Steering wheel radio control solution!
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 39
From: Richland, WA, USA
Steering wheel radio control solution!
For buttons that no longer click or just don't work anymore, I found the replacement circiut board switches. These aren't the outside buttons but the actual switches inside that are soldered to the circuit board. They're not classified as micro switches and that's why I couldn't find them. They're "tact switches" or "tactile switches". Once I searched for that term I found them. A company by the name of "ALPS" makes the exact one, 6mmX3mmX5mm. I ordered some from Mouser Electronics for $.48 each. The part number for Mouser is cross referenced to ALPS. Mouser # is: MJTP1250, ALPS # is: SKHLAKA010. ALPS sells in bulk and Mouser will sell individual. It should be as easy as changing the bulb in the radio control. I replaced one last night and it took about five minutes. I just heated the solder points of the old switch and slowly (gently) work it out. Just do the same thing to put in the new unit.
... i thought they were there for looks (none of mine work 
)
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 39
From: Richland, WA, USA
Replacing would probably fix the problem. But something else to consider, if there is a short in the connection to either of the units (left or right sides of the steering wheel), the controls won't function. Before you replace the circuit board switches use a voltage meter and check to see if there is signal. Does the light in the control work. If the lights work but the buttons don't than there's no short. If the lights don't work they are burned out or there is a short (the lights are usually burned out so make sure you double check with a meter)).
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 39
From: Richland, WA, USA
I recieved my "tact switches" last night. They are exactly the same switch that comes from the factory! It took me about five minutes to replace my bad switches. They go in much easier than they come out. Anyway, if you need them you now know where to get them and the part number.
Registered User
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 386
From: Hickory,NC 28601
Replacing would probably fix the problem. But something else to consider, if there is a short in the connection to either of the units (left or right sides of the steering wheel), the controls won't function. Before you replace the circuit board switches use a voltage meter and check to see if there is signal. Does the light in the control work. If the lights work but the buttons don't than there's no short. If the lights don't work they are burned out or there is a short (the lights are usually burned out so make sure you double check with a meter)).
Last edited by hairbear; Jun 25, 2008 at 06:04 PM.
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