Lately I've noticed that the radio controls are not working as well as usual. I have to push the volume control repeated to get it to work, and sometimes that doesn't even do it. The other day, when I pressed the volume button, it changed the radio station. It's beginning to piss me off. Has anyone else experienced this? Any suggestions?

Peter.

 

I had this problem on my 2000TL. It got to the point that it would change channels if I pushed the volume doan button, get quieter if I pushed the volume up button, etc, etc. - they had to replace the entire steering column to repair. It was covered under warranty.

 

Just take it to the dealer. If it was broken than there is nothing you really can do. Let them fix it before you get the volume shooting up by itself like my old benz use to do.

 

You didn't spill soda into your switch assembly, did you? It sounds like a dirty switch contact to me.

 

The same thing happened on my 98CL. I put an aftermarket head unit in so i lost control of it anyway. It was really annoying though, i know how you feel.

 

No, I keep my car very clean. If it is a dirty switch contact, it won't be so hard for the dealer to take care of it.

jdl75:
How long did this whole process take? Did they have to keep your car for a long time? Or did they order the steering column while you kept your car?

Thanks,
Peter.

 

I dropped it off in the morning (I had an appointment) and it was ready by 3pm. They were familiar with the problem, and the warehouse is only an hour drive, so parts were no problem.

 

Recently I switched steering wheels from stock to wood. If you want to fix it it's fairly easy. Disconnect the battery, wait three minutes. Pop off the small trim covers on either side of the steering wheel at the base. Use a t-30 torx bit to remove the two screws (T-30 bit available at any parts store, about $2) and then gently pull off your steering wheel cover. The air bag is in there so be careful - then with a small phillips screwdriver unscrew the old switch after you disconnect it and replace it with you new one. Slide your cover back on, put your screws back in either side, reconnect the battery and reset all your radio stations (get your code first) and you are good to go. Look in your owners manual in the audio section to use the coding process.