smart wheel problems on 2001 Windsor

[rburwick]

I have a 2001 Windsor with a smart wheel- windshield wipers, Horn and Cruse Control have all stopped working. I have checked fuses and spoke to a rep from Vehicle Improvement Products and received their troubleshooting Guide however I must locate the Master Control Box before I can go any further. I spoke with Monaco rep and he stated that the control box is located on the firewall by the drivers foot- I looked but could not locate it. the wires go up from the bottom of the steering column into the dash, but couldn't follow them any further. I would rather not have to remove the dash just to find out the box is elsewhere. Has anyone else had this problem - or has any ideas where the box might be located..

Bob

[jacwjames]

I own a 2002 Windsor, my VIP control module is located behind the radio, right side. Same thing happen to me and it turned out to be a loose wire on the module. Was able to solder connector end back on and it's worked for +5 years.

[jacwjames]

It may be you clock spring, this is the wiring connector that allows the steering wheel to turn and provides wiring connection for the controls.

Attached is a parts breakdown of my steering column which has the clock spring. The steering wheel is made by Douglas Autotech, you can look up the part number on there website and get a technical document on how to replace. #15 is the clock spring assembly, the Douglas Part # is 1900043

[Steve Ownby]

Originally Posted by rburwick

I have a 2001 Windsor with a smart wheel- windshield wipers, Horn and Cruse Control have all stopped working. I have checked fuses and spoke to a rep from Vehicle Improvement Products and received their troubleshooting Guide however I must locate the Master Control Box before I can go any further. I spoke with Monaco rep and he stated that the control box is located on the firewall by the drivers foot- I looked but could not locate it. the wires go up from the bottom of the steering column into the dash, but couldn't follow them any further. I would rather not have to remove the dash just to find out the box is elsewhere. Has anyone else had this problem - or has any ideas where the box might be located..

Bob

One fairly easy thing to check first. When I had the problem it turned out to be a wiring connector directly under the center pad on the wheel. I'm guessing the model wheel you have has as access hole under the wheel that you can use to get an Allen wrench on the set screw. I believe it's a 5mm but could be wrong.

On mine, the connector was not pushed all the way in to latch. After 10 years working perfectly, it backed out enough to lose function.

Good luck.


Steve Ownby
Full time since '07

[slickest1]

The controller on my Imperial is behind the radio as well. Another thing to check is, there are a few plug connections on the steering column. The plastic covers just pop off revealing the wiring harness.
On mine I had a loose connection on the controller. Alot of times the controller is bad.
Good luck.