A modern steering wheel is not just a control element, but an entire remote control for the car. The buttons on it allow you to control multimedia, answer calls, adjust the speed and even activate the voice assistant without taking your hands off the wheel. But many drivers, especially newbies, are faced with confusion: what does this or that icon mean?, how to use it correctly and what functions are hidden behind incomprehensible symbols?

In this article we will look at all types of buttons on the steering wheel - from standard to exclusive, which are found only in premium brands. You will learn what the buttons on the steering wheel are called. Toyota, Volkswagen, BMW and other brands, what functions they perform, and how to avoid common mistakes when using them. And also - why some buttons may not work and what to do about it.

If you've ever gotten lost looking at control panels with dozens of unfamiliar icons, or doubted whether you can press a particular button while driving, this material is for you. We have collected up-to-date information on 2026, including changes in the interfaces of the latest car models.

1. Standard buttons on the steering wheel: basic functions

Most cars, regardless of make and class, have required set of buttons, which duplicates the main management functions. Their location and design may differ, but their purpose remains the same.

These buttons include:

  • 🔊 Adjusting the sound volume - usually represented by buttons + and – or a twister. In some models (for example, Mazda CX-5) the volume is adjusted with a slider on the steering wheel spoke.
  • 📻 Switching tracks/radio stations - buttons ▶|◀ or ↑↓. B Audi and Mercedes-Benz A touch joystick for scrolling through playlists is often found.
  • 📞 Answer/hang up a call — green and red tube (standard for all cars with Hands-Free). B Hyundai and Kia these buttons can be combined into one with backlight.
  • 🔄 Voice control — a button with a microphone icon. B BMW she can activate iDrive, and in Ford - system SYNC.

These buttons must work even with the ignition off (if the car supports this mode). For example, in Volkswagen Golf 2020+, you can answer the call without starting the car - just turn the ignition to ACC.

📊 Which steering wheel buttons do you use most often?
Volume and track switching
Receiving calls
Cruise control
Voice control
Other

It is important to understand that standard buttons usually connected directly to the on-board computer and do not require additional configuration. However, if they stop responding after replacing the battery or resetting the settings, you may need to retraining steering wheel buttons via a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431 or Autel MaxiCOM).

2. Cruise control buttons: what they are called and how to use

Cruise control system Cruise Control) allows you to maintain a given speed without pressing the gas pedal. Its control buttons are usually located on left steering wheel spoke (in left-hand drive cars) or on a separate steering column switch.

Standard set of cruise control buttons:

  • 🚗 ON/OFF — turn on/off the system. B Toyota Corolla In 2023, this button is highlighted green when activated.
  • ➕ SET/ACCEL — setting the current speed or acceleration by 1–2 km/h.
  • ➖ COAST/RES — slowing down or resuming a previously set speed.
  • 🛑 CANCEL — temporary shutdown without resetting settings (for example, when braking).

In cars with adaptive cruise control (ACC) buttons are added to adjust the distance to the vehicle ahead. For example, in Tesla Model 3 distance is adjustable from 1 (minimum) up to 7 (maximum) in increments of 1 unit.

What to do if cruise control does not turn on?

If the button ON/OFF does not respond, check:

1. Is the ignition turned on (should be in the ON, not ACC).

2. Are the speed sensors working properly (a common problem in Renault Duster until 2022).

3. Are there any errors in the control unit (code P0571 — malfunction of the cruise control circuit).

If the problem remains, diagnostics with a scanner is required (for example, ELM327 with the program Torque Pro).

⚠️ Attention: Don't confuse the button CANCEL with OFF. The first temporarily suspends the system (for example, when overtaking), and the second completely disables it - you will have to adjust the speed again.

3. Multimedia buttons: control music, navigation and calls

This button block is responsible for interacting with head unit (radio, display) and smartphone. Their functionality depends on the car model and the installed multimedia system.

Common options:

Icon Title Function Example (car brand)
🎵 Media Switch between sources (radio, Bluetooth, USB) Ford Focus (system SYNC 3)
📍 Navi Quick access to navigation or voice entry of an address BMW 5 Series (iDrive)
📱 Phone Opening the phone contacts menu Toyota Camry (system Entune)
🔍 Voice Activating a voice assistant (Siri, Google Assistant, Alice) Hyundai Tucson (system Bluelink)

In premium cars (eg. Mercedes-Benz S-Class) multimedia buttons can be sensory and support gestures. For example, swiping left/right on the panel switches tracks, while touching and holding activates voice input.

