Menu buttons lost power
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 352
Likes: 12
From: Worcester, MA
15' CLS400
Menu buttons lost power
I couldn't find another thread about this. If there is one, please point me in the right direction. A couple days ago the light behind the left side steering whell buttons went out. I thought, ok no big deal, I'll see if maybe I can change it. What I didn't notice until this morning is the buttons don't work. This leads me to believe there is a power problem and not a blown LED. Anyone happen to know if there is a fuse or relay for this somewhere? Also, how do you take the cover off of the buttons on the wheel? Will it just pull off? Car is way out of warranty (02' C230k coupe). Looking for a little DIY here.
Thanks,
Rene
Thanks,
Rene
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 352
Likes: 12
From: Worcester, MA
15' CLS400
Still looking into this problem. Found some wiring diagrams showing something like 12 wires all coming up the steering column to the wheel itself (damn). The wires go to the right side button cluster then four wires go from the right cluster to the left cluster across the front of the wheel under the airbag. I'm figuring the problem of no power or control on the left side is either 1: one of the four wires, or 2: the button cluster itself. Has anyone ever had to replace the button cluster or had similar work? Can you tell I'm real big on DIY's. 
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 352
Likes: 12
From: Worcester, MA
15' CLS400
Ok, one more post on this. I went to the local MB dealer and they want $230 for the left side button cluster and there is no returns on electrical items. So before I purchase this can anyone at all tell me what is on the four wires going to the steering wheel menu buttons. Just knowing if its serial data or not would be a start.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
I've had the same problem as you. Had to have the entire module replaced (and yes, not under warranty). Had the dealer do it for big bucks - according to the dealer (no idea if this is fully accurate, of course) the same module controls the airbag assembly, so the parts cost much more than the $230 you were quoted - of course, you'd just be doing the buttons, where in my case, they did the module as well.
No diy info, but just wanted to tell you you're not alone.
No diy info, but just wanted to tell you you're not alone.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 352
Likes: 12
From: Worcester, MA
15' CLS400
Thanks Tommy. I'm not quite sure how it would tie into the airbag but its possible. I have the actual wiring diagrams which show the everything going to the right side button group (maybe you had this side done). Then a couple wires going to the center for the horn and airbag (seperately). In addition there are four wires going from the right side to the left side button group. Looking at some pictures there are two connectors, one yellow one for the airbag and one other connector that plugs into the left button group. It looks to me as if they are seperate. It is however possible they are tied in together in the dash before they come up the steering column. Maybe the module you had replaced was in the dash and not in the wheel itself?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
I'll look for the receipt for this work (in the mess in the glovebox - there are a lot of work receipts for this car, unfortunately), and post up what was done if I find it. It should include part #s, so you'd be able to cross-reference.
There is a diy steering wheel swap on here that might be of some help to you on the wiring issue.
There is a diy steering wheel swap on here that might be of some help to you on the wiring issue.
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If you are articulate you can fix the switch. what happend is the pins/ plug broke off the back of the switch.
If you pull off the air bag then remove the horn / spring plate @ the back of the airbag the switch can then be removed.
( and ill bet that when the switch is removed the pin's will still be in the steering wheel).
Pull the switch apart and you can solder the pins back on to the circuit board and you saved you self a bunch of money and it only takes about 15 min .
trust me this works, done it to both of my cars
If you pull off the air bag then remove the horn / spring plate @ the back of the airbag the switch can then be removed.
( and ill bet that when the switch is removed the pin's will still be in the steering wheel).
Pull the switch apart and you can solder the pins back on to the circuit board and you saved you self a bunch of money and it only takes about 15 min .
trust me this works, done it to both of my cars
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Joined: Mar 2007
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Somewhat back on topic....
Are replacement button covers available without replacing the entire steering wheel cover? If so, are they easily replaced? My right side concave buttion is cracked, and it is worn on the edge so light comes through.
Thanks.
Are replacement button covers available without replacing the entire steering wheel cover? If so, are they easily replaced? My right side concave buttion is cracked, and it is worn on the edge so light comes through.
Thanks.
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From: SF Bay Area, CA
2006 E55 and 2002 E320
Off topic again, but see the whole video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_N5V...eature=related
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_N5V...eature=related
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