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Steering wheel controls stop working

Obvious issue for a lot of people.

Something I do not understand. Why have the dealerships guess at this? Why isn't Stellantis/RAM itself finding the problem?
 
Very Frustrating experience today. After having this recurring problem I finally decided I needed to make an appointment at the dealership. I have had customer service issues with them before and the asked me to give them another shot to show how good their customer service really is. I contacted the assistant manager and told him I would take him up on that offer, but that it was difficult for me to be without a vehicle for long periods. he made an appointment for today and told me if I brought it in first thing they would have it repaired and back to me same day. I explained in detail what the issue is and that it was currently working because I was towing when it last happened and I had to reset it in order to be able to get the screen, blind spot and other towing features to work. I told him I had a video of it not working I could show him though. I also told him I would try to drop the truck off the night before to make sure they had plenty of time.

I did drop my truck off at 3:00 yesterday. I showed two different people the video and they said it was very helpful. The last thing the assistant manager said was that he was taking the truck back right now and they would get right on it. Today at 2:00pm I had heard nothing so I called to get a status. I had to leave a message. I also sent a text to the service number they said to text to. At 4:30 I called again as I needed to arrange a ride to pick up my truck. I had to insist they find the assistant manager. He said they had not looked at my truck. I let him know, given my previous challenges with them and the promises he had made, this was very frustrating. He said he would have them diagnose and fix it "right now". I asked that he call me back ASAP to let me know what the plan was and what to expect. He didn't. I got a ride to the dealership spent roughly a half an hour in the waiting area for the assistant manager to have him tell me that because the buttons were currently working there was nothing they could do. He knew when I called they were working. He knew when I dropped it off they were working. If that was a problem he could have told me at either of those points. My guess is that when he dropped the ball on his promises of same day repair the only excuse he could come up with was that the buttons were currently working.

I will never return to that dealership. Sadly, I still have a very expensive broken truck.
 
Spray25 said:
Very Frustrating experience today. After having this recurring problem I finally decided I needed to make an appointment at the dealership. I have had customer service issues with them before and the asked me to give them another shot to show how good their customer service really is. I contacted the assistant manager and told him I would take him up on that offer, but that it was difficult for me to be without a vehicle for long periods. he made an appointment for today and told me if I brought it in first thing they would have it repaired and back to me same day. I explained in detail what the issue is and that it was currently working because I was towing when it last happened and I had to reset it in order to be able to get the screen, blind spot and other towing features to work. I told him I had a video of it not working I could show him though. I also told him I would try to drop the truck off the night before to make sure they had plenty of time.

I did drop my truck off at 3:00 yesterday. I showed two different people the video and they said it was very helpful. The last thing the assistant manager said was that he was taking the truck back right now and they would get right on it. Today at 2:00pm I had heard nothing so I called to get a status. I had to leave a message. I also sent a text to the service number they said to text to. At 4:30 I called again as I needed to arrange a ride to pick up my truck. I had to insist they find the assistant manager. He said they had not looked at my truck. I let him know, given my previous challenges with them and the promises he had made, this was very frustrating. He said he would have them diagnose and fix it "right now". I asked that he call me back ASAP to let me know what the plan was and what to expect. He didn't. I got a ride to the dealership spent roughly a half an hour in the waiting area for the assistant manager to have him tell me that because the buttons were currently working there was nothing they could do. He knew when I called they were working. He knew when I dropped it off they were working. If that was a problem he could have told me at either of those points. My guess is that when he dropped the ball on his promises of same day repair the only excuse he could come up with was that the buttons were currently working.

I will never return to that dealership. Sadly, I still have a very expensive broken truck.
Click to expand...
That sounds like an awful dealer experience, and a manager that isn't competent.

I will say, it is incredibly hard for a dealer, or any tech, to diagnose and fix a problem when it's not occurring. The only way they can find the fix is to force the problem to occur, and this steering wheel button problem doesn't seem to have a defined trigger that makes it happen. If it isn't happening, how do you troubleshoot? Every circuit you test, button you test, will show they are working.
 
z06psi said:
Obvious issue for a lot of people.

Something I do not understand. Why have the dealerships guess at this? Why isn't Stellantis/RAM itself finding the problem?
Click to expand...
I don't know how many cases have to happen before it becomes some sort of recall program, or at a minimum a bulletin detailing the proper fix. From the conversations I've had at my dealer (good dealer, good service department) and another reputable repair place, they don't doubt it is happening to a bunch of these trucks but in both cases mine was the first they have seen. And of course Ram/Stellantis will not do anything proactively unless forced to do so. I'm guessing it just isn't widespread enough to get media coverage and raise awareness to force their hand.
 
