Diesel Data: Automotive Repair

Heated Steering Wheel Inoperative



Heated Steering Wheel Inoperative

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.



Circuit/System Description

The heated steering wheel system consists of a heated steering wheel, a heated steering wheel switch, and a steering wheel heat module. The heated steering wheel includes a non-serviceable heating element and temperature sensor. The heating element and sensor are located in the rim of the steering wheel. The heated steering wheel switch is located in the steering wheel switch bezel. The steering wheel heat module is located on the backside of the steering wheel center hub. When the switch is pressed, a signal is sent to the controller and the heated steering wheel is turned ON. The system then remains ON until the customer turns it OFF. The wheels normal operating temperature is 32°C (89.6°F). The wheel takes approximately 3-4 minutes to reach the normal operating temperature. The wheel will take longer to heat up if the vehicle temperature is below -21°C (-5.8°F). The built-in temperature sensor provides input to the controller to limit the temperature to the normal operating temperature. The wheel will not operate if the vehicle temperature is at or above 32°C (89.6°F).


Reference Information
Schematic Reference

* Steering Wheel Schematics (Steering Wheel Schematics)
* Steering Wheel Secondary/Configurable Control Schematics (Steering Wheel Secondary/Configurable Control Schematics)

Connector End View Reference

* Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
* Splice Pack Connector End Views ([1][2]Branching Point)
* Inline Harness Connector End Views ([1][2]Diagrams)

Description and Operation

Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation (Description and Operation)
Electrical Information Reference

* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Circuit Testing (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)



Circuit/System Testing

1. Disconnect the X3 connector from the heated steering wheel control module. Ignition ON. Verify that there is B+ on the ignition 1 voltage circuit terminal A.

If voltage is not present, repair the open in the ignition 1 voltage circuit. Inspect both the HTD STG/CLM fuse, and the inline 7.5 A fuse.

2. Verify that there is less than 1.0 ohm between the ground circuit terminal B and ground.

If the resistance is not within the specified range, repair the ground circuit.

3. Ignition OFF. Remove the heated steering wheel switch. Verify that there is continuity between the supply voltage side and the signal side terminal 3 of the switch when the switch is pressed.

If there is no continuity, replace the switch.

4. Disconnect the X1 connector from the heated steering wheel control module. Verify that the heating element has 1.58-2.06 ohms (leather wheel), or 1.69-2.13 ohms (wood wheel) .

If the resistance is not within the specified range, replace the steering wheel.

5. Verify that the thermistor has 6K-35K ohms.

If the resistance is not within the specified range, replace the steering wheel.

6. If all circuits test normal, replace the heated steering wheel control module.



Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.

* Steering Wheel Heat Module Replacement (Service and Repair)
* Steering Wheel Replacement (Steering Wheel Replacement)
* Steering Column Wiring Harness Replacement (Steering Column Wiring Harness Replacement)
* Steering Wheel Control Switch Assembly Replacement (Service and Repair)