⚠️ Attention: If after connecting the smartphone via Bluetooth Music control buttons do not work, check:

  • Is the mode enabled in the phone settings Media audio (not only Telephone audio).
  • Is the head unit firmware updated? Mazda CX-30 until 2021 there were bugs with Android Auto).
  • Is there a conflict with other connected devices (for example, smart watches).

4. Buttons for controlling the on-board computer and settings

These buttons allow you to interact with on-board computer (BC) - a system that displays data on fuel consumption, mileage, tire pressure and other parameters. Their location varies: in Volkswagen Passat they are located on the right steering column switch, and in Skoda Octavia - on the lower spoke of the steering wheel.

Main functions:

  • 📊 INFO/RESET — switching between on-board computer screens or resetting the daily mileage. B Renault Arkana Holding this button resets the average fuel consumption.
  • ⚙️ MENU/OK — enter the BC settings menu. B Audi A4 Here you can set the display of oil temperature or battery voltage.
  • ↑↓ SCROLL — menu scrolling. B Kia Sportage these buttons are also used to adjust the brightness of the instrument panel.

In some vehicles (eg Peugeot 3008) on-board computer buttons combined with multimedia, and their functions depend on the context. For example, short press OK confirms the choice in the menu, and a long one resets the readings.

☑️ Checking the operation of the on-board computer

Done: 0 / 4

In cars Volkswagen Group (VW, Audi, Skoda) after replacing the battery, the calibration of the on-board computer may be lost. To restore correct fuel consumption readings, you must drive at least 50 km without resetting the data.

5. Safety and emergency control buttons

These buttons are less common, but their functions are critical. They can be either standard or unique to specific models.

Examples:

  • 🚨 SOS/E-Call — emergency call (mandatory in the EU since 2018). B Volvo When pressed, coordinates and data about the accident are automatically transmitted.
  • 🔋 Battery Saver - disabling non-critical systems to save charge (found in hybrids, for example, Toyota Prius).
  • 🔒 Steering Lock - steering wheel lock (in Nissan Qashqai activated when the key is removed).
  • 🚘 Lane Assist — turn on/off the lane keeping system (in BMW and Mercedes).

⚠️ Attention: Button SOS in some cars (Peugeot, Citroën) is triggered even when the ignition is turned off, if the battery is not completely discharged. Don't press it accidentally - this may lead to a false dispatch of emergency services.

In electric vehicles (eg Tesla Model Y) on the steering wheel there may be buttons for autopilot activation (Autopilot Engage) or switching regenerative braking modes. Their functions depend on the software version and can be updated over the air (OTA).

6. Unique buttons in premium and sports cars

Manufacturers of premium and sports cars often add exclusive buttons, which you will not find in mass models. Their purpose can be both practical and “image”.

Examples of unique buttons:

  • 🏁 Launch Control — maximum acceleration mode (in BMW M5, Audi RS6). It is activated only when the engine is completely stopped and the engine is warm.
  • 🎯 Sport+/Track - switching to sports mode (in Porsche 911 changes suspension, steering and engine settings).
  • 🔄 Regenerative Braking — adjusting the level of recovery in electric vehicles (Jaguar I-PACE, Hyundai Ioniq 5).
  • 🔇 Exhaust Sound - change in exhaust sound (in Mercedes-AMG and Lamborghini).

B Ferrari and McLaren located on the steering wheel gear shifters (paddle shifters), as well as a button Manettino — driving mode switch (snow, rain, sport, track). B Ferrari SF90 Stradale there's even a button e-Manettino to control the hybrid system.

💡

In cars with a button Launch Control (for example, BMW M3) before using it, be sure to warm up the oil in the box to operating temperature (at least 50°C). Otherwise, you risk damaging the clutch or turbine.

7. Why the buttons on the steering wheel do not work: diagnostics and solutions

If the buttons on the steering wheel stop responding, the reasons can be both simple and serious. Here step-by-step diagnostic algorithm:

1. Check fuses:

- In the fuse box, find the elements responsible for Steering Wheel Controls or Multimedia.

- B Toyota RAV4 this is a fuse F30 (10A), in Ford Kuga — F112 (7.5A).

2. Check your connection:

- Remove the steering column switches and make sure that the connectors are not oxidized.

