Steering Wheel Controls Description and Operation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Pontiac G5 and 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The audio steering wheel control switches duplicate the function of the primary controls of the associated component, through a network of multiple momentary contact switches. The radio supplies voltage to the switches and monitors the return signal. Each switch state is associated to a set resistance value and when pressed a specific voltage drops across the resistor unique to the switch. The radio identifies the switch selection and activates the feature. Otherwise, the radio sends a serial data message to the primary component controlled by the switch to activate the feature.