Hi @Spray25 , we have received your private message and will follow up with you shortly.

Diamond
Ram Cares
 
My 2023 Bighorn 45k miles has the same issue, battery reset has fixed it twice. Next time its going to the dealer.
 
Our team is here as an additional means of support in combination with a future dealer appointment, @3STRVLN. Feel free to send a private message our way any time.

Hannah
Ram Cares
 
Update November 25, 2025:
My 2024 RAM 3500 Limtied Megacab truck is back at the second dealer for about the 8th time in 20 months for this steering wheel button issue (see my earlier posts in this thread for the saga).

In my case, the issue occurs:
  • Every 2-8 weeks
  • Regardless of whether I'm towing or not (but perhaps slightly more often when towing)
  • Often (but not always!) after a remote start (either via the keyfob, or the Ram app, which relies on the cellular module in the truck and U Connect subscription service)
  • Only when the Pedal Monster is installed in my case, but correlation is not causality, as many people in this thread don't have a Pedal Monster - it's been extremely difficult to say what triggers the issue
Like many others (and as a software engineer), I strongly suspect the root cause of the buttons intermittently failing is a firmware or other software issue with the SCCM (Steering Column Control Module) or similarly linked apparatus in the system. Why else would pulling the fuse F82 instantly and always correct the issue for me and so many others, if it wasn't a software issue at the heart of it all, or perhaps a hardware defect with a component soldered to a circuit board? Pulling a fuse shouldn't correct any physical or mechanical wiring defect, only a software defect. In fact, I have to pull fuse F82 so often that I've marked it with a paint dot to make it easier to find at night at rest stops when towing, because the left side buttons will freeze, say, after the truck is stopped for a break on a long road trip.

I've involved @RamCares, but the awkward, repetitive, and vague phone interactions with them give me little confidence that new engineering or troubleshooting ground is being covered. Ram Cares gives me the impression of conducting a rote exercise in performative public relations. I suspect this 8th trip to the dealer (going on 4+ weeks of FCA-paid rental cars in 20 months!) is not going to solve the root cause.

Today, the dealer informed me: "We did verify that the steering column control module is offline, so we need to replace that, and then we can continue with testing and open a Star case with the engineers if necessary. We replaced this SCCM module for you in July of 2024, so it's covered under that 2-year parts and labor warranty."

So far, two dealerships have replaced:
  • Left button assembly
  • Clock spring
  • Right button assembly
  • SCCM module (once, and now again)
  • Possibly another part or two I'm missing
The only thing we haven't tried, which hardly makes sense to me, is to replace part 68493753AB (Media Hub USB Port), which has been mentioned by one other owner as a possible cause. But the connection between that part and the SCCM module and wiring seems dubious to me.
 
Hi again! We are aware of your feelings and know that ongoing vehicle concerns are not ideal. We have clarified that as our team cannot examine your vehicle, but instead we work in combination with your dealership. Moving forward, your case manager will continue to keep you informed of updates and stay in contact with your dealer appointment to ensure your voice is heard.

Apologies if you feel our responses have been vague, but again, we are not in the position to speculate on the current condition of your vehicle without input from your dealer technician. This is a group effort, but if you have additional questions or concerns, then we recommend sending a follow up via private message. Know we are dedicated to advocating for you!

Hannah
Ram Cares
 
2023 2500 Bighorn Diesel. Same left switch problem and the push to start display was on overnight with a popping sound coming from the front speakers. 54000 miles so dealer wont cover under warranty. Problem started day after transmission service and a reflash of transmission controller. I got a UConnect error to see dealer. They diagnosed it as bad switch and a UConnect module needs replacing. They want over $700 to repair and have to order parts. Fortunately its stuck at the gage summery screen, so I can live with it for now. Hopefully the fuse pull or battery disconnect fix will work. Will try in the morning.
 
