Disabling Stereo Control Stalk

[Dante]

Hi all,

I've been lurking here for years and this site has been an amazing resource for me. Now I have a new problem with my 04 van that I need to ask for help with. The stereo volume spontaneously cranks up to maximum for some reason. Sometimes I can turn it down again, sometimes it keeps ramping up. I suspect that the wiring between the steering stalk and the radio is at fault, or the volume button on the stalk is sticking closed.

Could anybody suggest a simple solution to disable/disconnect the stalk from the radio? I don't want to just start randomly snipping wires.

Cheers

D

[cancunia]

The radio control stalk can be unplugged from the steering column. No wires to cut or disconnect.
There are 3 or 4 torx head screws holding the shroud onto the column, the stalk is held into the slot by a small catch at the back.

[dumdum]

Unplug the stalk, had it once before, but normally it’s the stereo that’s goosed

[Dante]

Problem solved. I popped off the volume up button on the stalk. Under the silicone membrane there was a tiny spot of oily residue. Cleaned it up. No more erratic volume spikes. Hopefully this will help somebody else with a similar problem.