Steering wheel defroster controls in-op...

All the steering wheel controls, cruise control, air bag and horn wiring runs through 'clock spring' ribbons at the base of the wheel, this is another wear item.. Look up on youtube if not familiar. Toyota also refers them as spiral cable when repairing, but sells the part as a clock spring.

My 'right hand' steering wheel controls quit first, now others have stopped as well, so I'll soon put in a new clock spring, have not read here at priuschat of the button itself causing the problem, but it could.

One check for the clock spring especially for intermittent operation is to turn the steering wheel to different angles and hit the button to see if it will then operate. It used to make a difference for me, at least for several months.

 

Again, clockspring is a safety restraint component. Should be covered by toyota. Argue it if you have to.

 

Same problem with my 2006 Prius 135k.

Right side buttons on steering wheel were working intermittently, now not at all.
Front defrost, rear defrost, recirculate and info buttons not working.

Will try turning the wheel and see if they pick up.

Anyone have any luck getting this fixed at the dealer for no charge due to safety?

 

Reviving this thread. So if the buttons work while the steering wheel is rotated, would that rule out "Switch, Steering Pad", as that indicates the switch is operational? And narrow it down to the Clock spring?

 

That would be a logical approach. Remember that all vehicles have the "clock spring". They wear out over time. That part has been in vehicles for a long time, it is not a new thing. Getting back to your question, if the buttons are working when you turn the wheel and not at other locations, then there is the possibility of the clock spring being the problem.

 

How long would this apply, if it applied at all? My "new" used car has 118K on it.

 

Thank you.

 

Some years back (4-5) this happened on my wife's 2007. The clock spring was replaced by the dealer under the warranty for safety issues. I was told it was because it involved the control circuit for the airbag. We now have the same problem with the right controls on my sister's 2009. Left side still works but the two defrost and the recirculate switches, as well as the information and voice buttons don't. Blue tooth phone does work. I will take it in to the dealer and see what they will do for us.
Ed