I actually just took mine to my dealer for the exact same problem. They had to order the steering wheel switches for replacement, which won't be in for a week - annoying because it means my car will have been at the dealer for two business days while they diagnosed and repaired this issue.

Mine almost never work, but usually I can guarantee they aren't working immediately after starting the car. Sometimes they come on mid-trip.

 

Thanks for the reply, I would like to know if the new switches fixes the problem or if there is anything else to it.

-Platipuss

 

Sometimes it is the switches( was with mine). There was also a recall for the steering roll connector. By your symptoms, the switches are more likely. If the roll commector is bad, the cruise switches would also become inop and the airbag light would come on as it would also be disabled.

 

Just FYI: I think the recall Wagondude is referencing is for 2010 models only.

 

Good stuff they ordered the volume and mute button but because the channel button wasn't acting up at that time they didn't order that too. Which is annoying that will need to "catch" it too at the right time for them to replace it.

Plat

 

I have a 2011 OB and I had the same problem. It was replaced about 2 months ago. Recently, same - intermittent problems are now occurring with the "new" replaced steering wheel controls.

My cruise still works, but volume buttons and up/down channel changing are the culprit. Can't control Bluetooth volume when I receive a phone call and the volume dial on the dash doesn't work at that time, either.

Unfortunately, the closest dealer now (I have since relocated) is about an hour away. I think the original repair took about 2 hours. Since it's intermittent - I don't know if it will be having the problem when I take it there. Figures.

 

my buttons on the left side of the steering wheel have died also. I have a 2010. It is out of warranty. Anyone have a clue on how to replace these?

 

I had replace the clockspring/roll connector on my Audi A3. It involved pulling the airbag/steering wheel and disassembling half the dash/steering column. Took me about 4 hours from start to finish. I hate German engineering.

Replacing the switches may be easier, but you'll probably have to still pull the airbag and steering wheel to get to them and the connectors.

 

Like kenlounge stated, you will probably have to pull the airbag to get to the connector and possibly the screws for the OEM switch. I've swapped steering wheels before and had to swap the clock spring to add steering wheel controls from the new wheel. It's not as hard as it seems, but be careful. As with any interior part, if it's fighting you there is probably one screw left that you missed!!

 

If you do have to pull the airbag, disconnect the battery for at least an hour or so. Pump the brake pedal repeatedly to get rid of any electrical charge still in the system. And place the airbag someplace safe where it won't get knocked around or bumped.

The possibility of the airbag going off was the scary and expensive part.