Steering Controls help please
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Teching In
Joined: May 2010
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Steering Controls help please Hey guys, I have a ‘98 Trans am and my volume button doesn’t “click” anymore and sometimes the volume goes up on its own and scares the crap out of me. I found some replacment steering controls and I wanted to know what is the easiest way to get the controls out and back in. From the pictures it looks like the whole unit just clicks into place and a wire harness is connected.
You have to take the air bag off and then there is a plug under that to disconnect the controls. From there, they just pry and pull out of the steering wheel.
The hard part, and potentially dangerous part, is pulling the air bag. If you aren't experienced with that, you should definitely disconnect the car battery first and be sure to keep it at arms length at all times.
The hard part, and potentially dangerous part, is pulling the air bag. If you aren't experienced with that, you should definitely disconnect the car battery first and be sure to keep it at arms length at all times.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,330
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
Actually, yes. The switch assemblies can be removed without touching the airbag. You can pry (gently) from the lower edge of the switch to pull it away from the steering wheel then disconnect the wire connector on the back. The two switch assemblies are connected to the clock spring with a small Y shaped harness. It would be necessary to remove the airbag to get at that harness but not to unplug the switches.
^ I forgot that there are connectors on the back of the switches. So yes - no need to take the airbag off for this!
If you want to try a hail mary before buying new switches... Open the switch assembly. Inside, you will see the circuit board and should be able to find the one switch that is bad or stuck. This thread has some pictures: (You can also see the wire connectors on the back of the circuit board where you would disconnect the switches.) https://ls1tech.com/forums/appearanc...rols-pics.html
Once inside, if your switches are just gummed up, you may be able to get them working by using spray MAF cleaner on them. (I would be sure to use MAF cleaner as it is safe for plastics.) If you do this be sure to do it in a ventilated space and have a fire extinguisher nearby just in case!
If you want to try a hail mary before buying new switches... Open the switch assembly. Inside, you will see the circuit board and should be able to find the one switch that is bad or stuck. This thread has some pictures: (You can also see the wire connectors on the back of the circuit board where you would disconnect the switches.) https://ls1tech.com/forums/appearanc...rols-pics.html
Once inside, if your switches are just gummed up, you may be able to get them working by using spray MAF cleaner on them. (I would be sure to use MAF cleaner as it is safe for plastics.) If you do this be sure to do it in a ventilated space and have a fire extinguisher nearby just in case!
