Hi guys,

Issue with the volume controls/skip track controls on the steering wheel of my Fiesta. Sometimes they work normally (although once in a blue moon now), sometimes they work but don't do the function they're supposed to do, eg. skip track: starts song at the beginning/goes to previous song, volume down: turns the volume up, and volume up: skips to the next song. And more often than not, they don't work all together. I know I shouldn't be too fussed considering the controls on the main SYNC unit work but it's just annoying.

I've tried factory resetting SYNC as that has worked before when the skip track buttons stopped working on the main SYNC but to no effect with the steering wheel controls. Just wondering if there are any other tips on how to fix it as I really don't want to be overcharged ridiculously by Ford for an issue I can do myself.

Thanks in advance

Hello Oscar,

since the problem is affecting more than one of the steering wheel buttons then I'd rule out a defective button. The system works by each button being a different resistance when pressed, for example volume down maybe 20 ohms and skip to next track maybe 25 ohms. So if there is a poor connection the resistance values could be all over the place. All of the switch functions of the steering wheel including the drivers airbag go through a thing called a 'clock spring' which allows the wheel to turn while maintaining a connection.

My thoughts are you have a fault with the clock spring, or the connections to it. If you decide to investigate the problem then please disconnect the negative battery lead and wait 10 minutes before removing the drivers airbag from the steering wheel.

Yes, worn clock spring on wrong steering wheel fitted.

I had a similar issue a few years back. A liberal spray of electrical contact cleaner under the buttons sorted it. Famous last words!!