Suddenly quit working. Its a 1998 models XJ8 with 85 k miles. Thus far, wheel bearings, brakes, steering pump, and complete transmission have been required. The dash lights went out on the center column and there was a spring switch that cost a fortune to track down and replace. That is fixed, but now we have the radio buttons on the steering column not working. The radio works fine other than that.

Any thoughts?

 

I wish you luck on figuring out your problems with the radio controls on the steering wheel.

Question: Do the radio and cruise controls functions light up when you turn the lights on?

 

no they are not intended to light up- dont know why- i thought mine was broken

 

Thanx for answering that question cadrad...it was driving me CRAZY! Just again this evening, I was sitting in the car waiting for my wife to return and looking at the buttons...convinced that they should light up. Heck, even the buttons in my 2000 Ford pickup light up. I just couldn't figure (by feel) how to gain access to the buttons to check the bulbs.

Oh well. Now I'm just puzzled how they could overlook such a thing. Oh well.

Thanx again.

 

I'd check to make sure your steering wheel controls were reconnected when the dash lights and 'spring' (clock spring? under the air bag?) were replaced. Simplest diagnosis first.

 

The horn does not work at this point and the radio and cruise control functions (basically any button on the steering wheel) just quit working PERIOD.

Ideas, suggestions, always appreciated.