clockspring.
- Connect the airbag pods to with the plugs.
How To Fix the Steering Wheel Controls
- Switch on your car to get access to your LCD.
- Go To General Settings.
- Under steering Wheel click on User-defined,
- Now press and Hold the derived Functioning option.
- As you grant permission to the system now press the similar functioning button on your steering column and child it for 5 seconds.
- This means that you have now linked the button on your LCD remote system and the manual upon the system.
- Now, do the same for every single button on your string column.
- Finally, Start the vehicle and check the Functions.
Other steering wheel control issues and their fixes;
Radio Buttons on Steering Wheel Not Working
Radio buttons on steering wheel that allow you to change from one station to another work when car is turned on, but don’t work when engine is turned on.
Gunk Inside the Steering Wheels Buttons
Take out the steering wheel to clean inside the buttons
Stuck Stereo Issue
Reboot the infotainment screen or update the latest software
Aftermarket Steering Wheel Audio Control Setup
When you go shopping for a new radio for your car, one of the many questions the product specialist should ask you is whether your existing radio has steering wheel-mounted audio controls. Almost every aftermarket radio has provisions to accept a signal that will give you steering wheel audio control functions like volume, source selection, tracking and power. Here’s how it all works.
Factory Control Functionality
There are two common types of steering wheel control interfaces. The first is resistive; the second is data. Systems that use resistors often have two wires connected to the switches. Each switch presents a different resistance value when pressed.
The factory radio sees these different resistances as different voltages, and the radio’s computer responds appropriately. There are usually two wires, so many switches can have well-separated resistance values to ensure functions will never overlap.
A small computer is built into the steering wheel controls switches in vehicles that use data communication for the steering wheel audio controls. This computer has inputs dedicated to each switch and its function. When you press a switch on the steering wheel, the computer sends a digital communication to the computer in the radio. Often, this communication takes place on the vehicle’s CAN data network.
Connection to Aftermarket Radios
In North America, almost every radio is Steering Wheel Remote Control Ready. Being “Ready” means the radio has a connection on the back to accept a serial data communication signal. The communication language used on the radio connection is not the same as that used in the vehicle.
So, you’ll need an interface module to make everything work. Companies like iDatalink, Axxess and Pacific Accessory Corporation (known in the industry as PAC) all offer interfaces that can be programmed to understand and translate the information from the vehicle to something that is compatible with your radio.
Steering Wheel Audio Control Installation
When your tech is installing the new radio in your vehicle, he has three tasks to complete to make the steering wheel audio controls work. First, he must wire the controls into your vehicle.
In many cases, the installer will use a “harness saver” or “wire harness adapter” to connect a set of bare wires to the factory radio plug for power, illumination and speaker wire connections. This adapter usually includes the steering wheel communication wires from the vehicle.
Once the installer completes the electrical connections, the next step is to program the module to understand the commands from the vehicle. Some interfaces have software built into them to recognize commands from the vehicle automatically.
Another method of programming the interfaces uses a website that will allow the installer to select the year, make, model and trim level of the vehicle, and program the interface to recognize the correct commands.
Finally, the interface has to be programmed to send the correct commands to the new radio. Each brand of radio has a set of dedicated and unique command codes.
Other Options
Over the past few years, many vehicle owners have chosen to upgrade their factory radios to add Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free calling to their vehicle. New cars have telephone control buttons on the steering wheel, but older ones don’t.
Several of the interface modules have the ability to send different commands to the aftermarket radio, depending on how long you press and hold the steering wheel buttons. For example, a quick tap on the Volume Down button will, of course, turn the volume of the aftermarket radio down.
You can have the button programmed so pressing and holding it for a couple of seconds to tell the radio to answer an incoming Bluetooth phone call.
The list of compatible functions varies by vehicle and the make and model of the aftermarket radio.
Custom Applications
Steering Wheel Audio ControlOne unique feature of the steering wheel control interface is that your installer could build a set of custom controls for you.
Let’s say you are building a custom car, and you want to add a nice sound system. In most applications like this, the builder will install the aftermarket radio in the glovebox, under the seat or in the trunk of the vehicle. But how can you control the radio if you cannot reach the controls?
