2006 Yukon Denali steering wheel and climate control button lights going out

Hello - new to the forum.

The lights on my steering wheel controls and climate controls are going out one by one it seems. Checked fuses, don't think it is a fuse.

Any suggestions??

Big Aug said:

Hello - new to the forum.

The lights on my steering wheel controls and climate controls are going out one by one it seems. Checked fuses, don't think it is a fuse.

Any suggestions??

Click to expand...

Not uncommon from my experience. My 2004 Silverado had the same thing happen. Bulbs burn out. You can go in and replace the burnt out bulbs or buy new modules and replace them. A lot of guys here have done complete swap outs on the bulbs and went with LED’s.

Replace with LEDs. Then you can choose the color you want as well (even if it’s white.. [emoji6]) and they should last a long time. When I updated my head unit, I found I had 3 bulbs out on just the climate control module. That led to a full led interior replacement. (I also had recently upgraded the cluster to include a trans temp gauge, with blue LEDs, so it only made sense) I didn’t replace the interior lighting with blue however, since I still want while light if I need interior light. Just the gauges, and all panel lighting. It does require soldering skills, but really very easy work.

I purchased new buttons. Easiest fix.

I went with Dorman ones. The wire in the steering wheel is very short, makes it a bit challenging. Had to remove the air bag.

part numbers 901-120, 901-121,901-122,901-123 IIRC

TheAutumnWind said:

I purchased new buttons. Easiest fix.

I went with Dorman ones. The wire in the steering wheel is very short, makes it a bit challenging. Had to remove the air bag.

part numbers 901-120, 901-121,901-122,901-123 IIRC

Click to expand...

Yes the steering wheel buttons were definitely a challenge! Once I removed the air bag, I was still unable to get the modules plugged back in, so ended up putting them back together piece by piece while installing back into the wheel.

Sam Harris said:

Yes the steering wheel buttons were definitely a challenge! Once I removed the air bag, I was still unable to get the modules plugged back in, so ended up putting them back together piece by piece while installing back into the wheel.

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That is a good solution. I had to use a hooked pick to hold the male end of the clip and pressure it into the back of the buttons while pushing the buttons into place.

TheAutumnWind said:

That is a good solution. I had to use a hooked pick to hold the male end of the clip and pressure it into the back of the buttons while pushing the buttons into place.

Click to expand...

I tried all kinds of things, but ended up reassembling in the wheel. No matter what, expect that part to be a PITA!

Sam Harris said:

Replace with LEDs. Then you can choose the color you want as well (even if it’s white.. [emoji6]) and they should last a long time. When I updated my head unit, I found I had 3 bulbs out on just the climate control module. That led to a full led interior replacement. (I also had recently upgraded the cluster to include a trans temp gauge, with blue LEDs, so it only made sense) I didn’t replace the interior lighting with blue however, since I still want while light if I need interior light. Just the gauges, and all panel lighting. It does require soldering skills, but really very easy work.

Click to expand...

Hi Sam

Can you completely dim your LEDs and if so where did you get them. I've seen complaints that the LED bulbs are too bright on the lowest point of the dimmer rheostat.

TIA

@Sam Harris, what type of cluster did you install to have the trans temp gauge upgrade?

Also, was it plug and play? Or did you have to run any additional wires/sensors to get it working??

@Rayyy it seems on the trans temp gauge for the 2003 and some 2004 trucks and SUVs plugging th cluster with the trans temp was plug and play. According to what I’ve read somewhere mid 2004 production run, it changed and the gauge cluster had to be reprogrammed and I believe the BCM as well to get the gauge working. So some of the 2004 up through the 2006 rigs had to be programmed. Though I’m not solid on it. There’s a that thread that another member started In the NBS interior section where he talked at length about his adventure on the programming to get it to work. It’s a good read. I’ll see if I can find it for you.