06 Avalanche Steering Wheel Switches

[Cybrjaz]

I have an 06 Avalanche Z71 and so far I've only had a couple of small problems which I will address individually. This problem is with the intermittent loss of the lights under the steering wheel switches. The switches control the radio, OnStar, and vehicle informational data (mileage, trips, oil life, tire pressures, etc) and the ACTUAL switches work fine but at night . . . sometimes they're lit up and sometimes not. Add the frustration the fact that not all of the switch lights go out at the same time i.e. the volume/seek control switch - never gone out (knock on wood).

I guess the question is 1) if the lights go out does that mean something else is out i.e. a taillight or headlight and 2) how do you replace the switches without breaking them?

[MT-2500]

Is it just the light for the push buttons?
Have you check with your dealer on it?
May be tsb or recalls or a know problem.
If you are going to DIY it get some good repair info so you do not break it or blow the air bag.
A factory repair manual or a all data online repair info sub.
http://www.alldata.com/products/diy/index.html

Let us know how it goes.

[Cybrjaz]

Yes - it's the lights that are the problem not the actual switches themselves. It would be one thing if the stupid lights went out and stayed out but they don't. The lower left switches were out for like a month and then they all came on for a couple of weeks and then all but the upper right went out and now I have one of the two lower right lights back on along with the upper right but none of the others have come back.

[MT-2500]

See if the body or sir system has any code or test for checking the lights.
Remember everything in the steering wheel has to go threw the clock spring and wiring/wiring plugin.
Ask the dealer about known problems on it.
let us know how it goes.
Good Luck