Steering Wheel Climate Control doesn't work

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by PeterPrius, Jan 17, 2010.

  1. PeterPrius

    PeterPrius Hers is a 2009 Prius, non-SKS

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    The climate control buttons in the right side of my steering wheel don't work unless the wheel is turned almost half way around or more. Weird.

    But I've verified this several times. While parking in an empty lot I would end up with the wheel cranked in various positions and the controls worked when the buttons were at the 80 degree - 290 degree position (mostly left side).

    I would love to figure out why this is the case because I use recirculate often when I'm stuck behind smelly cars as we accelerate from stop lights. Then I turn it off until I need it again.
     
    #1 PeterPrius, Jan 17, 2010
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    There is a spiral cable within the steering wheel hub that connects the switches to the wiring harness. That cable apparently has an intermittent connection.
     
    #2 Patrick Wong, Jan 17, 2010
  3. PeterPrius

    PeterPrius Hers is a 2009 Prius, non-SKS

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
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    So should I take it to the dealership and ask them to check it out? Or is this something that I can snap back into place myself?
     
    #3 PeterPrius, Jan 19, 2010
  4. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Well, you would need to remove the airbag in the steering wheel hub, then replace the spiral cable (as it apparently has a broken wire within.) There are safety issues associated with removing the airbag, so if you don't have experience with that you'd be better off having the dealer fix the problem.
     
    #4 Patrick Wong, Jan 19, 2010
  5. PeterPrius

    PeterPrius Hers is a 2009 Prius, non-SKS

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Lakewood, Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
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    Thanks for the info. I don't have the experience, not that I'm great at dismantling just about anything. ;)
     
    #5 PeterPrius, Jan 22, 2010
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