V70 R-Design 2.0D .....Hot steering wheel!!

[amr2]

I recently picked up my new car, as above, and I am really pleased with it...it is a great improvement over my earlier '52' plate V70.

However, after anything more than a short run, the steering wheel spokes start to get very warm.

At 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock, just above the cruise control button on the left and the radio controls on the right.

I don't think that it is heat from the lights under the buttons as they seem to stay cool. It is the bit above the buttons...the smooth plastic area.

Has anyone else any experience of this on this car, or on any other Volvo?

My dealership say that there are no known faults and they assure me that my car is normal. I am not convinced!

Comments welcome with thanks.

Andrew

[plfrench]

I've noticed this on mine too! I don't think it is anything to worry about...

[T5R+]

Normal - reported by lots of the "new V70" owners. Generally, those that use cruise a lot. I do not and hence have not experienced this issue. Some comments from our brethren......

Certainly noticed the heat build up around the steering wheel mounted cruise and audio buttons on the 2.0 SE Lux demonstrator I had for three days. While it was noticeable I didn't consider it a problem, I didn't think it was uncomfortable.

The steering wheel does get a little warm under the cruise and audio buttons but it's not a problem and, tbh, is quite nice in the winter when you're freezing cold!

Also, we get a fair amount of heat on our steering wheel, under the cruise control and stereo control buttons - not a huge amount, but almost as if it was intentionally a heated wheel.

[F i F]

I get this all the time and I reckon it's the bulbs illuminating the buttons. Have you tried dimming the panel lights during the daytime and see if it makes a difference?

[amr2]

Thanks for the responses.....you have put my mind at ease somewhat.

I am not usually a cruise user as most of my mileage so far has been relatively modest....

Trip to Le Mans will be a major test of the cruise!

I hadn't thought of trying to dim the dash lights and will give that a go.

It doesn't really bother me as such, I was just concerned that it was unique to my car and a potential problem.

Other than that, I have been well pleased and am thoroughly enjoying the new motor!

Thanks again.

Andrew

[busta]

It will be the bulbs. At a guess there is one on either side above the button illuminating them either through fibre optics or clear plastic cut to reflect the light through the buttons. I've seen a similar thing used on car dashboards but can't remember where, but it would explain why the buttons aren't hot.

[F i F]

fyi, have dimmed the panel lights on mine and it clearly stops the steering wheel getting warm. So reckon we've found the answer.