As some of you already know, I replaced my original steering wheel for this custom one. And recently I've been having some issues with the horn and other buttons not functioning.
It seems like when the key is in position 1, everything functions normally, but when the engine is switched on most times I lose the functionality of the horn and up/down arrows and volume control.
Only the buttons that control the menu are functional, all the time. I've had everything inside the steering wheel changed out, buttons, switch plate, the interface module.
Last year, I replaced the steering wheel position control module for a separate issue. The car has been scanned, and no issues were found. This is very baffling.
I still have the OEM steering wheel, so we're able to swap items. But nothing is working, and this is turning into the safety issue as the horn doesn't work. And my safety inspection is next month.
Any advice at this point would be greatly appreciated.

 

Could the wiring down the column be going?

 

Electrical issue. It's sounds like a plug issue although it could be a wire issue. Pull it apart and check the wires and the plugs.

 

I'm dropping the car off tonight, and will have my tech pull it apart, and check all connections again....thank you for your input.

 

Honestly, the part I think would need to change out, would be the steering wheel switch plate A2198601502. I don't know if this is the exact name for the part.
But that is what it's called on eBay. This part sit behind the airbag, and the buttons on the wheel connect to it, and it connects to the clock spring which connects to the steering wheel angle sensor control module.
I tried searching this part 3 on several MB parts sites, but the part comes back not found. If anyone could provide me with the actual part number, would be grateful.

 

Yesterday, I dropped off my E63 to Benz Elite Automotive in Fairfax, VA. And the owner Emile briefly looked at my issue. We both came to the prognosis that it might in fact be the switch plate, which is a conduit in which all the steering wheel controls connect to.
Which in turn then connects to the steering angle sensor control module, which is also the clock spring. So I think that is most likely the issue, I hope that they order a new one and that fixes my issue forever. Because not have a horn is a safety issue.

 

They believe the issue maybe related to the clock spring, and the latest news that it might be the buttons themselves. So at this point, who knows.

 

Hopefully they figure it out and all will be good again!

 

I hope so, and most importantly it doesn't cost me and arm or leg.

 

did you find the part on any MB parts sites after all?

 

Nope....But the good news is, my shop called me and said that my car is ready for pickup.
Apparently the fault was with the actual buttons on the steering wheel....go figure.
We looked at the Steering Angle Sensor Module, the Clock Spring, the Switch Plate, checked all wires and connectors.
And it was the dam buttons the whole time.........
Well the good thing news is, my shop offers a warranty on their work, so if the issue raises it's ugly head again, I can just take it back to be fixed again.

 

So if anyone has been having issues with there steering wheel buttons not functioning, or their horn working intermittently. Remember that the buttons complete the circuit, and one will not work without the other.
So don't start throwing parts at it, like we did. First start with changing the buttons, their cheap anyway. Roughly $70 for the complete set of left and right buttons.

And this morning, I doubled check and everything works as intended. And I'm very happy now.

 

glad its working now for ya and the tips

 

I've found work arounds for the nonfunctional buttons, the two menu buttons worked. Just the up/down arrows and the volume buttons didn't.
But their are no work arounds for the horn, and trust me you need that to work. As it's also a safety issue. I had a few not so close calls, and all I could do is flash my lights at them.

 

Here are the new buttons, they look really nice in comparison with the new wheel. This is the perfect compliment for this wheel.

 

Looks good

 

We scanned the entire car using Star Diagnostic, and found 0 faults. We took apart the entire steering column looking for broken wire, or bad connections.
And no one would have ever thought, that the buttons was the route cause of my issue. So start their first, besides you'll save yourself some cash on diagnostics.
Diagnostic $252, labor $52 and the buttons $70 = $373 total spent. But after saying all that, I very happy now Although my wallet is much lighter

 

AMG. “All money gone” ???? Hahahahaha.

 

Tim,
I was wandering when you were going to say that.

 

Well it has been several weeks now, and I'm very happy that everything is still working effectively, with no issues.