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I posted about this quite awhile back but didn't get much useful response. Just thought there might be more info out there now. Have a '12 King Ranch with volume controls on the steering wheel. They are not working very well anymore. Too much usage I guess. When I do a volume adjustment, it changes radio stations on me. Driving me crazy! Looked into buying the controls from Ford but apparently there is issues with disconnecting the air bags that I have no experience with. Any advice out there? Anyone ever removed controls on their steering wheel and have to deal with the airbag disconnection? Thanks in advance.
The problem might not bee the switch but it might actually be the clockspring.
It is not necessary to remove the airbag to replace the switches. I do not have diagrams for the 2012, so the values for the switch in the photo might be different but otherwise is the same. Here is the removal instructions...
Removal and Installation NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the driver air bag module during this procedure.
NOTE: When removing a steering wheel switch, disengage the outboard side of the switch first.Using a suitable tool, such as a flat-bladed screwdriver, pry the steering wheel switch out of the steering wheel.
NOTE: Do not allow the electrical connector to fall back into the steering wheel.Disconnect the electrical connector and remove the switch.
For a job like that, I take it to the pro's at a good Audio install shop. Dealing with airbags is sensitive stuff. Doubt it would be very expensive to fix.
For a job like that, I take it to the pro's at a good Audio install shop. Dealing with airbags is sensitive stuff. Doubt it would be very expensive to fix.
As stated above in the excerpt from the Ford workshop dvd, to replace the switches, the airbag does not need to be removed.
Are airbags really that big a deal? I've pulled and replaced them in older trucks, just had to disconnect the old and connect the new, no big deal. I replaced the steering wheel on one of my trucks and removed and reinstalled the airbag with no problems. Is there something in the newer trucks that makes them more sensitive?
I have the same problem with the buttons on my steering wheel, volume up is the same as hitting the >> button. I just use the **** to turn it up and down, it would be nice to have the steering wheel control but, I can live without it. My daughter has a 2011 Edge that has a much nicer setup than the truck for the steering wheel controls, little rocker switches. I don't know why Ford didn't do that for the Superduty, the rocker switches would be easier to work wearing gloves and seem to hold up better, all of hers still work fine.
If you haven’t replaced switches, I’d start there, specific as the increase contact resistance is likely registering as a skip. My money is on switches. Clock spring was moderate to swap, just follow instructions as if a new wheel.
I am betting my bottom dollar on a bad clockspring. The switches do not normally cause the problem. On my 2015, you could press the up or down button to move between radio stations and it would jump forward or backwards multiple stations regardless of the direction on the button pressed. The tech replaced the right switch to no avail. It still jumped to random stations at times. It during one of these random station changes I noticed the random station changes only happened with the steering wheel turned to one particular position. The tech changed the clockspring almost a year and half ago and to this day and it has NOT happened again. When I not press the station change button, it only moves one station in the direction of the arrow.
There have been a few others that visit this forum who have had similar issue that was resolved with a new clockspring.
So when you guys say clock spring, where is that? Anyone have schematics? Since I have no schematics, I am reluctant to remove anything because of the air bag location. When I inquired with the dealer on purchasing the switches he indicated the bags may have to be disconnected for safety because of the sensitivity to the area being worked on. That's why he suggested a the shop should do it. I don't mind trying things but want to be safe. Don't need an air bag blowing of at my stupidity, just need more info.
I posted about this quite awhile back but didn't get much useful response. Just thought there might be more info out there now. Have a '12 King Ranch with volume controls on the steering wheel. They are not working very well anymore. Too much usage I guess. When I do a volume adjustment, it changes radio stations on me. Driving me crazy! Looked into buying the controls from Ford but apparently there is issues with disconnecting the air bags that I have no experience with. Any advice out there? Anyone ever removed controls on their steering wheel and have to deal with the airbag disconnection? Thanks in advance.
i has a problem similar to this on my 11 PS. The dealer replaced the clock spring twice, and all the controls in the steering wheel and it still didn’t solve the problem. I even had a video that I made showing the radio doing goofy things when I hit the switches on the wheel and ford still couldn’t figure it out. So I eventually kinda gave up because I knew I would be replacing the factory head unit. Turns out it was actually a problem with the head unit. Once the aftermarket head unit went in the problems never came back. As I use the steering wheel controls all the time, to the point where the finish has rubbed off on the volume control.
Any schematics on the steering wheel components removal? Appreciate maybe you guys have done this many times but have no idea of the air bag location or anything else in the steering wheel/column makeup. I don't want to start digging my screwdriver into things without a little research. Although I know I can disconnect my batteries, I have to tell you the airbags intimidate me lol. Thanks for your help guys.
Hey jimmystoys, just a suggestion but before you go and start pulling apart your whole wheel, why not just replace the actual controls first? It’s a lot less invasive
Airbag depowering procedure from the 2015 Ford Workshop DVD.
Depowering Procedure WARNING: Never probe the electrical connectors on airbag, Safety Canopy or side air curtain assemblies. Failure to follow this instruction may result in the accidental deployment of these assemblies, which increases the risk of serious personal injury or death. WARNING: Never disassemble or tamper with seat belt deployable components, including pretensioners, load limiters and inflators. Never back probe deployable device electrical connectors. Tampering or back probing may cause an accidental deployment and result in personal injury or death. WARNING: To reduce the risk of accidental deployment, do not use any memory saver devices. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury or death. NOTE: The air bag warning indicator illuminates when the correct Restraints Control Module (RCM) fuse is removed and the ignition is ON.NOTE: The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.
Turn all vehicle accessories OFF.