Your installer could mount a set of switches in the center console and then program the switches, through an interface module to control the aftermarket radio.
Some installers and fabricators have gotten quite creative with these switch installations. A power mirror adjustment switch, for instance, serves as a great solution for volume and tracking functions.
Steering Wheel Control Interface Wiring
There are two wires used for steering wheel controls. Each interface (either stand-alone or as part of a multi-function product) has one blue/yellow wire and one black wire with a stereo-type 3.5mm plug. Both wires accomplish the same purpose: transfering the SWC signals to the radio. It depends on the radio brand (see table) as to which connection is used.
Do not connect both. The blue/yellow wire is sometimes mistaken for blue/white and connected to the blue/white. This will cause malfunctions, so check the colors carefully. Simply fold and tape off the unused SWC wire.
Volunteer Audio is a leading source of aftermarket car audio products. We want to make sure your new system integrates with the vehicle as seamlessly as possible. In order to keep the original audio steering wheel controls (SWC) functioning when installing an aftermarket audio system, an electronic interface is required.
- Do not plug the black 3.5mm plug into the microphone (MIC) jack.
- Make sure the plug seats all the way in.
- Zip-tie or tape the plug securely in place or it may back out over time.
- Some Sony radios have an indexed jack that is keyed to orient the wire vertical and upward.
- Do not connect the blue/yellow wire to the blue/white.
This keeps it from snagging during installation. If the plug orientation is not correct, the plug will only go in half way. This will cause control malfunctions.
Wire Color Fun Assembly Order
Assemble all steering wheel control interface connections before turning on power. Interfaces function in conjunction with the radio and the vehicle Electronic Control Module. Interfaces are sensitive and can get “confused” and controls may act erratically if assembled while power is on. Read the SWC instructions carefully for specifics of assembly order (and prog
The Mitsubishi Triton steering wheel Audio controls not working is due to a loose button or a bad fuse. To get to the fuse box look to the left of the steering wheel look for a small seam or crack along the dash. Using a screwdriver or prybar You will want to pop this open. On the inside, You will find a bunch of fuses.
On the back of the panel that You pulled open, You will see a diagram that will show You what each of the fuses is for. If this is not on the back of the panel then You can also find it in the owner’s annual for the vehicle. Once You have figured out which fuse You need simply pull it out.
The two sections that stick up should be connected by a thin strip of metal. If this has been broken then the fuse is no good and will need to be replaced. If this strip is there then the fuse is fine and can be popped back in. New fuses will cost you about 10 dollars, so they are pretty cheap.
Check this to: 4WD Not Engaging On Mitsubishi Triton
Mitsubishi Triton horn not working: causes and how to fix it
Some of the common causes that stops the horn from working normally on your Mitsubishi Triton are blown fuse, bad relay, faulty horn, corroded or worn-out connector, broken wire, broken clock spring or bad horn button.
Blown fuse
The horn on Mitsubishi Triton needs electricity to work. In case of a faulty fuse, the circuit is interrupted and the horn can not work.
Check your Triton’s owners manual or the fuse box cover to find the exact location of the fuse for the horn. If the fuse is blown, replace it with a new one with the specified amp rating.
Comparison between good and bad fuse.
To check the fuse, pull it out of Triton’s fuse box using a fuse puller or needle nose plier and hold it against the light. If the metal strip is broken in the middle, the fuse has blown. You must replace it with one of the same amperage and therefore the same color. It does not matter in which direction you insert the fuse.
Bad relay
Relays are electromagnetic switches that are used to switch electrical loads on and off. A bad relay can also be the cause of horn failure on your Mitsubishi Triton. A horn relay is rectangular or square shaped with 3 or more legs at the bottom.
First of all, you should find out where the horn relay is located in your particular model of Triton. The information may be listed in your vehicle’s owners manual. Typically relays are located in the engine compartment or under the steering wheel on the left-hand side. If you are lucky, the wiring diagram will be drawn on the facing. Before starting the replacement, you must always disconnect the vehicle’s battery.
As soon as you have identified the relay for the horn, you should check whether there is an identical relay in the box, typically you can use AC relay to test the horn relay. With this you can easily test whether the electromagnetic switch is actually the cause of the malfunctioning horn on your Triton. Most relays are plugged in, but they can still be relatively tight. Be careful not to damage anything when removing the relays.
