Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Circuit/System Verification
Using an Infrared Temperature Gun
- Engine running, all accessories OFF.
- Verify the steering wheel heater switch is OFF and the steering wheel heater indicator should not be illuminated.
- If the heater indicator is illuminated
- Go to next step: If the heater indicator is not illuminated
- NOTE:
The Infrared Temperature Gun should be within 50.8mm (2 in) and parallel to the steering wheel rim when taking temperature readings.
Measure the temperature readings at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions on the steering wheel rim (1).
- Verify that the steering wheel temperature is 25°C (77°F) or below.
- If the steering wheel temperature is greater than 25°C (77°F)
Allow the steering wheel to cool before proceeding to next step.
- Go to next step: If the steering wheel temperature is 25°C (77°F) or below
- If the steering wheel temperature is greater than 25°C (77°F)
- Press and release the steering wheel heater switch. The steering wheel heater indicator should illuminate. Allow the steering wheel to heat for a minimum of 10 min so that the temperature stabilizes.
- If the heater indicator does not illuminate
- Go to next step: If the heater indicator illuminates
- NOTE:
The Infrared Temperature Gun should be within 50.8mm (2 in) and parallel to the steering wheel rim when taking temperature readings.
Measure the temperature readings at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions on the steering wheel rim (1).
- Verify that the steering wheel temperature is greater than 28°C (82.4°F) within 20 min.
- If after 20 minutes the measured temperature is less than 28°C (82.4°F)
Refer to Circuit System Testing.
- Go to next step: If after 20 minutes the measured temperature is 28°C (82.4°F) or greater
- If after 20 minutes the measured temperature is less than 28°C (82.4°F)
- All OK.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.