Explorer steering wheel buttons?

[Ehupp01]

Do you think I can swap out the buttons on the steering wheel to the ones on the current Explorer? Would it just be plug and play? I am thinking about this https://www.ebay.com/itm/2016-2017-FORD-EXPLORER-OEM-STEERING-WHEEL-CONTROL-SWITCHES-/142855434258 The segmented hat switches would be much nicer. I have a 2018 SHO.

 

[Johnbigdog]

The switch packs have different resistance values to indicate to the steering column control module. The sccm looks for the resistance value/voltage drop. If the switch isn't correct the module sets dtcs and it won't work.

 

[krewat]

Is there some type of diagnostics that can be done (pin-point test?) according to the service manual? Maybe it's possible to compare the values between the two vehicles' service manual.

 

[Ehupp01]

The switch packs have different resistance values to indicate to the steering column control module. The sccm looks for the resistance value/voltage drop. If the switch isn't correct the module sets dtcs and it won't work.

Well that is a bummer.

 

[krewat]

What are the chances that a set of switches with the same function, on a vehicle that is pretty close to the Taurus, will have different values? I'd still look into the service manual and see if there are pinpoint tests, as in, resistance values, and compare them between the two.

 

[tech10002]

If they will physically fit, they can be made to work. You need to pad or replace the resistors so they electrically match the values in the Taurus wheel. This is pretty common in Ford trucks. People put the newer wheels in older trucks. I’ve seen threads in the F150 and Powerstroke forum before.

All you need is a soldering pencil, a decent multimeter, a bunch of resistors, and some time.

 

[SHOdded]

Fun with electronics. Will remain relatively accessible as long as everything does not go PCB and solid state.

 

[Ehupp01]

If they will physically fit, they can be made to work. You need to pad or replace the resistors so they electrically match the values in the Taurus wheel. This is pretty common in Ford trucks. People put the newer wheels in older trucks. I’ve seen threads in the F150 and Powerstroke forum before.

All you need is a soldering pencil, a decent multimeter, a bunch of resistors, and some time.

Thanks that sounds like it might work.

 

[tech10002]

Fun with electronics. Will remain relatively accessible as long as everything does not go PCB and solid state.

I haven’t seen inside the Taurus and Explorer switches, so I’m not sure what they have, but they will almost definitely just be passive resistors. Some models use carbon traces on a board. Others I’ve seen use individual through hole or surface mount resistors, but they can all be replaced by individual through hole resistors if you get creative. I solder 1/8 watt through holes in place of surface mounts all the time when repairing equipment since I usually have more values available.

I looked at some pictures of the Taurus and Explorer switch panels on eBay, and the connector looks about the same. You may get lucky and have it just plug in and work. The buttons are exactly the same configuration but the bezel looks like it mounts slightly differently.

The only way you’re gonna know is if you can get the wiring diagrams and compare the connectors pin for pin or buy the buttons and start mapping them with a meter. I’d make sure to do that before just plugging it in even if the connector is exactly the same so you don’t release any magic smoke. Lol

Good luck.

 

[Ehupp01]

I’d make sure to do that before just plugging it in even if the connector is exactly the same so you don’t release any magic smoke. Lol

Good luck.

TRUTH!!