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More buttons on the steering wheel stopped working

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Blackwing, Aug 23, 2019.

  1. Blackwing

    Blackwing Member

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    Hey guys so a quick synopsis on the timeline of my steering wheel button health:

    1.) 2011-2012 (?) Recirculator/Front Defroster/Rear Defroster button set stopped working

    2.) 2018 The backlight illuminating lights underneath the wheel buttons flash *OFF* depending on wheel angle.

    3.) Q2 2019-Present The A/C Auto button only worked at certain angles of the wheel.

    4.) This morning: The A/C Auto/Temp Up/Temp Down button set did not work at any wheel angle.

    Upon research, I found the Spiral Cable Clock Spring is responsible for this?

    Is this an easy DIY? I only found one video from last year on Youtube on how to fix the buttons by replacing the Clock Spring.

    The remaining working buttons

    1.) The Volume Up/Volume Down/MODE/Channel Up/Channel Down button set
    2.) All Cruise Control buttons
     
  2. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    The clock spring isn’t bad to do, but ensure enough time passes between 12 volt disconnect and the time you’re trying to remove the air bag;).

    It would be a bad day to have the air deploy while attempting work:oops:.

    Do not buy the cheap clock springs as their reliability is questionable:cool:.

    Search around here a bit for clock spring related threads and you’ll get a feel for the job:).

    Good luck and keep us posted (y).
     
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  3. Blackwing

    Blackwing Member

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    Thanks for the quick reply Ray! Are you able to confirm this is a common issue and the clock spring is the typical part to replace?
     
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  4. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    If lose functionality of buttons or things are working intermittently, that’s the connection to the supporting systems;).

    It is not uncommon, but every situation is different, so check and confirm before diving in is my advice. I come from the measure twice, cut once school:).

    Good luck and keep us posted (y).
     
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  5. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Not uncommon at all. I had to replace one on my wife's '05 a few years ago. Not very hard, but be careful of the air bag, as @Raytheeagle mentioned. And make sure you don't let it get out of position. Center the steering wheel before you start and then put in the new one just like it came out of the box. I think they come taped so they won't shift before you install them.
     
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  6. Blackwing

    Blackwing Member

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    Yeah the youtube video said to mark it underneath or something so it's lined up? How would I know if it is off-center by even 0.5mm?
     
  7. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    I don't know what video you mean. I didn't look at one. I just took the advice of a pro who'd done lots of them. I wouldn't worry about something as tiny as a half mm. Just make the wheel straight and don't let the new part get away from you after you untape it.
     
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  8. Blackwing

    Blackwing Member

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    Ok so I need to make sure I remove the tape it comes packaged with to release the electric current?

    Here's a video
     
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  9. George W

    George W Active Member

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    Nice video, but was also hoping you would talk about tbe Clockspring replacement itself. :)
     
  10. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    You remove the tape so the clockspring can spin. The tape keeps it from wandering randomly and getting out of sync before you install it. It'll be pretty obvious when you have it in your hands.
     
  11. Blackwing

    Blackwing Member

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    Ok so question about the part itself. There are a lot of Genuine OEM clock springs on eBay for about $30. I cannot seem to find ones sold directly by a dealer though. Are these made in Japan like the label says? or did somebody just throw a cheapy one in an OEM box?

    Also do they all come with the Steering Wheel Sensor or does everyone typically use the current sensor with the new clock spring and you're good to go?
     
  12. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    I'm afraid I can't help you on that part. I bought mine gently used and pre-tested from a local hybrid specialist. I can tell you that it was just the clock spring, iirc. It was a few years ago and the little gray cells are not as nimble as they used to be.
     
  13. Blackwing

    Blackwing Member

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    Okay so now I noticed when turning the wheel about at least 25 to 30 degrees to the left, the lights under the wheel buttons will illuminate. I'm attaching photos below. Does that mean the clock spring is contracting or expanding if the wheel is turning to the left?

    IMG_1446.JPG
    IMG_1447.JPG
     
  14. richmke

    richmke Member

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    I just bought a clock spring off ebay. It is supposed to be a genuine toyota part. Seems legitimate. I should be receiving it within a week, and probably install it next weekend.

    GENUINE Air Bag Spiral Cable Clock Spring for Toyota Lexus Tacoma 84306-0E010 713095922439 | eBay

    This video shows the general idea on replacing the clock spring:


    This video is specific to the Prius Gen2. It shows replacing the turn switch, which is behind the clock spring. Once you get to about 4:30 into the video, you have removed enough to get the clock spring.
     
    #14 richmke, Aug 30, 2019
    Last edited: Aug 30, 2019
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  15. richmke

    richmke Member

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    I tried replacing the clock spring. Unfortunately, it is not the right model. I think I have the 48020 version, whereas the ones on ebay are the 48030 version. My version has an extra connector, and seems to have a wider ribbon cable. In the picture, mine is on the left, and the one off ebay is on the right.

    Anyone know how to find the right version off ebay? Otherwise, I'll have to go to the dealership and pay $250.
     

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  16. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    You don't have to pay $250 for a clock spring. Look around the dealers with online shops and you be able to find them in the $135-$150 region.
     
  17. richmke

    richmke Member

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    My bad. I figured out that the extra connector on my Clock Spring assembly is for the Steering Angle Sensor. The Steering Angle Sensor is held onto the Clock Spring with 4 tabs. I took it off the old Clock Spring, and it clipped right onto the new Clock Spring.

    Tip: To remove the wire connector off the Steering Angle Sensor, on the side opposite the wires (left side), push in (right) on the bottom 1/4 of the connector. A latch will slide in, and the connector will slide off. I tried forever pushing up/down on the tab on the wire side, and it did nothing.

    The new Clock Spring off eBay came in a Toyota Box, and inside the box, it was in a Toyota plastic bag. It all seemed legitimate.
     
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  18. Blackwing

    Blackwing Member

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    Hi Rich, Did everything work? I need to get this part and get it fixed
     
  19. richmke

    richmke Member

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    Works great. Been using it for 2 months, and all the buttons work.
     
  20. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    I'm glad it's working, and I hope it continues for a good while.

    Just a word of caution for the thread: counterfeiters generally don't lose a wink of sleep over calling their products "genuine OEM" or putting them in boxes that say Toyota. Putting them in boxes that didn't say Toyota would kind of defeat the purpose.

    It's understood that dealer list prices include a pretty comfortable markup ... even the dealers that sell online are often selling 30% below list, and they're not making themselves poor doing it.

    But when you find that "genuine OEM" part at like 90% below list, it makes you go "hmm".
     
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