Diagnosing clock spring issue
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Diagnosing clock spring issue
The steering wheel volume controls and the mode change button on my 2005 LS430 UL have stopped working recently. I tried the electronic reset involving holding the mode button and then pressing up/down three times, and it didn't work.
The cruise control still works. However, the "display" buttons on the right side of the steering wheel and the horn are now intermittent. It seems that the display button and the horn either both work or both stop working together. There is no airbag or any other light, and no codes on an OBD2 scanner.
I don't mind changing the clock spring but I'd like to be sure that this is the actual issue before replacing it. Is there any way to diagnose this more accurately? My understanding was that bad clock springs usually throw up the airbag light.
Also, is it worth getting an OEM clock spring or is aftermarket fine?
The cruise control still works. However, the "display" buttons on the right side of the steering wheel and the horn are now intermittent. It seems that the display button and the horn either both work or both stop working together. There is no airbag or any other light, and no codes on an OBD2 scanner.
I don't mind changing the clock spring but I'd like to be sure that this is the actual issue before replacing it. Is there any way to diagnose this more accurately? My understanding was that bad clock springs usually throw up the airbag light.
Also, is it worth getting an OEM clock spring or is aftermarket fine?
Last edited by FelixBabakuntos; Mar 30, 2025 at 10:47 AM.
CL Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: 565 St Peter NOLA
The steering wheel volume controls and the mode change button on my 2005 LS430 UL have stopped working recently. I tried the electronic reset involving holding the mode button and then pressing up/down three times, and it didn't work.
The cruise control still works. However, the "display" buttons on the right side of the steering wheel and the horn are now intermittent. It seems that the display button and the horn either both work or both stop working together. There is no airbag or any other light, and no codes on an OBD2 scanner.
I don't mind changing the clock spring but I'd like to be sure that this is the actual issue before replacing it. Is there any way to diagnose this more accurately? My understanding was that bad clock springs usually throw up the airbag light.
Also, is it worth getting an OEM clock spring or is aftermarket fine?
The cruise control still works. However, the "display" buttons on the right side of the steering wheel and the horn are now intermittent. It seems that the display button and the horn either both work or both stop working together. There is no airbag or any other light, and no codes on an OBD2 scanner.
I don't mind changing the clock spring but I'd like to be sure that this is the actual issue before replacing it. Is there any way to diagnose this more accurately? My understanding was that bad clock springs usually throw up the airbag light.
Also, is it worth getting an OEM clock spring or is aftermarket fine?
It tends to act up in warmer weather and sometimes the stereo volume will change if I make a 90-degree turn.
The annoyance hasn't driven me to the point of replacing it yet, but I should as the horn does not work at all.
I'd lean toward the genuine Toyota part as the aftermarket units are usually an eBay item.
They are much cheaper from a Japanese retailer- https://www.amayama.com/en/part/toyota/8430650180
Racer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 281
From: CA
Sometimes, but not always, you can turn steering wheel end-to-end slowly while manipulating the affected components to see if they turn on/off. There are thin wires going through the clock-spring. Some will kink and break sooner than others.
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Thanks for the link. I'll probably just try the clock spring as it just sounds like that's the most likely culprit.
I've never ordered from Amayama or Impex before. One question about this -- I've noticed that sometimes when I search a part, it comes up as Toyota at one price and Lexus at another (somewhat higher) price. Will the Toyota part work in the LS430? I'd assume they're interchangeable, correct?
I've never ordered from Amayama or Impex before. One question about this -- I've noticed that sometimes when I search a part, it comes up as Toyota at one price and Lexus at another (somewhat higher) price. Will the Toyota part work in the LS430? I'd assume they're interchangeable, correct?
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