Fixing Steering Wheel Controls

MikeInCtown · March 4, 2009

2004 Sierra 1500 SLT with the steering wheel controls for radio and dash functions.

The "enter button" and the one just above it on the bottom right of the steering wheel likes to stick and doesn't click in and out like the others. I'm thinking that the previous owner may have dumped soda or something on the wheel at some point and gunked them up.

Is there any way to clean these out, or a spray to spray in there to clean the contacts? is there even a way to replace the sticking buttons? I have some electrical contact cleaner that I can try but I am hesitant to spray it on the bottons as i am afraid I may take some of the black coating off.

-Mike

Majorleaguebass · March 4, 2009

man just get some new buttons, they are like 13.00 and are way to easy to change out...you can get them from gmpartsdirect.com...

MikeInCtown · March 4, 2009

man just get some new buttons, they are like 13.00 and are way to easy to change out...you can get them from gmpartsdirect.com...

Well heck. I just figured that those buttons were like any other car problem in that the smallest dash type items are like $$$ and anything involving the steering wheel comes with all sorts of disclaimers about unplugging all the ABS fuses and giving the dealer your first born.

Seriously though, I can order them up then but how do you get them out?

Majorleaguebass · March 4, 2009

a small flat head screw driver....just pry it out and there is a little connector on there...i did mine on monday (2 buttons) and it took me all but 5 minutes and for 2 button it was like 45.00 shipped to my door...

Operation Mindcrime · March 6, 2009

Just be careful the electrical lead or harness to the back of the switch(s) is very short and you could break the harness if you're not careful.

MikeInCtown · March 11, 2009

Son of a B#&^$%!!!

I picked up the new switch from the dealer as it was cheaper than ordering on line. Got the old switch out no problem but the GD wire was so short that the harness came unplugged before the switch was even removed. It's so short that it won't even come to level with the edge of the wheel so that you can even attempt to plug in the new switch. To top it off, I tried to pull a little with some needlenose pliers to find some slack and the GD plug broke.

Anyway, how does one go about getting the wheel opened up so I can either pull the wire out some or change out the harness? What are the special precautions I need to take?