GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Circuit/System Description

When the ignition is ON and the heated steering wheel switch is pressed, the switch circuit is pulled to ground. The heat module monitors the switch circuit, and turns the steering wheel heat system ON or OFF when the circuit is grounded. The heat module supplies voltage to the indicator lamp when the system is ON.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

    •  Steering Wheel Schematics
    •  Cruise Control Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Steering Wheel and Column Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Circuit Testing

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Ignition ON, press and release the heated steering wheel switch, located on the left side of the steering wheel. Observe that the heated steering wheel indicator illuminates.
  2. Press and release the heated steering wheel switch again. Observe that the indicator turns OFF.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disable the SIR system and remove the inflatable restraint module from the steering wheel.
  2. Remove and disconnect the heat control module, located at the top of the steering wheel.
  3. Ignition ON, measure resistance between ground circuit terminal 1 and ground.
  4. If greater than 1.0 ohm, repair the open or high resistance in the ground circuit.
  5. Test for battery voltage on the ignition 1 voltage circuit terminal 4 of the heat control module connector.
  6. If battery voltage is not present, test for and repair the open in the ignition 1 voltage circuit.
  7. Measure voltage between the ignition voltage circuit terminal 4 and the switch circuit terminal 7. Press and release the heated steering wheel switch. Verify that there is battery voltage between terminals 4 and 7 when the switch is pressed, and no voltage when the switch is released.
  8. If there is no voltage when the switch is pressed, test the switch circuit for an open. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the switch.
  9. Connect a 3A fused jumper between the indicator control circuit terminal 3 and the ignition voltage circuit terminal 4. Verify that the heated wheel indicator illuminates when terminals 3 and 4 are jumpered together.
  10. If the indicator does not illuminate when terminals 3 and 4 are jumpered, test the indicator control circuit for an open, short to ground, or high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the switch.
  11. If all circuits test normal, replace the steering wheel heat control module.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Control Module References
    •  SIR Disabling and Enabling
    •  Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement
    •  Steering Wheel Horn Switch Replacement
    •  Steering Wheel Heat Module Replacement
    •  Steering Wheel Control Switch Assembly Replacement
    •  Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Replacement