07 Infinity FX35 Horn, Steering Buttons Don't work

2007 Infinity FX35 with no horn, steering wheel buttons don't work. We show High Tech and Low Tech methods to diagnose where the issue is.

[@mitchel2443]

Thank you for a push in the right direction Matt. I would really love to invest my time into your paid channel someday. You always crack me up and inspire me to learn more.

[@thunderstruck5484]

The last few minutes of this video are really encouraging, thanks

[@SchrodingersBox]

Its all about getting out of your comfort zone. You have to push past your comfort zone to improve.

[@paulpaquette1961]

Whole lot of TRUTH here Matt. Nice Job! Thanks for the honorable mention, much appreciated Sir!!! The Diagnostic Process/Scientific Method never fails us. 1. Verify the Customer Complaint. 2. Research Possible Faults. 3. Perform Focused Testing. 4. Perform the Repair. 5. Verify the Repair. This certainly takes the "guess" work away!!!

[@SchrodingersBox]

Thanks Paul. Love that test light. I don’t even know what happened to my old one- I was going to show what a $3 test light looked like but I couldn’t even find it anymore lol.

[@vehicle-stuff]

Thanks for the video and sharing knowledge. One minor thing - this plastic lid that you replace is one of the many components that manufacturers do not want you to touch. So you have saved the planet another plastic lid - thanks.

[@FullFaithRepair]

A lot of years ago I was working on learning and understanding electrical (specifically o2 sensor operstion) in preparation for challenging my red seal auto tech exam...your videos helped my understanding hugely and it all clicked and made sense...I appreciate what yoy do...thanks!

[@SchrodingersBox]

I always love hearing that!!

[@thunderstruck5484]

Thanks Matt for another extremely informative instructional video! And yes dry cleaning plastic bags and airbags have been drilled in my head are a danger to be around, thanks for dispelling the airbag myth

[@SchrodingersBox]

Now mind you - I was talking about THIS air bag in the steering wheel!!! I know this airbag won’t be set off by removing it. OTHER airbag modules may have rollover sensors so moving them too much can trigger them so you have to disconnect them first before removal or disconnect battery.

[@JimFinlayson]

These are great. Thanks for sharing your diagnostic skills with the world.

[@SchrodingersBox]

Thanks for watching and for being a subscriber!

[@johnnysautorepairs5263]

Great video. I like the detailed explanations of your diagnostic methods.

[@SchrodingersBox]

Many thanks. I wasn’t quite as detailed on this one as I usually am because we have covered this material ad naseum but I do try to make it flow and introduce new concept where possible.

[@ScopeandScanner]

Love your channel Matt. I’ve learned a ton. Thank you!

[@SchrodingersBox]

Glad to hear that!!

[@SEXYTECH1000]

THAT WAS AWESOME MATT. THE SCANNER ONLY TELLS YOU WHERE IT HURTS NOT THE ILLNESS !

[@SchrodingersBox]

Good analogy!!

[@SEXYTECH1000]

@@SchrodingersBox THANKS .

[@calholli]

When doing stuff like this. I ALWAYS watch a video or two of someone else doing it first... rather than just pulling things all apart and learning as I go along. If you watch a video of someone else who has done it before, then you can learn every step and every little trick that makes it faster. It's amazing how there is almost always a video already out there of the exact thing that you need to do, on the exact vehicle. :) ... almost.. For some cars there are silly procedures for these things, where you have to line up your wheel a certain way and mark the old clock spring and put the new one on exactly how it was, etc. etc.. "GoTech had a video showing a weird one not too long ago. Had to remove the steering column and time it all with a pin, etc.. It was a nightmare procedure, that you would never guess how to do it without watching or reading the instructions.

[@djxsquizit]

I have an 08 infiniti, and this just helped me fixed my horn 😊

[@SchrodingersBox]

Good deal!!!

[@labradormcgraw]

I guess six minutes isn't too bad for an amateur, but l'm sure I could overhear Vicki shouting "clockspring" from her lawn chair. It could have been three minutes if only you'd listened. 😂🤣 Another great video, Matt. I love it when you champion the virtues of the old test light. 👍

[@SchrodingersBox]

Thanks Andy. It’s funny I generally use my test light and pico lab scope on most every diagnosis in real life. It’s kinda like using a hammer and a 3D printer on the same project.

