So, I have a "new to us" 2015 Lincoln Navigator. I purchased it in July 2023 with 90k on the clock. Within a week, the throttle body went bad. Not a big deal IMHO given the track record with Ford for that part and it was in easy fix. NOW.... all of the sudden, the following has malfunctioned: 1) The steering wheel controls (both sides) stopped working. Cruise control is out, phone controls, navigation etc from the steering wheel are out. (the horn still works however.) 2) Passenger running board suddenly jammed in the outward position. Sounded like I was running over a sea lion. I watched the internet videos, attempted to get it to retract with lubrication fluid and a good washing. I never got it to work right, but I did get it back in so it would stop barking at me. Now, despite my warnings/request of the family not to mess with it, not only is it jammed out again, but NOW the Drivers side isnt working and wont even move. Ive checked the fuses and they all seem fine. And if that isn't enough, my wife backed into a parking standard and broke the tip off the rear silencer.... so now having to find a replacement for that. My questions however are regarding the steering wheel and running boards. I've read online about a clock spring in the steering wheel which may cause malfunctioning of the controls, but most describe one or the other failing, not both at once. I checked the listed fuses under the passenger foot well, but all were okay. Any suggestions? As for the running boards.... any suggestions why suddenly both sides are not working and how to free up the passenger. Otherwise, I have an obscenely long wait until the dealership can look at it. Many thanks for your time.

 

My guess would be the clock spring is breaking, I don't know exactly the circuit layout, but I have seen them partially break. My explanation guess for the running boards is temp change, depending on where you are. Possibly need maintenance and the cold made them worse.