Steering wheel controls and horn intermittant

[tda1610]

I have just bought a 54 Vectra 2.0t which has an intermittent problem with the steering wheel controls and horn not working. It will usually work when I first start driving (audio and horn) then within a couple of minutes it all goes dead. From there its very varied as to wgat happens, sometimes its dead until I recycle the ignition or it can com back to life later in the drive, sometimes its dead and won't work with ignition recycle!! Can anyone help?

[Ben50n]

I think this will be the dreaded CIM issue??

[Robsey]

First thing, try checking the little wiring connector behind the air bag for the controls.
See if these are seated correctly and tight.
You may need to remove the airbag first to get a look at the connector(s).

However the most likely thing to fail is the clock spring in the CIM, as this is the only part that moves when you turn the steering wheel.

If you are good at stripping modules, then you could get a donor CIM, and simply transfer the clock spring over.
Tech 2 programming will not be required if you only changed the clock spring rather than the whole module.
I know Penfold101 has done this successfully.

[tda1610]

Thank you, I'll take a look, just out if interest is the cim what was previously know as the squib?

[Robsey]

Sort of..

The squib contains the clock spring mechanism, which tranfers the electrical signals from the air-bag and steering controls.
On the Vectra-C, the squib is built into the front of the CIM module casing where the electronic brain is also located. The CIM as such is an electronic control unit, which handles ALL the electronics for the steering angle, indicator switching, horn, radio controls, cruise control, wiper switching, ignition status, key transponder and so on.

[tda1610]

So perhaps this could explain why the cruise is not working too?

[Robsey]

This COULD be a separate issue.

When out driving next,
Making sure you are doing it safely...

drive at any speed above 20 mph - hold the clutch pedal up with the tip of your foot and press the cruise control button.

If it still fails to work, then I am affraid that the whole CIM is ******ed. This will mean a costly replacement.

If it now comes on, it is the most common fault - a weak clutch pedal spring.
There are loads of threads on here about that problem.

[tda1610]

Right, I have a dona cim, swapped over the clock spring and aligned it without too much bother but I am having isssues with the pins in the black connector/end of clock spring. They are bending as they go in and this has caused a high resistance of 8.1 on the airbag connection.IMAG0420.jpg
I'm not sure how this should look, should the ends be tucked in the holes below? Should the pins come through and be visable or hide behind the plate bits?

[tda1610]

Ok I've seen another cim and have put right the pin issue above though now I have low resistance on stage 2 airbag, any ideas?