Audio steering wheel controls not working or illumination on the steering wheel?

GATOR126

MEMBER
2015 GMC SIERRA
6.6L
V8
TURBO
4WD
AUTOMATIC
280,000 MILES

Audio steering wheel controls inop+illumination on steering wheel controls inop. The buttons/controls for the infotainment center and cruise are functional. I had issues with the backup camera and the dealership sent it to a shop to repair. They got the backup camera fixed but then the radio would go out randomly. The shop got that fixed after several tries but the result was no steering wheel audio controls and the steering wheel buttons no longer illuminated. They refused to work on the issue any further. I have looked at the birds' nest of wires coming from the steering wheel, and I am lost.

Sunday, December 11th, 2022 AT 2:02 AM

3 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
54,348 POSTS

This is common when the spiral/clock spring wire goes out which is behind the steering wheel goes out. Here is how you replace the part in the images below. Make sure to disconnect the battery for 5 minutes before you begin work. The steering wheel will need to be removed. Check out the images (below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Images (Click to make bigger)

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Sunday, December 11th, 2022 AT 11:52 AM

GATOR126

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks. Is there any way visually to tell that the clock spring is broken before disassembling the steering wheel? If so, what should I look for?

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Sunday, December 11th, 2022 AT 8:30 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
54,348 POSTS

They will break internally so it is difficult to tell by looking at it, but I can tell you this is a common problem. Once the part is out you can test the continuity of each input and output at the connectors. This can confirm the failure.

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Monday, December 12th, 2022 AT 12:35 PM