legacy steering audio controls

[5clmnts]

have a 2010 3.6r legacy with volume controls on steering wheel working sometimes. Most of the time its the volume up that wont work .

[gbhrps]

5clmnts,

 

What you probably have is a dirty contact on that volume switch. It most likely can be cleaned.

 

That means removing the side panel with the volume switch from the steering wheel. It shouldn't be particularly difficult, I've had several apart over the years, but not on a Subie. The problem is the danger of the airbag going off in your face if you get too rammy with the wheel.

 

Disconnect the battery and wait 20 minutes before attempting to disconnect the switch panel from the steering wheel. The panel may have fasteners that can be seen and removed from the back of the wheel, or the airbag assembly may have to be removed first to get at the panel fasteners.

 

If you go this route, you may be able to remove the switch from the panel, and then take the switch apart inside a large ziplock bag (to retain any springs that fire out of the switch when you open it). Clean up any contacts with a pink eraser or fine emery paper.

 

An alternative may be to just leave things as they are, and spray electrical contact cleaner (Radio Shack or auto parts stores) into the switch and cycle it several times. Allow it to evaporate for several minutes before testing the switch, to prevent a short circuit.

 

Personally, I'd go with contact cleaner first, and then take the dang thing apart if necessary. I've taken this approach with many radio/power window/seat switches over the years with great success. Its time consumming and fiddly, but generally corrects the problem. Just remember to disconnect the battery and wait for the residual electrical charge to dissipate, before attempting the switch removal from the wheel, if you decide to go this route. Good Luck!