[@robmut1357]

I’ve always liked puzzles and that’s how I look at diagnosing anything - a puzzle. I get the same feeling of accomplishment from solving both but fixing real things has way more tangible benefits. 😁

[@SchrodingersBox]

I agree- actually I look at it like a murder mystery lol.

[@advancedleveldiagnostics]

Great video, Thanks! I agree it is really frustrating when customers ask if I can plug in my computer and tell them what's wrong. Another thing I get asked when I say I charge for Diagnostics is why would anyone pay if the parts stores do it for free?😂

[@SchrodingersBox]

HAHAHAHAHAHA Oh yeah for sure great comment on the parts stores lol. Man- they know EXACTLY what they are doing there with that game. They know full well the customer is going to look at that printout and buy whatever part is mentioned in that code and they know full well it probably won’t fix it so customer buys the next thing on the list. And the next thing. And the next thing.

[@mtrltoolman]

Good job in diagnosis.

[@robertmedina6875]

Awesome video Brotha!!

[@SchrodingersBox]

Thanks as always!!

[@CharAznable-]

Great video 🤝

[@Lou-eye]

Love the custom door jam!👌

[@SchrodingersBox]

Hahaha good observation. Yeah the door kept closing and it drove me nuts so that was my temporary solution lol

[@SEXYTECH1000]

LMAO, IT'S A SNAP ON 2 BY 4.

[@SchrodingersBox]

RPTFLMAO!!!!!!! Jose I spit up my coffee on that one lol !!! Damn thing also cost $275!!!!

[@SEXYTECH1000]

@@SchrodingersBox I DO COME UP WITH A GOOD ONE ONCE EVERY DECADE .

[@rich13la1]

Matt, you just make it look easy ! and maybe too much darn common sense most don''t have.

[@SchrodingersBox]

It’s all in the editing hahahahahaha. In real life it took an hour to figure out how to remove the module lol.

[@JohnDoesGarage]

I do enjoy working on old cars because they are stupid simple, but for some reason people are amazed that I can fix an old car. I'm 63 and I worked on the old cars when they were new for crying out loud. K-cars were all the rage when they came out. I had a 1980 Dodge Omni 024 myself. They were notorious for the pickup coil in the distributor taking a shit and I always kept one in my tool box because I knew I was going to need it soon. When they first came out you had to pull the distributor to change it but since that was such a common failure they redesigned it so you only had to pull off the rotor and unplug it. The coil was held in place by the distributor cap. Don't fix the problem of crap pickup coils, just make it easier to replace when it inevitably takes a shit. Fixing new cars is easy for you because you're one of them there highfalutin molecular biologist scientific guys, because it stands to reason due to the fact cars are just like people, right? Pffft. The only advantage you have, but is not limited to your profession, and is available to everybody on the planet, is the scientific method. Logic, understanding that with which you are troubleshooting, deductive reasoning, and process of elimination. Even if you have eliminated all logical sources of a problem, the illogical, however improbable, must invariably be true. Know the system, know how to test the system, and trust the results of your testing. You eliminated a large portion of the potential problem with a paperclip. It was quick, easy, and definitive. You may not know the problem yet, but you can list what it is not, which will eventually lead you to the answer. I am a member of your paid channel, but I will always watch your welfare channel. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I love cerebral humor, and you sir, are not a master, you are thee master.

[@SchrodingersBox]

thank you, thanks also for being a quantum Mekanix sub as well!!

[@JohnDoesGarage]

@@SchrodingersBox thank you for making such great videos. They can't be easy to make.

[@SchrodingersBox]

Thanks for appreciating that!! Yes it’s true it takes a lot of time and attention. On average it takes me 7 hours to produce a 30 minute video including fixing car, reviewing, editing, compiling and uploading.

[@rankontop5041]

Another way is if the replace the fuses and you hae the key fob to lock it and it sounds the horn. The horn workes sometimes. Much appreciated the video. But don't know how to take the steering wheel off. Lol.

[@SchrodingersBox]

Oh good idea on the key Fob!! on this model it “beeps” instead of horn though but on other models that would be a great test!!

