My 2006 honda accord's radio is going crazy. It will rapidly switch between all the different modes and even between the different presets and won't stop until I turn the car off. When I turn the car back on, it's fine... for a little while, then it starts happening again. I think it might have to do with the buttons on the steering wheel.

I am a ASE certified Master Mechanic who worked at several Honda dealerships.
This sounds like a bad "clock spring" in the steering wheel. The "clock spring" makes all the electrical connections possible as the steering wheel is turned.
As more features are added to the steering wheel more complexity (and points of failure) are made possible. This "clock spring" also handles the signal to the driver-side air bag, so this is not a "do it yourself" procedure. I have had to replace a few of these.

Hod do they go bad... I took my car to get detailed.. everything in working order.. they brought it back and everything was jacked... I just went drove it looks like you are right... my horn works but my cruise control doesn't work which everyone says is indicative of a bad clock spring. I did notice when they brought it back the CC light was engaged... Could spray /water or detailing solution cause this to go bad in your opinion or just a simple coincidence? How much you tin this is going to hit my pocket?

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Originally Posted by cplmd

Hod do they go bad...I took my car to get detailed..everything in working order..they brought it back and everything was jacked...I just went drove it looks like you are right...my horn works but my cruise control doesnt work which everyone says is indicative of a bad clock spring. I did notice when they brought it back the CC light was engaged...Could spray /water or detailing solution cause this to go bad in your opinion or just a simple coincidence? How much you tin this is going to hit my pocket?

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The clock spring assembly is mounted behind the driver air bag. The cruise control functions are also handled by this clock spring. All buttons and functions on the steering wheel go through this part. I doubt that any cleaning spray could penetrate this part. By the way I work at Honda's Research and development Facility in Raymond, Ohio. They actually do a Hurricane/Driving rain test with all windows and sunroof open to test for extreme conditions affecting electrical components (particulary air bag) which is also handled by this clock spring. Your first posting indicated that radio station controls were also affected, is this still true? As far as the cost for this part check (www.hondapartsnow.com). This is an online genuine parts dealer (note these prices could be less than the local dealer will charge you). Remember this component is located behind the driver air bag which is an explosive device and this repair should be done by knowledgeable personnel. I suspect the failure is merely a coincidence. I don't currently have access at this moment to the dealer network to give you a dealer labor quote time.

The clock spring assembly is mounted behind the driver air bag. The cruise control functions are also handled by this clock spring. All buttons and functions on the steering wheel go through this part. I doubt that any cleaning spray could penetrate this part. By the way I work at Honda's Research and development Facility in Raymond, Ohio. They actually do a Hurricane/Driving rain test with all windows and sunroof open to test for extreme conditions affecting electrical components (particulary air bag) which is also handled by this clock spring. Your first posting indicated that radio station controls were also affected, is this still true? As far as the cost for this part check (Honda Parts at Honda Parts Now | Genuine OEM Honda Auto Parts). This is an online genuine parts dealer (note these prices could be less than the local dealer will charge you). Remember this component is located behind the driver air bag which is an explosive device and this repair should be done by knowledgeable personnel. I suspect the failure is merely a coincidence. I don't currently have access at this moment to the dealer network to give you a dealer labor quote time.

Thanks for all the help. The radio is sporadic... It will work via steering wheel then Ill engage the navigation and then it will start changing modes by itself. CC worked last night by the way... then sometimes the radio will be working playing a cd but I can't change the track or mess with the volume manually via the touchscreen or knob. My iPod won't show up manually via the AUX button either