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It's obvious that in a major head on collision, the steering wheel buttons won't work after the crash on account of the battery and electrical system of the car being destroyed. Most airbag deploying collisions, however, are more minor, and the electric features on the car may still work.
So, does the airbag deployment itself disable the steering wheel buttons?
I cannot say I have ever tested steering wheels in cars that have been in collisions to see if the accessory buttons still function anyway. So I have no direct answer.
Also, I am not sure why I would want to know. Generally, any collision significant enough to deploy the airbag is going to require the car to be repaired to be operable.
I cannot imagine a scenario where I was wishing the cruise control worked and I could crank my tunes as I wrestle with a deflated airbag at 70 on the highway with the crumpled hood in front of me obstructing my vision.
It depends on the year, make and model and how the wiring harness is installed ??
Why are you asking us?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Checkered24
I cannot say I have ever tested steering wheels in cars that have been in collisions to see if the accessory buttons still function anyway. So I have no direct answer.
Also, I am not sure why I would want to know. Generally, any collision significant enough to deploy the airbag is going to require the car to be repaired to be operable.
I cannot imagine a scenario where I was wishing the cruise control worked and I could crank my tunes as I wrestle with a deflated airbag at 70 on the highway with the crumpled hood in front of me obstructing my vision.
I've seen several crashes where the airbag deployed but the car was perfectly drivable with minimal front end damage.
My 2011 Honda Accord is fine, first off . But my steering wheel has 10 buttons, including one I can use to voice control the car. It also has six airbags, including one right in the steering wheel.
A reason I would be interested in that is because I sometimes go to the wrecking yard to get parts for my car and the parts are from a car where the air bags deployed (thus why it is in the wrecking yard!)
Anyway with older cars, all the gizmos on the steering column still worked (except the horn - destroyed) after the airbag deployed.
So far as a vehicle manufacturer intentionally designing an airbag or airbag deployment to also disable buttons in the interior of the car, there would be no reason to do that. They do design systems which will do things like shut off the fuel pump.
I've seen several crashes where the airbag deployed but the car was perfectly drivable with minimal front end damage.
I just had a truck like that.....ran/drove fine with a blown bag. Service air bag light was lit up on the dash but the truck was fine and the a/c even worked!
My 2011 Honda Accord is fine, first off . But my steering wheel has 10 buttons, including one I can use to voice control the car. It also has six airbags, including one right in the steering wheel.
That wasn't a response to your OP. I was asking why the poster to whom I responded was asking a question.
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