Tesla Steering Wheel Controls Not Working? (Fixed)

One of Tesla’s features is the steering wheel controls, which allow you to adjust various settings and access different menus on the touchscreen without taking your hands off the wheel.

However, some Tesla owners have reported that their steering wheel controls stopped working, leaving them unable to control their car’s functions.

What are the possible causes of this issue and how can you fix it? Here are some common scenarios and solutions:

#1: The steering wheel controls stopped working after an alert message

If your steering wheel controls stopped working after you received an alert message on the touchscreen, such as “View around entire vehicle partially obstructed – auto lane change not available”, it may be due to a software glitch or a sensor malfunction.

To resolve this issue, you can try the following steps:

A). Reboot the touchscreen by pressing and holding both scroll wheels on the steering wheel until the screen turns black and then displays the Tesla logo.

B). Reboot the entire vehicle by shifting into Park, touching Controls > Safety > Power Off on the touchscreen, waiting for at least two minutes without interacting with the vehicle, and then pressing the brake pedal or opening the door to wake the vehicle.

C). Check for software updates by touching Controls > Software on the touchscreen and installing any available updates.

D). Check for sensor obstructions by cleaning the cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors around the vehicle with a soft cloth and water.

E). Contact Tesla Service if none of the above steps work or if the alert message persists.

#2: Steering wheel controls stopped working randomly

If your steering wheel controls stopped working randomly without any alert message or apparent reason, it may be due to a fuse issue, a connection issue, or a steering wheel control unit failure.

To resolve this issue, you can try the following steps:

A). Check the fuse that controls the steering wheel controls by locating it in the fuse box under the hood or in the trunk and inspecting it for any signs of damage or corrosion. If the fuse is blown, replace it with a new one of the same rating.

B). Check the connections between the steering wheel controls and the main computer by removing the airbag cover and the steering wheel cover and inspecting the wiring harnesses and connectors for any signs of damage or looseness.

If there is a loose connection, reconnect it securely. If there is a damaged wire or connector, replace it with a new one or have it repaired by a professional.

C). Check the steering wheel control unit by disconnecting it from the battery and reconnecting it after a few minutes. This may reset the unit and restore its functionality.

If this doesn’t work, you may need to replace the steering wheel control unit with a new one or have it repaired by a professional.

#3: The steering wheel controls stopped working after changing the wheel configuration

If your steering wheel controls stopped working after you changed the wheel configuration on your vehicle, such as switching from 19-inch to 21-inch wheels, it may be due to a mismatch between the software and the hardware.

To resolve this issue, you can try the following steps:

A). Change the wheel configuration back to the original one by touching Controls > Service > Wheel Configuration on the touchscreen and selecting the appropriate option.

B). Perform a deep restart by shifting into Park, touching Controls > Safety > Power Off on the touchscreen, waiting for at least two minutes without interacting with the vehicle, and then pressing the brake pedal or opening the door to wake the vehicle.

C). Contact Tesla Service if none of the above steps work or if you want to change your wheel configuration without affecting your steering wheel controls.

Conclusion

Tesla steering wheel controls are designed to enhance your driving experience and convenience, but they may stop working due to various reasons.

Depending on the scenario, you can try different solutions to fix the issue or contact Tesla Service for assistance. Remember to always drive safely and follow the instructions on your touchscreen and owner’s manual.