Heated Steering Wheel System Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2014 Lincoln MKX and 2014 Ford Edge. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

When a heated steering wheel request is received, the Heated Steering Wheel Module (HSWM) applies voltage and ground to the steering wheel heating element (integral to the steering wheel). The steering wheel is heated to a temperature of approximately 28-34°C (82-94°F) and is maintained by the HSWM using a temperature sensor (integral to the steering wheel). The HSWM supplies a reference voltage and ground to the temperature sensor and monitors the voltage drop for controlling current flow to the heating element. The HSWM is designed to remain on, heating the steering wheel and maintaining temperature until switched OFF on the Front Display Interface Module (FDIM) or the ignition switch is turned OFF.

On all vehicles, slow heating between the 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock steering wheel hand positions is considered normal. On vehicles equipped with wood inserts in the steering wheel, there is no heating elements located under the inserts.