Note: The battery should be reconnected after replacing the relay – otherwise no current will flow.
Bad horn
A broken horn could be the reason why you can no longer honk on your Mitsubishi Triton. Horns rarely break down, they can last decades and can even outlive the life of the vehicle. Still, it can fail depending on how often you use it. In particular, if the horn is working but sounds off, it’s because one of the horns has worn out. You can test the horn on your Triton by checking the voltage at the connector or with a test light.
Broken wire or bad connector
The horn sits at the front of your Mitsubishi Triton where grime and other small particles can build up over time. This can lead to corrosion on the connector resulting in poor conductivity.
You don’t necessarily have to replace the corroded connector, in most cases, the connector can be cleaned with WD-40.
For safety reasons, make sure the battery is disconnected when cleaning the connector, and the connector is fully dry before you plug it back in.
If you don’t see any corrosion on the connector of your Triton, then its time to perform the voltage test with a multimeter, or you can also use a test light. Turn on the multimeter and insert the probes into the connector, one at each point making sure the metal part of the probes don’t touch each other – otherwise it will short out and blow up the fuse, and may cause damage to the vehicle’s electrical system.
After inserting the probes, ask a friend to press the horn button in the vehicle. The multimeter should read 12+ volts, if it reads 0 volts then it indicates conductivity failure in the horn system: a broken wire, bad connector, broken clock spring or faulty switch can be the cause other than blown fuse or bad relay.
Multimeter should show 12+ volts at the connector when you press the horn button on the steering wheel of your Triton. If it shows 0 volts, it means the horn is not getting any current.
Rodent Damage: If bite marks or the like are discovered, there is a high probability that a rodent has let off steam in the engine compartment of your Triton. Then it is important to carefully examine all other cables and hoses for damage, including electrical wires for the horn.
Broken clockspring
The spiral cable or clockspring is a spiral-wound special rotary electrical connector in your Mitsubishi Triton which allows the steering wheel to turn while still making an electrical connection between the buttons on the steering wheel, including horn button, and the vehicle’s electrical systems.
The clockspring is located between the steering wheel and the steering column. The clockspring contains delicate wires that can get damaged during servicing or due to overuse if the vehicle has put on too many miles.
If the clockspring is damaged in your Triton, you may see other system malfunctions as well. For example, the airbag warning light may illuminate in the instrument cluster, or other buttons on the steering wheel may stop working. But in rare cases, it is possible that only horn wire in the spiral gets damaged.
It is not feasible to repair a damaged clockspring. They are relatively inexpensive and once found defective should be replaced with a new one.
Faulty horn button switch
Another reason for non-functioning horn can be failure of horn button in the steering wheel of your Mitsubishi Triton. Over time, depending on how frequently the horn has been used, the button may eventually wear out and cease to function.
How to Test Analog Steering Wheel Controls
SWI-RC-1 / SWI-CP2 / CP5, C4RAD, SC4RAD or SWI-RC steering wheel control systems all use the same wire colors when wiring into these systems.
The SWI’s use the same 4 wires for these circuits;
- White – 5Volt Analog 1
- White/Black- 5Volt Analog 2
- White/Red – 5Volt Analog 3
- Green (SWI-RC) – 12Volt Analog 4
If your vehicle wiring guide show any of these wires or a combination of the three, it is analog based system.
Items needed
A Multi-Meter that can measure resistance indicated by this symbol. Ω
- Once you have a meter with this feature and determined that your vehicle is analog and is giving you issues with programming your SWI interface here are some proper steps to take.
- Disconnect the SWC Interface from the plug. You cannot test the SWC circuit with the module connected.
- Place your positive (red) probe on the first Analog Channel. Typically the white wire coming from the SWI interface. If you were instructed to connect a wire to 12v in the wiring guide, connect the red probe to this wire.
- Ground the negative probe to the wire you were instructed to ground in the wiring guide. You can also use one of the black wires from the SWI interface as long as you connected it to the wire you were instructed to ground. If you were not instructed to ground a wire, then you can just use the radio ground. If you were instructed to connect a wire to 12v in the wiring guide, use the radio ground.
