The steering wheel control switches duplicate the function of the primary controls of the associated component, through a network of multiple momentary contact switches and a series of resistors. The radio supplies voltage to the switches and monitors the return signal for a specific voltage drop to occur unique to the one pressed. The radio identifies the switch selected to activate the feature, otherwise sends a serial data message that is received by the component controlled, activating the feature. With RPO 6.0L (LS6) the instrument panel cluster (IPC) supplies voltage to the switches and monitors the return signal, then sends a serial data message like the radio does. If your vehicle has the configurable steering wheel controls, it allows the driver to customize them. Programming is done through the radio, refer to the appropriate section for more information.

This section is intended to diagnosis the circuits between the radio or IPC and the steering wheel control switches. If the primary control for the device is inoperative, refer to appropriate section for the component the steering wheel control switch is functioning.