[@alex6261971]

you are awesome

[@ZachsTile]

Would be interesting to know what caused the original module to go bad…great video!

[@SchrodingersBox]

Yeah I wondered same. honestly there was absolutely nothing serviceable on it- couldn’t even see a circuit board or anything. I have no idea why it failed.

[@aymenmohamed1134]

👍👍👍

[@calholli]

I wouldn't say that the scan tool was "useless", because you did get to use the bi-directional controls to test the horn side of things and eliminate several issues that it could have been. (granted, I guess you did the same thing at the relay, with a paper clip). But not really-- the paper clip only confirms the load side (horn itself) is working. Using the bi-directional test in the scan tool goes a little further and confirms that the computer output is still working and that the data pids are reading correctly, and that the can bus is working and that even the relay is functioning, etc. Basically immediately narrows it down to only the input side of the computer (broken wire or switches). But I get your point that it was "useless" in that there were no codes pointing you where to go.

[@SchrodingersBox]

Yes in editing I realized I did make a mistake in that it was the scantool which really proved it was the clockspring at fault. The paper clip, as you said, never tested the IPDM so it wouldn’t have been 100% certain.

[@atenfutiger3810]

I am very happy to your help. Please l love to change 2007 fx35 dashboard if you can help me

[@mrautoguy8419]

Great video! I have Mitchell 1 for wire diagrams. They are not colored. Do you have to have the pro version for all cars to get the colored diagrams?

[@SchrodingersBox]

The Mitchell DIY ones were also colored. ProDemand are colored as well. The only time o don’t see color diagrams is on older vehicles like before 1995 or so

[@mrautoguy8419]

@@SchrodingersBox I have mitchell one diy. I dont get colored diagrams for my 2013 rav4. Is it because Im using diy version and not pro version for all cars?

[@SchrodingersBox]

Now that I think about it- yes My Mitchell DIY were not in color and you couldn’t highlight. It’s definitely a DIY version thing because on ProDemand I can see it is in color.

[@mrautoguy8419]

@Schrodingers Box ok I thought so but wasnt sure. Thank you again for the prompt response.

[@samstvshow]

Yes, so it was with the Austin Maestro in Leyland England. We would send away the mother board and fit a new one. Still the car would declare a low battery. I'd love to know what the fault actually was.

[@GMAN420BC]

I’ve never seen you work on old cars. OBD2 compliant cars only.

[@SchrodingersBox]

Yes in general that’s true. Occasionally I do work on pre OBD but not often. I recently did a bunch of repair on a car-show worthy 1958 Buick Roadmaster but stuff like that isn’t really my thing. I really like the computer stuff.

[@nickayivor8432]

👍 QUICK-WITTED Schrodingers Box From Nick Ayivor from London England UK 🇬🇧 ⏰️ 20:05pm

[@abdul-kabiralegbe5660]

I'm stealing that idea of placing a piece of wood by the door hinge to keep the door open. That trick could save the cable of a wired scan tool.

[@christopherhunt3961]

IPDM is Integrated power distribution module

[@bas2876]

I think there was a possability of an open between clockspring and controlmodule!

[@SchrodingersBox]

Yea technically that’s true however I would still have to access clockspring to show that. If there wasn’t the other evidence then I would have identified the exact wire in the clockspring for the horn and validated there was integrity to the relay.

[@Josh-uq9ng]

what if just the volume buttons don't work and the skip track buttons?

[@SchrodingersBox]

In that case you will have to diagnose the circuit and see if it runs through the clock spring or not.

[@johncollier1405]

On a 03 qx4 whats the purpose of the"swirl valve"... When that mechanic said that i thought he said "squirrel vavle" Lol i pictured a solenoid switch that actuates a valve that lets the squirrels cage turn under the hood lololol😂

[@SchrodingersBox]

Yeah I have run into this before. It’s a lot like an intake manifold runner which I have described in other videos- it basically diverts incoming air to optimize fuel economy in different situations. Like the IMRC (intake manifold runner control) you have to determine if the solenoid is working, if the position sensing is working and if the position is accurate.

