99 Seville STS Steering Wheel Button Lights

SevillianSTS · #1 (**permalink**) 11-15-08, 08:35 PM

The light went out on the Radio: Volume/Chanel Buttons, on my steering wheel. 99 Seville STS

Basically I need to take the airbag off, and from there change out the switch; that I have already purchased.

I have already read that I need to use a flat screw driver to turn the 4 locking mechanisms counter-clockwise. Do I turn just a little or keep turning until something clicks, will it snap loose? I tried messing with it a little and it does not seem to unlock, or loosen the airbag from the wheel. Thought I would ask before I over-turned and broke something.

If i unlock one, how to I unlock the other 3 at the same time, I guess I was expecting it to pop loose.

Anyways... does anyone have any advice on getting the airbag loose.

and yes I have taken the precautions on disabling the SIR system.

Thanks.

**Ranger** · #2 (**permalink**) 11-15-08, 08:53 PM

Just turn the screwdriver 1/4 turn. That should disengage the locking pin and if done correctly it should pop up a little. When all 4 are done, the air bag will lift off. When you replace it, it just snaps down. If you're not having any luck, your screwdriver blade may be too small.

SevillianSTS · #3 (**permalink**) 11-15-08, 09:31 PM

Thanks, got the job done in about 10 minutes. Just had to get a little more aggressive with the screwdriver and pop it out.

clok1966 · #4 (**permalink**) 11-18-08, 02:44 PM

question on this: So the buttons on the stearing wheel light up? All the time or just when the lights are on? And can you replace the bulb (led?) if you know electronics (soldiering and such?) I have done alot of electronics repair so small sutff and soldiering doesnt scare me. Or are the parts cheap enouhg just replacing hte whole thing is not out of line?

**Ranger** · #5 (**permalink**) 11-18-08, 05:16 PM

I believe they only illuminate with the dash lights. I do not believe that the bulbs are replaceable. That said, I have fixed many things that are "not serviceable". Not sure if I recall anyone replacing them or not. The button as I recall cost me about $55 or so from Gmotors.

PupFromCleveland · #6 (**permalink**) 04-09-09, 01:45 PM

the lgihts on my Hvac controls on the wheel do not light up does that mean i have to replace the switch

does this mean i have to take the air bag of the wheel to take the switch off ? im confused from what i have read here

FrankT · #7 (**permalink**) 04-09-09, 03:04 PM

If you are good at soldering, then click on this link. Marvin did a great job on the procedure for replacing your steering wheel switches LEDs.

http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...ontrols-2.html (Steering wheel controls)

PupFromCleveland · #8 (**permalink**) 04-09-09, 05:03 PM

i think i might be able to take it out but i cant solder myself im not good at it
so i would have ot have somone els do
i was thinking it was just a bulb that burn out probably
is it hard to take the switches off the wheel or how do i remove them from the wheel

submariner409 · #9 (**permalink**) 04-09-09, 06:03 PM

The lights aren't bulbs. Use the 'search" button up in the blue bar. All been done before.

SwampeastMike · #10 (**permalink**) 04-09-09, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clok1966

question on this: So the buttons on the stearing wheel light up? All the time or just when the lights are on? And can you replace the bulb (led?) if you know electronics (soldiering and such?) I have done alot of electronics repair so small sutff and soldiering doesnt scare me. Or are the parts cheap enouhg just replacing hte whole thing is not out of line?

The bulbs are tiny incandescents* (T 3/4 size, I believe) at about 35-50 ma, 14V or 12V. Good art/hobby stores often have for model railroad and dollhouse use. The steering wheel switches are glued and screwed together, but you can easily pop the glue joint with a sharp, thin, stiff blade.

Be certain to use de-soldering braid when you remove the existing bulb and replacement is a snap with basic soldering skills.

The bulbs look blue but they are not. They are covered with a bulb condom. Just peel off and re-use.

*the 99 factory manual distinctly shows LEDs used for the steering wheel switches, but they were definitely incandescent in my 99 STS.

There are at least three different sizes of bulbs used in the switches. My dash CD player was bad and deconstructed after I replaced. Thought I'd found a treasure trove of usable bulbs, but the wound up being 6V. I'm unsure of the climate control panel, but if anything like the radio the bulbs are on a very high density circuit board (think lighted magnifying adjustable arm to solder) and may leave you thinking, "I'm not sure if I'll be able to get this back together even after careful disassembly."

submariner409 · #11 (**permalink**) 04-09-09, 07:17 PM

Depends on which year car you own. Later Seville/Deville series vehicles use switch-mounted LED's for illumination.

**Ranger** · #12 (**permalink**) 04-09-09, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PupFromCleveland

the lgihts on my Hvac controls on the wheel do not light up does that mean i have to replace the switch

does this mean i have to take the air bag of the wheel to take the switch off ? im confused from what i have read here

Yes, you will have to pull the air bag.