Thread: Steering wheel controls illumination

It'd never crossed my mind that they did even light up, but today I was checking the fuse box and found one that was named something like "Str whl illm" or something, which got me curious, why don't mine light up? I've checked fuses they are ok, but I still don't have any lights in the steering wheel.
I've never seen steering wheel controls light up before in any GP that I've been in, so I'm wondering if they are really supposed to light up and if so, why mine don't.
Anyone have any things I could try or know how I could check to see if the bulbs in the steering wheel are bad? I'd prefer to not tear the whole steering wheel apart cause I'm afraid of setting off the airbag, but if there is a semi-safe way to do get to them I will try it.
Thanks.

Pontiac Steering Wheel Light replacement

Thanks Guz. Looks like a rather delicate process, but I'm gonna try it nonetheless.

Just an update, but I got the SOABs out of the steering wheel finally (did I mention how short those wires are!?) and even did a bit of cleaning and touch-up paint on the buttons while I had em out. Also got replacement bulbs today in hopes of soldering them in tomorrow. I was actually thinking of leaving the red cover off the bulbs and painting the back of the buttons blue to give me blue steering wheel controls. Still haven't decided on that though, but if I do go with the blue I will post pics.

You can try getting blue bulb covers or put blue LEDs in them if you want them blue. Not sure how blue they would look with the covers.

Well either way I'm hoping to get the bulbs soldered in tonight, I might have to try and paint one of the sides blue while having the other red just to see which one I like better. At least by painting the back side I could get the paint off pretty easily. Will post pics if it turns out nice.

Happy to say that I got my lights soldered back in and got the cursed things put back in the steering wheel with minimal swearing at them. Didn't end up painting them blue or anything, just went with the good 'ole red. Looks much better now though, I'm happy.