My steering wheel audio controls have gone out. The dealer was being a pain in the a$$ about replacing them, so I ordered a set from a parts website. Now I need help with how to replace them Anyone have some insight? Can I pop them out the back or do I have to take the airbag out and replace from the front?

 

Not covered under warranty? Why not go to another dealer

 

It's covered, I just don't have time to screw w the dealership. The $30 it cost me for parts is worth it to not have to sit at dealer an hour. Looks like I'll be going there anyway if I can't figure out how to get these installed though.

 

They know for sure it's the switches? and both at the same time? seems like there might be more to it, I would spare the time and let the dealer do it under warranty, you never know there might be a recall as of your issue. That is part of the reason for warranty

 

No way I'm going to do warranty work! Thats part of what I paid for .

 

lol...nothing about this makes sense. If all your controls went out at the same time on your wheel, I'm pretty sure it's not the switches. It's probably a connection or something. Second, you spending $30 on switches so you don't have to sit at the dealership for an hour is ignorant if you ask me. You don't have a clue how to replace the switches or if the switches are even the problem for that matter. Chances are you're gonna end up messing something up and then you'll just end up costing yourself more money in the end. God forbid you blow the airbag. That's like a $150 just to reset that. Just go to the dealership and let them do it. It's under warranty so use it. Electronics aren't something you want to mess with. If they find out you did it on your own, it could void some of your other warranty. Especially if you mess something up. Just my two cents here, but I don't think it's worth messing with. I'd have it at the dealer.

 

Go to the dealer, ask them for something to drive while your truck is there?

 

Ok obviously I wasn't clear about what is actually wrong w the switches. The switches work, its the small bezel around the switch and the retaining clip that is broken. It's only one of them that broke, I just ordered both and was going to replace the left one too as it is already starting to feel loose. Without getting into details about my personal life, I will just say it's easier for me to follow a set of detailed instructions and order a part than it is for me to deal with the dealership. Ignorant.........possibly, but I didn't ask for an opinion about that. What I did ask for is info regarding the removal/replacement of the steering wheel audio controls. As for the airbag, there is a procedure to disable that, which I am sure I will have to use.

 

REMOVAL


WARNING: Disable the airbag system before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, seat belt tensioner, side airbag or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery (ground) cable. Wait two minutes for the airbag system capacitor to discharge before performing further diagnosis or service. This is the only sure way to disable the airbag system. Failure to follow these instructions may result in accidental airbag deployment and possible serious or fatal injury.
1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. 2. Remove the driver airbag (Refer to 10 - Restraints/AIR BAG, Driver - Removal) . 3. Remove the speed control switches (2) (Refer to 08 - Electrical/8P - Speed Control/Speed Control/SWITCH, Speed Control - Removal) . 4. Unplug the wire harness connector from the remote radio switch (1). 5. Depress the tabs on each side of each switch and push the switch through the rear steering wheel cover.


REMOVAL

WARNING: To avoid serious or fatal injury on vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt tensioner, impact sensor, or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before performing further diagnosis or service. This is the only sure way to disable the SRS. Failure to take the proper precautions could result in accidental airbag deployment.
WARNING: To avoid serious or fatal injury when removing a deployed airbag, rubber gloves, eye protection, and a long-sleeved shirt should be worn. There may be deposits on the airbag cushion and other interior surfaces. In large doses, these deposits may cause irritation to the skin and eyes.


NOTE: The following procedure is for replacement of an ineffective or damaged driver airbag. If the airbag is ineffective or damaged, but not deployed, review the recommended procedures for handling non-deployed supplemental restraints. (Refer to 10 - Restraints - Standard Procedure) . If the driver airbag has been deployed, review the recommended procedures for service after a supplemental restraint deployment before removing the airbag from the vehicle. (Refer to 10 - Restraints - Standard Procedure) .
1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before further service. 2. Remove the upper shroud from the steering column. (Refer to 19 - Steering/Column/SHROUD, Steering Column - Removal) .. 3. Release the steering column tilt lever and lower the column to its most downward position for easiest driver airbag removal access.
NOTE: It may be helpful to use a small mirror to aid visibility during the initial attempt to remove the driver airbag from the steering wheel. 4. There are three airbag retainer access holes (1) on the instrument panel side of the hub of the steering wheel (2), located at the two o'clock, six o'clock and ten o'clock positions. The steering wheel must be rotated to bring each of these access holes up to the twelve o'clock position of the steering column one at a time for removal access.


5. Insert the tip of a short handled, flat-bladed screwdriver (1) into either of the upper (two o'clock or ten o'clock) access holes of the steering wheel hub trim cover (3) being certain to place the screwdriver blade (2) on the inboard side of the airbag snap retainer wire loop.


6. Twist the screwdriver handle in either direction and pry upward far enough to disengage the snap retainer wire loop (3) from the hook of the steering wheel armature. At the same time, gently pull the driver airbag (1) away from the steering wheel (2) to prevent the retainer from snapping back into place over the hook once it is disengaged. 7. Repeat Steps 5 and 6 at the other upper (two o'clock or ten o'clock) access hole to disengage the other upper snap retainer wire loop. 8. Repeat Steps 5 and 6 at the lower (six o'clock) access hole to disengage the lower snap retainer wire loop. The lower snap retainer wire loop has a distinctive V-shape and must always be installed onto the six o'clock hook of the steering wheel armature.


9. Pull the driver airbag (1) away from the steering wheel far enough to access the electrical connections (3) on the back of the airbag housing. CAUTION: Do not pull on the clockspring pigtail wires or pry on the connector insulator to disengage the connector from the driver airbag inflator connector receptacle. Improper removal of these pigtail wires and their connector insulators can result in damage to the airbag circuits or connector insulators.

10. The clockspring driver airbag pigtail wire connector insulators (1) are secured by integral latches (2) to the airbag inflator connector receptacles, which are located on the back of the driver airbag housing. Pinch both latches firmly, then pull the insulators straight out from the airbag inflator to disconnect them from the connector receptacles. 11. Remove the driver airbag from the steering wheel. 12. If the driver airbag has been deployed, the clockspring must be replaced. (Refer to 10 - Restraints/CLOCKSPRING - Removal) .

REMOVAL


The speed control switch is mounted in the steering wheel and wired through the clock spring device under the airbag module.


WARNING: If removal of airbag module is necessary, refer to the restraint systems.
1. Remove the air cleaner lid, disconnect the inlet air temperature sensor and makeup air hose. 2. Remove the negative battery cable. 3. Turn off ignition. 4. Remove air bag, refer to the Restraint systems section. 5. Remove the top mounting screw.


6. Rotate steering wheel so that the switch is in the 6 o'clock position. Remove 2 screws from the back side of the speed control switch. 7. Disconnect the electrical connector. 8. Remove switch.

 

Well good luck to you sir. I don't see how this can be a more appropriate action than taking it to a dealership and let them deal with it, but hopefully you get it worked out. Sorry about the nasty post earlier, it was a rough day. In all seriousness, I don't know anything about your personal life so maybe doing it on your own is the better option. I just know I would never atempt to take apart my steering wheel. Too many pieces to that puzzle.