Diagnosis And Testing - Remote Switches

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Dodge Stratus and 2005 Chrysler Sebring. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Any diagnosis of the Audio system should begin with the use of the DRB III(R) diagnostic tool. For information on the use of the DRB III(R), refer to the appropriate Diagnostic Service Manual.

Refer to appropriate SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS article. The wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair procedures, details of wire harness routing and retention, connector pin-out information and location views for the various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.

WARNING: DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, SIDE AIRBAG, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Remove the remote radio switch(es) from the steering wheel. See Fig 1.

Fig 1: Remote Radio Switches
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - BLACK (LEFT) SWITCH

2 - WHITE (RIGHT) SWITCH

Use an ohmmeter to check the switch resistances as shown in the Remote Radio Switch Test table. If the remote radio switch resistances check OK, go to step 3. If not OK, replace the faulty switch.

REMOTE RADIO SWITCH TEST

Switch	Switch Position	Resistance
Right (White)	Volume Up	3.9K ohms +/-5%
Right (White)	Volume Down	10K ohms +/-5%
Right (White)	Mode Advance	330 0hms +/-5%
Left (Black)	Seek Up	1.2K ohms +/-5%
Left (Black)	Seek Down	2.2K ohms +/-5%
Left (Black)	Pre-Set Station Advance	68K ohms +/-5%

Reconnect the battery negative cable. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. Check for 5 volts at the radio control mux circuit cavities of the steering wheel wire harness connectors for both remote radio switches. If OK, go to step 4. If not OK, repair the open or shorted radio control mux circuit to the Body Control Module (BCM) as required.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Disconnect the 18-way instrument panel wire harness connector from the BCM. Check for continuity between the remote radio switch ground circuit cavities of the steering wheel wire harness connectors for both remote radio switches and a good ground. There should be no continuity. If OK, go to step 5. If not OK, repair the shorted remote radio switch ground circuit to the BCM as required.
Check for continuity between the remote radio switch ground circuit cavities of the steering wheel wire harness connectors for both remote radio switches and the 18-way instrument panel wire harness connector for the BCM. There should be continuity. If OK, refer to the proper Body Diagnostic article to test the BCM and the PCI data bus. If not OK, repair the open remote radio switch ground circuit as required.