Turn the ignition to OFF.
At the Body Control Module (BCM), located in the RH lower kick panel, remove the lower kick panel fuse cover and the RCM fuse 33 (10A) from the BCM . For additional information, refer to the Wiring Diagrams manual.
Turn the ignition ON and visually monitor the air bag warning indicator for at least 30 seconds. The air bag warning indicator remains lit continuously (no flashing) if the correct RCM fuse has been removed. If the air bag warning indicator does not remain lit continuously, remove the correct RCM fuse before proceeding.
Turn the ignition to OFF.
WARNING: Always deplete the backup power supply before repairing or installing any new front or side air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) component and before servicing, removing, installing, adjusting or striking components near the front or side impact sensors or the restraints control module (RCM). Nearby components include doors, instrument panel, console, door latches, strikers, seats and hood latches. Refer to the Description and Operation portion of Section 501-20B for location of the RCM and impact sensor(s). To deplete the backup power supply energy, disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least 1 minute. Be sure to disconnect auxiliary batteries and power supplies (if equipped). Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury or death in the event of an accidental deployment. Disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute. For additional information, refer to Section 414-01 .
Repowering Procedure
Turn the ignition from OFF to ON.
Install RCM fuse 33 (10A) to the BCM and install the lower kick panel fuse cover.
WARNING: Make sure no one is in the vehicle and there is nothing blocking or placed in front of any airbag when the battery is connected. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury in the event of an accidental deployment. Connect the battery ground cable.
Prove out the RCM as follows:
Turn the ignition from ON to OFF. Wait 10 seconds, then turn the ignition back to ON and visually monitor the air bag warning indicator with the air bag modules installed. The air bag warning indicator will illuminate continuously for approximately 6 seconds and then turn OFF. If an air bag SRS fault is present, the air bag warning indicator will:
— fail to light.
— remain lit continuously.
— flash.
The air bag warning indicator might not illuminate until approximately 30 seconds after the ignition has been turned from the OFF to the ON position. This is the time required for the RCM to complete the testing of the SRS . If the air bag warning indicator is inoperative and a SRS fault exists, a chime sounds in a pattern of 5 sets of 5 beeps. If this occurs, diagnose and repair the air bag warning indicator and any SRS faults discovered.
Clear all Continuous Memory Diagnostic Trouble Codes (CMDTCs) from the RCM using a scan tool.
Airbag depowering procedure from the 2015 Ford Workshop DVD.
Depowering Procedure WARNING: Never probe the electrical connectors on airbag, Safety Canopy or side air curtain assemblies. Failure to follow this instruction may result in the accidental deployment of these assemblies, which increases the risk of serious personal injury or death. WARNING: Never disassemble or tamper with seat belt deployable components, including pretensioners, load limiters and inflators. Never back probe deployable device electrical connectors. Tampering or back probing may cause an accidental deployment and result in personal injury or death. WARNING: To reduce the risk of accidental deployment, do not use any memory saver devices. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury or death. NOTE: The air bag warning indicator illuminates when the correct Restraints Control Module (RCM) fuse is removed and the ignition is ON.NOTE: The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.
Turn all vehicle accessories OFF.
Turn the ignition to OFF.
At the Body Control Module (BCM), located in the RH lower kick panel, remove the lower kick panel fuse cover and the RCM fuse 33 (10A) from the BCM . For additional information, refer to the Wiring Diagrams manual.
Turn the ignition ON and visually monitor the air bag warning indicator for at least 30 seconds. The air bag warning indicator remains lit continuously (no flashing) if the correct RCM fuse has been removed. If the air bag warning indicator does not remain lit continuously, remove the correct RCM fuse before proceeding.
Turn the ignition to OFF.
WARNING: Always deplete the backup power supply before repairing or installing any new front or side air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) component and before servicing, removing, installing, adjusting or striking components near the front or side impact sensors or the restraints control module (RCM). Nearby components include doors, instrument panel, console, door latches, strikers, seats and hood latches. Refer to the Description and Operation portion of Section 501-20B for location of the RCM and impact sensor(s). To deplete the backup power supply energy, disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least 1 minute. Be sure to disconnect auxiliary batteries and power supplies (if equipped). Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury or death in the event of an accidental deployment. Disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute. For additional information, refer to Section 414-01 .
Repowering Procedure
Turn the ignition from OFF to ON.
Install RCM fuse 33 (10A) to the BCM and install the lower kick panel fuse cover.
WARNING: Make sure no one is in the vehicle and there is nothing blocking or placed in front of any airbag when the battery is connected. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury in the event of an accidental deployment. Connect the battery ground cable.
Prove out the RCM as follows:
Turn the ignition from ON to OFF. Wait 10 seconds, then turn the ignition back to ON and visually monitor the air bag warning indicator with the air bag modules installed. The air bag warning indicator will illuminate continuously for approximately 6 seconds and then turn OFF. If an air bag SRS fault is present, the air bag warning indicator will:
— fail to light.
— remain lit continuously.
— flash.
The air bag warning indicator might not illuminate until approximately 30 seconds after the ignition has been turned from the OFF to the ON position. This is the time required for the RCM to complete the testing of the SRS . If the air bag warning indicator is inoperative and a SRS fault exists, a chime sounds in a pattern of 5 sets of 5 beeps. If this occurs, diagnose and repair the air bag warning indicator and any SRS faults discovered.
Clear all Continuous Memory Diagnostic Trouble Codes (CMDTCs) from the RCM using a scan tool.
this is what I had followed when replacing mine, no issues encountered, I think I received them from Larry at the time as well...
