99 Limited Steering Wheel push buttons...

[skpyle]

Hello Gentlemen,

I have what is probably a stupid if not silly question about my new to me 1999 Explorer Limited 5.0 AWD. It has the push button controls on the steering wheel for speed control/HVAC/radio.

When I picked up my Explorer, the interior was filthy. Still pretty much is.

I attacked the driver's area with a bottle of Meguiar's Interior detailer and a roll of rags. Better.

However, the push buttons on the steering wheel did not improve. Even after two separate enthusiastic cleanings, they still feel tacky. By tacky, I mean very slightly sticky. I don't mean a rag will stick to them, but I can feel it with my fingers.

This is my first Ford, so I don't really know what these buttons are supposed to feel like? Do they have a rubber/neoprene/whatever coating on them?

I am open to ideas...

Seth K. Pyle

 

[koda2000]

i had a similar problem on my '00 Mountaineer. the buttons were disgusting and you couldn't really see them at night. i cleaned them with a little Purple Power degreaser and an old toothbrush. i had do work at them a bit, but they cleaned up really well. they felt slightly sticky afterwards, so i followed up with several coats of protectant. that was 8 months ago and they still look and feel good.

the buttons on the premium steering wheel are not like the ones on the cheaper models. they're hard plastic rather than a soft plastic covering. don't try this method on the soft switches.

 

[skpyle]

That sounds like a great idea, Koda2000, thanks!

What kind of protectant did you use on the buttons?

 

[koda2000]

That sounds like a great idea, Koda2000, thanks!

What kind of protectant did you use on the buttons?

i don't recall, but it was probably just Armorall or something like it. just a little on a terry towel.

 

[skpyle]

Thanks!

 

[skpyle]

For what it is worth, I got a good look at the steering wheel control pushbuttons today. They appear to have a kind of rubber coating on them. The fan and temp buttons have a little of the coating worn off, exposing black plastic beneath it.

Hmmm...


Seth K. Pyle