GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Steering Wheel Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Steering Wheel and Column Connector End Views

DEFINITION: This diagnostic is for a heated steering wheel that will not turn ON.

1

Did you review the Heated Steering Wheel operation and perform the necessary inspections?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation

2

Attempt to operate the heated steering wheel.

Does the system operate normally?

--

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

Go to Step 3

3

Test the ignition voltage circuit at the underhood fuse block for an open or short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Remove the SIR inflator module from the steering wheel. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement
  2. Disconnect the heated steering wheel switch connector. It is a grey connector on the left side of the steering wheel.
  3. Test the switch for continuity, making sure that the switch is pressed as you test, between the switch signal side and the ground side of the switch. Refer to Circuit Testing .

Did you find continuity in the switch?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 9

5

  1. Disconnect the green connector at the bottom of the steering wheel (C227).
  2. Test the ignition 1 voltage circuit of the heated steering wheel module for an open or short to ground. If the circuit is open, Inspect both the 7.5 A inline fuse near the SIR coil and the 15 A HTD STR/WHL fuse in the underhood fuse block. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 6

6

Test the ground circuit of the heated steering wheel module for an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 7

7

  1. Disconnect the heated steering wheel connector from the heated steering wheel control module. It is a black connector on the top right of the steering wheel.
  2. Measure the resistance of the heated steering wheel heating element.

Does the resistance measure within the specified range?

1.58-2.86 ohms (leather wheel)

1.69-2.93 ohms (wood wheel)

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 13

8

Important: The thermistor resistance varies according to the temperature. Therefore, if you measure the resistance while the wheel is still warm, the resistance may vary outside of the specified range.

Measure the resistance of the heated steering wheel thermistor.

Does the resistance measure within the specified range?

6K-35K ohms

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 13

9

Inspect for poor connections at the heated steering wheel switch. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 12

10

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the control module. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections .

Did you find the condition?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 11

11

Replace the steering wheel heat module. Refer to Steering Wheel Heat Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 14

--

12

Replace the heated steering wheel switch. Refer to Steering Wheel Control Switch Assembly Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 14

--

13

Replace the heated steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 14

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14

  1. Install the SIR inflator module. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement .
  2. Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

--

System OK

Go to Step 3