- Press and hold the Volume Up button on the steering wheel and look for a response on the meter. Note that not all buttons are on the same channel.
- Record your values / faults and address the issue. If you are not getting any kind of reading then you are on the wrong wire. Remember that pin position is more important than wire color. If you are getting readings on all buttons but the module is not responding, the only option is to go the manual mapping route.
Power steering failure
Power steering failure often accompanies other mechanical problems. If your engine dies, your power steering will fail. It can also be caused by failure of individual system components, such as fluid leaks or a pump malfunction. When your power steering fails you will still be able to steer the vehicle, though it will require much more strength and effort.
If power steering failure is accompanied by power-brake failure, you will have to push down hard on the brake pedal to slow the vehicle. Do not panic if your power steering cuts out, simply ease off the accelerator and gently steer the vehicle to the side of the road.
How to handle steering failure
As with all driving emergencies, your first response should be to take a breath and focus on not losing your cool. Allowing yourself to panic will only worsen the situation. When you notice your steering is heavy or unresponsive, your aim should be to slow down gradually. Do not slam on the brakes. Activate your hazard lights to warn other drivers that you are experiencing difficulties, then follow the steps below:
Begin deceleration by easing your foot off the gas pedal.
Maintaining control of your vehicle will be easier at a slower speed.
Activate your hazard lights.
This will warn other road users that you are experiencing a problem.
If you are experiencing partial steering loss or power steering loss, you may attempt to steer your vehicle off the roadside once your vehicle has slowed to around 30mph. If necessary, you may do so sooner to avoid a collision.
Ideally, you should not brake until the vehicle has slowed considerably and is almost at a complete stop. If you must brake sooner, apply pressure to the brake pedal gradually and be aware that braking may be tougher than usual.
If you have experienced total steering failure, you must stop the vehicle without pulling over.
The key to doing this safely is to slow-down as gradually as possible, while activating your hazard lights. This will give other drivers enough time to react and avoid your vehicle.
Symptoms of steering failure
Unlike other mechanical failures, problems with your steering will usually become apparent before a serious failure occurs. When you notice something odd about your steering, get your car checked out straight away.
Too much free movement in the steering wheel could indicate a problem, particularly if this surplus movement has developed over time. Be sure to get your car serviced regularly and if you have power steering, check the fluid levels every so often. Here are some other warning signs to watch out for:
- Difficult or “heavy” steering.
- A whining or screeching noise coming from the steering column, particularly on hard turns.
- Vibration in the steering wheel.
- Your vehicle wanders slightly off course even when steering straight ahead.
Causes of steering failure
Total steering failure whereby the steering becomes completely unresponsive can only be caused by a break or disconnection between the steering wheel and the car’s wheels. This is more likely to happen in an older vehicle that is susceptible to extreme mechanical malfunctions.
When problems arise with hydraulic power steering systems, a fluid leak or pump malfunction is usually to blame. A slow leak in your power steering hydraulics will present as a gradual stiffening of the steering and a progressive whining noise in the steering column. In a serious leak, steering loss will occur with less warning.
Electronic power steering (EPS) systems do not use fluid. Malfunctions in this type of system are less common, but still possible. Driving on bumpy roads or hitting damaged road at high-speed can easily damage an EPS system. If you suspect a problem with your car’s steering is developing, avoid driving until you can get it checked out by a mechanic.
Steering wheel lock
Does your vehicle have a steering lock device? If so, you must never turn the ignition to the “lock” setting while the vehicle is still moving. This will lock the steering and you will be unable to maneuver. Crashes as a result of accidental steering lock activation are more common than you may think.
Jammed Steering Lock
If your steering lock jams due to a mechanical malfunction, your wheel will lock-up and steering control will be lost entirely. Sometimes, a jammed steering lock can be rectified by gently shifting the wheel from side to side until it releases. Generally, steering lock jams are caused by excessive load on the steering. You may be able to fix this by:
- Remove your foot from the gas pedal if the vehicle is moving. Allowing the vehicle to roll should lessen the load on the steering and release the lock.
- If the vehicle is stationary or you have brought it to a stop using the above guidance, jack up the front of the car to lift pressure off the steering.