Vehicle Improvement Products

SmartWheel Multiplexed Steering Wheel

Troubleshooting Guide

For use with:

Steering Wheels V4R-xxxxx
Controller SM211

Published: 02 December 2005

Revised: 11 April 2006
 Vehicle Improvement Products SmartWheel Troubleshooting Guide

The following guide is for use with the VIP SmartWheel Series II SM211 Controller

For Software version 1.1 or higher.

The basic system operation consists of the controller providing 5 Volts DC and ground to the steering
wheel switch electronics which respond with a specific combination of two voltage outputs to any switch
press. The controller then decodes the values and takes the appropriate action - typically opening or
closing a relay.

Troubleshooting first consists of verifying good connections through the column. This consists of
verifying the clockspring connection is in good order. One simple way to test the clockspring is to
rock/rotate the steering wheel right and left and see if there is intermittent operation of the steering
wheel controls. Then verify battery, ignition and ground to the controller and confirm that each function
works using the diagnostic mode described below. Most of the functions can be checked by using an
ohmmeter on the relay contacts shown in the attached wiring diagram.

To remove or install the horn pad in order to check connection from controller to switch pods, or to
check switch pods please follow the instructions at the end of this troubleshooting guide.

Normal Operating Mode:

Check the diagnostic LED (Seen through hole in controller cover.)
• Green = Ignition on, battery normal, no steering wheel switches depressed.
• Red/Orange = Valid switch detected (Appropriate function should be activated.)

Most Common Faults:

The following are examples of the most common problems and what to look for.

Problem Cause
Marker and or Headlamps cycle on-off while in use. Marker and or Headlamps drawing more than rated
current than controller can handle. (9 amps max total for
headlamps and or running lamps, and 9 amps max
for marker lamps)
Wipers not functioning properly or other odd quirks The most common problem with wipers and or lighting
in vehicle lighting or instrumentation issues is poor ground(s). Please check grounds at
accessories being driven by the controller (such as
wiper motors, cruise control, lamps, etc.) The ground for
these accessories should be tied to the nearest
body/frame ground on vehicle. They should NOT use
any ground(s) from the controller as their only ground.

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 Vehicle Improvement Products SmartWheel Troubleshooting Guide

Diagnostics:
Read through the entire procedure below and then proceed as directed:

Verify battery, ignition and ground at the controller per the attached wiring diagram.

To use the built-in diagnostics on the SM211:

• Remove the J2 harness connector from the controller first, then the other three connectors.
• Tie J4.8 on the controller to +12V Bat (So 12V is present before controller power up.).
• Replace connector J1 and then J2.
• Check the diagnostic LED (Seen through hole in controller cover.)
o Green = power on - CPU operating normally.
• Press a switch on the wheel and the LED will flash Red with ~1 sec. period. The number of red
flashes corresponds to the switch pressed. (Table follows.) Note that some functions are only
available with the ignition on. After the LED has flashed the switch code, the corresponding
function will activate normally.

J3 & J4 can be replaced during the diagnostics for troubleshooting if needed.

If the green LED illuminates in diagnostic mode but there is no response from the steering wheel then
check connections to the wheel. If the connections and the column clockspring check good, replace
the switchpods on the wheel. All of the steering wheel electronics are within the switchpods.

If the green LED does not illuminate and you have verified power, ground and diagnostic mode as
described then replace the controller.

If the controller responds properly to the wheel commands and the controller relays function correctly
then look for issues either in the wiring between the controller and the device being controlled or with
the device being controlled itself.
Once in diagnostic mode the controller will stay in diagnostic mode until the power is cycled with J4.8
either open or at ground.

To restore normal operation:

• Remove the harness connectors from the controller - J2 first.
• Return J4.8 to original state:
o Ground for headlamps only with wipers.
o Open for headlamps and marker lamps with wipers (most common).
• Reinstall the four harness connectors on the controller - J2 last.

Switch Position/Switch LED code:

Red LED Red LED

Left Pod Button Number of Flashes Right Pod Button Number of Flashes
Cruise Resume 7 Wiper Variable 2
Cruise Set 8 Wiper Wash 3
Cruise Cancel 9 Wiper Hi/Lo 4
Cruise On/Off 10 Wiper Off 5
Head Lamp Flash 11 Marker Lamp Flash 6
Note: Pressing the city horn pad button will cause the red LED to flash once.

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Vehicle Improvement Products, Inc.
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 Vehicle Improvement Products SmartWheel Troubleshooting Guide

Steering wheel wire color code:

Steering Wheel Connector Cavity

Position Color Wire Function
A Violet Switch Bank (Valid range 0 to 5 VDC)
B Blue Switch Value (Valid range 0 to 5 VDC)
C White Ground (0 V)
D Red Ignition (5 VDC)

Checking Proper Operation of Switch Pods:

To check proper operation of the switch pods, the output voltage per button pressed can be measured.
Using a digital multimeter connect the ground lead of the multimeter to the white wire (ground) in the
steering wheel connector cavity. Connect the positive lead of the multimeter to the blue wire to check
voltages shown in table 1. Then connect the positive lead of the multimeter to the violet wire to check
voltages shown in table 1. Be sure to apply power to the system; battery and ignition power on to make
the measurements.

Notes:
• Use of an analog meter might place an additional load on the pods, reducing the voltages
shown in table 1, yielding incorrect results.
• Voltages shown are nominal values, actual values might vary slightly, this is normal.

TABLE 1
Nominal Voltages:
Function: Blue Wire (Value) Violet Wire (Bank)
SW1 Horn Switch 0.020 1.692
SW2 Wiper Variable 3.708 1.377
SW3 Wiper Wash 2.942 1.377
SW4 Wiper High/Low 3.708 0.961
SW5 Wiper Off 2.286 1.377
SW6 Marker Lamp Flash 2.942 0.961
SW7 Cruise Resume 3.747 4.308
SW8 Cruise Set 3.005 3.790
SW9 Cruise Cancel 2.352 3.334
SW10 Cruise On/Off 3.708 2.250
SW11 Headlamp Flash 2.942 2.250

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Vehicle Improvement Products, Inc.
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 Vehicle Improvement Products SmartWheel Troubleshooting Guide

Directions for Removing Horn Pad:

1. Remove Horn Pad by placing both hands on top of pad as shown below (Pic 1). Using
your fingertips underneath the top leading edge of the horn pad (Pic 2) gently pull
upward toward you. There are four posts securing the horn pad to wheel blocks,
generally all four will release using the manner just described. DO NOT use a ripping
motion to remove the pad, as it is possible to damage the posts. Remove the wire
connected to the back of the horn pad.

Pic 1

Pic 2

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 Vehicle Improvement Products SmartWheel Troubleshooting Guide

Directions for Installing Horn Pad:

1. Lay horn pad on top of steering wheel aligning the four posts of the horn pad directly on top of their
respective mating holes. Be sure to reconnect city horn wire lead to horn pad. Using the palm of your
hand gently tap each of the four corners of the horn pad starting with the lower right, then lower left, to
upper right, finishing with upper left. (Refer to diagram 1). Do NOT attempt to snap all four retaining
posts in at the same time by hitting steering wheel in center, damage may result.

Diagram 1.

This document is provided on a restricted basis and is not to be used an any way detrimental to the interests of
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