Milgunsmith said:
2023 2500 Bighorn Diesel. Same left switch problem and the push to start display was on overnight with a popping sound coming from the front speakers. 54000 miles so dealer wont cover under warranty. Problem started day after transmission service and a reflash of transmission controller. I got a UConnect error to see dealer. They diagnosed it as bad switch and a UConnect module needs replacing. They want over $700 to repair and have to order parts. Fortunately its stuck at the gage summery screen, so I can live with it for now. Hopefully the fuse pull or battery disconnect fix will work. Will try in the morning.
Click to expand...
If you are still experiencing concerns let us know as well via private message so we can look into this further on your behalf.

Hannah
Ram Cares
 
I have a 2024 2500 Laramie trim. Several times, I have lost all the left-side steering wheel controls AND the volume control on the right side. Cruise works. I've had it correct itself on one long trip, but disconnecting both batteries has been the solution for at least 4 times now. I keep a 10mm ratchet wrench in the door panel now! Buy a RAM truck, and they should give you a 10mm wrench. My local dealer takes 4-5 hours to change oil - I'm afraid they'll keep my truck for who knows how long and then I'll get the message: "parts ordered". This is my 3rd Dodge Truck, but this issue will likely make it my last. These trucks are too damn expensive to deal with issues like this, especially when there doesn't seem to be a permanent fix. Pull your truck into the garage at night and disconnect both batteries so you have fully funtional truck in the morning. Wish I had purchased a GMC.
 
Dustyj said:
Same issue. Truck is now a year old and has been into service 9 times for the buttons. Anyone on hear running a banks pedal monster? Dealer said they think it could be the problem?
Click to expand...
I do have a Banks Pedal Monster (and love it) but I had the problem before installing the Pedal Monster. Now I keep a 10mm ratchet wrench in the door well to disconnect the batteries. I'm looking at a GMC to replace my 2024 RAM.
 
Ram Cares has made arrangements for dealer to repair. Lets see what they claim is wrong.
 
Unfortunately, I had to get my heater core replaced where this was noted. So I looked up the number and it seems to be a wire fault under the driver side door. Notice it was released in 2020. Hope this helps everyone.

STAR ONLINE PUBLICATION
Case Number: S2008000004
Release Date: 3/12/2020
Symptom/Vehicle Issue: Left Side Steering Wheel EVIC And Radio Switches Are
Inoperative
Discussion: The customer may complain that the Left side steering wheel switches do
not operate. This includes the EVIC control switches and Radio Control switches.
It’s been found that the D403 OG/DB LIN circuit for the left steering wheel switches has an open circuit at the SD403 Splice. The splice is located under the driver’s door sill.
Remove the protective heat shrink around the splice and inspect for a loose and/or
corroded connection. DTC’s U116A and U1446 are commonly set when this fault
occurs.
Utilize the images below to locate the suspected splice.
 
CarlLouis said:
I have a 2024 2500 Laramie trim. Several times, I have lost all the left-side steering wheel controls AND the volume control on the right side. Cruise works. I've had it correct itself on one long trip, but disconnecting both batteries has been the solution for at least 4 times now. I keep a 10mm ratchet wrench in the door panel now! Buy a RAM truck, and they should give you a 10mm wrench. My local dealer takes 4-5 hours to change oil - I'm afraid they'll keep my truck for who knows how long and then I'll get the message: "parts ordered". This is my 3rd Dodge Truck, but this issue will likely make it my last. These trucks are too damn expensive to deal with issues like this, especially when there doesn't seem to be a permanent fix. Pull your truck into the garage at night and disconnect both batteries so you have fully funtional truck in the morning. Wish I had purchased a GMC.
Click to expand...
Hi! Are you still facing the above concerns? Know we would like to offer a helping hand in combination with your dealer. Send a private message our way if interested.

Hannah
Ram Cares
 
I drove back to the dealer the day after I purchased my '24 to pick up my other car that I left at the dealership. On the way there, I noticed 90% of the steering wheel controls weren't working, and they did work the day before. They looked at it and said they would have to order a clock spring. They replaced it a week later and has been good for the last six months.
 
JBoze said:
I drove back to the dealer the day after I purchased my '24 to pick up my other car that I left at the dealership. On the way there, I noticed 90% of the steering wheel controls weren't working, and they did work the day before. They looked at it and said they would have to order a clock spring. They replaced it a week later and has been good for the last six months.
Click to expand...
Same fix as me, about 13 months trouble free since clock spring was replaced for the 2nd time. Seems like there isn't a single definitive cause of the problem, a few of us have had it fixed with a clock spring, others fuses or wiring, a few people have had all new steering wheels. Crazy problem, and frustrating.
 
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