[@cullenmiller8170]

So are you saying if I push the “Fix it” button on the Snapon Verus it actually doesn’t fix the problem. 😂😂

[@SchrodingersBox]

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! I thought that’s why they service costs an extra $500 a month lol.

[@alessandropizzo1326]

Hi ! I've got the same problem with my FX35, do you know if I have to buy the clock spring with or without the angle sensor? Thank you!!!! Alessandro from Milan, Italy

[@SchrodingersBox]

It comes with the angle sensor already.

[@alessandropizzo1326]

@@SchrodingersBox thank you !!!

[@alessandropizzo1326]

@@SchrodingersBox Fixed it! Thank you so much, here in Italy there are like 10 FX35 because it was just an imported car so not sold here... Just last question, I had also the airbag red blinking icon and I hoped to solve it as well changing the clock spring but it's still there blinking.... Horn and buttons are now perfect working, but airbag still blinking, do you have an idea? thanks!! Alessandro

[@SchrodingersBox]

It depends. You have to see if there is voltage to the clockspring

[@joeblow6786]

I am wondering if I could be directed to a video where you explain about the "control side" and the other (power/ground) side. I'm sure you get a lot of people commenting on your videos saying negative things. Can I offer some advice? Don't spend much time offering defenses in your videos because you don't have any reason to really. I don't like to use insults like "idiot" and condescending mimicry because then I sound like I passed judgment on them. Usually these type comments come from hurting people who are trying to find a thread of friendship between professionals or competitive employment situations. They need love my friend because they aren't finding it in life. Just advice. Do with it what you will.

[@SchrodingersBox]

yeah I get a LOT of unsolicited advice. Lots and lots and lots and lots. and it often contradicts the tons of unsolicited advice from other people so what I do to resolve the dilemma is I only consider advice from people who have channels that reached higher success than mine in a shorter period of time. I’ll check your channel and see if you meet that criteria and if so I’ll consider it. thanks.

[@joeblow6786]

I suppose it's reasonable for you to want to take advice from only those who you deem a "success." Everyone measures success differently. I didn't mean to accuse or create a war with you by my offered advice. I only desire the better for you which you seem to offer diyers in your videos. It's the unselfish offering I think you mean to render. If so, then forget the self-defense in your videos. It offers nothing your great detective work doesn't already. It is it's only reward. So why the need to be condescending and insulting?

[@SchrodingersBox]

I wasn’t being condescending or insulting. You said I can do with your advice as I will…. Well that’s my will. M. Don’t be defensive.

[@joeblow6786]

Say whatever you want to me. I meant in your videos. Maybe people who can't go on merit go on reputation and "success." Love not the world neither the things that are in the world. If any man loves the world, the love of The Father is not in him. I'm guessing Christian thought might have some clout with you but I guess we'll see.

[@SchrodingersBox]

Yeah I am atheist so that doesn’t do much for me. But whatever the case I see you don’t have a channel so I will pass on the advice due to my policy but thanks anyway

[@chungaleta1234]

I do not understand that claim that having fancy equipment is bad. Ain't that the point of fixing cars? I mean... accurate and correct repair. The fancier the equipment the easier it can be, so, what's wrong with that? or do people who complain about mechanics with expensive equipment go to the doctor and complain about the fancy equipment? Oh no no no Mr Doctor, I want my pacemaker to be installed with a chisel and hammer!!!! Bollocks!!

[@SchrodingersBox]

Hahaha I also have thought of the doctor analogy too. Yes - for example if there was a network problem on the vehicle you have to validate the network signals. Your aren’t going to do that without an oscilloscope. Anything else you would just be guessing. It’s the right equipment.

[@joslinwalker3722]

Hello Mr Scrodinger Im I would like to subscribe to your channel please tell me how to go about this. Kind regards Jos

[@SchrodingersBox]

Simply go to www.schrodingersboxQM.com

[@user-kf6tn8wu6k]

Like your channel but think you harp too much on other people.

[@SchrodingersBox]

Are you harping on me for that?

[@e.v.a.l.s]

can you make a series diagnosing with only an electron beam oscilloscope? just to really rub it in to team excuse

[@SchrodingersBox]

Hahahahaha great idea!!! It will appear one step below a scannerdanner video in technology used lol.