- B Renault Megane A common problem is a broken wire where the harness enters the steering column.

3. Reset settings:

- Disconnect the battery for 10–15 minutes (this will clear errors in the control unit).

- B Volkswagen After this, it may be necessary to “learn” the steering wheel buttons via VCDS.

4. Update the firmware:

- B Hyundai and Kia Bugs with buttons are often resolved by updating the multimedia system through the official website.

If the problem remains, contact an electrician - possible malfunctions in:

- Steering column control unit (SRS).

- Kan-shine (CAN-bus) - checked by the scanner for errors UXXXX.

- The buttons themselves (contact wear, moisture ingress).

💡

In 80% of cases, non-functioning buttons on the steering wheel are associated with oxidation of contacts or firmware failure. Before visiting the service center, try resetting the on-board computer settings (hold the RESET 10 seconds with the ignition on).

8. How to remember the purpose of the buttons: tips for beginners

Modern steering wheels may have up to 20+ buttons, and remembering them all at once is difficult. Here are some practical tips:

1. Use associations:

- Button with a microphone icon (🎤) - always voice control.

- Button with a wavy line (🌊) — volume control.

2. Practice in a parking lot:

- Before your first trip, practice pressing the buttons with the engine off (in most cars they operate in ACC).

3. Take a photo of the steering wheel:

- Take a photo of the buttons with captions and save them in your phone.

4. Study the manual:

- In the operating instructions (section Steering Wheel Controls) yes diagram with explanations. For Toyota and Lexus manuals can be downloaded from the website Toyota Europe.

In cars with touch buttons (for example, Mercedes-Benz W223) When you touch with your finger, a hint may appear on the display. And in Tesla assignment of buttons is possible reassign via menu Controls → Buttons.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about steering wheel buttons

Is it possible to reassign the functions of the buttons on the steering wheel?

In most mass-produced cars (Toyota, Hyundai, Kia) reassigning buttons not provided — their functions are strictly defined in the firmware. However, in premium brands (BMW, Mercedes, Audi) some buttons can be configured through the on-board computer menu or using diagnostic equipment (for example, ISTA for BMW).

In electric vehicles Tesla reassignment is available directly from the touch screen in the section Controls → Pedals & Steering → Customize Steering Wheel Buttons.

Why does nothing happen when I press the buttons on the steering wheel?

There are several reasons:

  1. The ignition is turned off (the buttons only work in the position ON or ACC).
  2. Control unit failure (reboot required - remove battery terminal for 5 minutes).
  3. Oxidation of contacts in the steering column connectors (a common problem in Renault and Peugeot after 5–7 years of operation).
  4. Firmware incompatibility (for example, after replacing the radio with a non-original one).

If the buttons stop working after replacing the battery, try “learning” the steering wheel through the diagnostic scanner.

Is it possible to replace a broken button on the steering wheel yourself?

Technically yes, but it requires care. You will need:

  • Remove the airbag (disconnecting the battery!).
  • Disassemble the steering wheel (in Volkswagen this requires torx bits T20 and T25).
  • Unsolder or replace the module with buttons (they are often sold assembled).
  • Put everything back together and check the operation.

⚠️ Attention: When disassembling the steering wheel be sure to disconnect the battery and wait 10-15 minutes - this will prevent the airbag from deploying. B Toyota and Lexus After replacing the buttons, you may need to reset the error B1650 (airbag circuit malfunction).

Is there a difference in the buttons on the steering wheel in left-hand drive and right-hand drive cars?

Yes, and it is as follows:

  • B left-hand drive auto cruise control buttons are usually located on left knitting needle steering wheel (for ease of control with your left hand).
  • B right-hand drive (e.g. Japanese-British versions) cruise control buttons moved to right knitting needle.
  • On some models (Nissan Qashqai for Japan) the media buttons are also mirrored.

However functionality The buttons remain identical - only their location changes.

What buttons on the steering wheel can you press while driving?

Safe to press:

  • Buttons volume and switch tracks.
  • Buttons cruise control (except ON/OFF — it is better to activate it in the parking lot).
  • button voice control (if visual control of the screen is not required).
  • button answering a call (but it's better to use a headset).

Not recommended press while driving:

  • Buttons on-board computer settings (require visual attention).
  • button SOS (risk of false positives).
  • Buttons switching driving modes (for example, Sport/Comfort in BMW) if it requires holding or a combination of presses.