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[Andy H]

2003 Elite Saloon - 208,000 miles
The operation of the audio controls on the steering wheel has become intermittent.If they don't respond then turning the wheel slightly gets them working again.

I haven't had to take the steering wheel off this car (yet). Are the steering controls wired through the squib with the air bag?

[05omegav6]

2003 Elite Saloon - 208,000 miles
The operation of the audio controls on the steering wheel has become intermittent.If they don't respond then turning the wheel slightly gets them working again.

I haven't had to take the steering wheel off this car (yet). Are the steering controls wired through the squib with the air bag?

Yup

[Andy H]

Hmmm

Won't be long before the airbag wiring fails as well then I presume 

[05omegav6]

Hmmm

Won't be long before the airbag wiring fails as well then I presume 

At least changing the squib will prevent future problems

[Kevin Wood]

The squib is the explosive device that inflates the airbag.

What you actually need is the "clock spring", which connects the fixed wiring of the car to the wiring in the steering wheel which rotates with it. This is a small plastic reel which locates around the steering column. Inside is a tape with tracks that connect the airbag, horn and steering wheel control circuits. As the wheel is turned, the tape winds up and unwinds. Sounds to me like the tracks are starting to deteriorate and cause an intermittent connection.

[Andy H]

In my defence I was going to write 'clock spring' but mistakenly thought it was called a squib. 

[TheBoy]

As said, squib is the bit that gives you faceache and spoiled pants.  You're problem is more likely to be what GM call the Contactor, the coiled ribbon mechanism.

[Kevin Wood]

As said, squib is the bit that gives you faceache and spoiled pants.  You're problem is more likely to be what GM call the Contactor, the coiled ribbon mechanism.

Was wondering what the "official" name would be.