B0290moderate severityBody
Heated Steering Wheel Circuit
on 2013 Subaru BRZ 2.0L H4 · RWD
What this code means
Malfunction in the heated steering wheel heating element or control circuit.
Symptoms
- Heated steering wheel not warming
- Steering wheel heater indicator flashes
- Heater turns off prematurely
- Intermittent heating
Common causes
- Open heating element in steering wheel
- Clock spring damage affecting heater circuit
- Control module fault
- Wiring damage
- Temperature sensor failure
Diagnostic steps
- Test heated steering wheel element through clock spring connector
- Check clock spring continuity
- Inspect steering column connector
- Test temperature sensor
- Check control module output
Repair notes
Replace clock spring if heater circuit passes through it. Replace heated steering wheel if element is open.
🔌 Don't have a code reader?
Any of these will read and clear this code — pick by how deep you want to go.
Bluetooth code reader (~$25)
Veepeak OBDCheck BLE →
Pairs with your phone — reads and clears codes, live data.
Serious DIY (~$100)
BlueDriver Pro →
Enhanced codes (ABS, airbag, TPMS) plus repair reports.
Shop-grade tablet (~$300+)
Autel MaxiCOM MK808S →
Bidirectional tests, service resets, all systems.
As an Amazon Associate, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Other Body codes on this vehicle
B0001
Driver Frontal Stage 1 Deployment Control
B0002
Driver Frontal Stage 2 Deployment Control
B0003
Passenger Frontal Stage 1 Deployment Control
B0004
Passenger Frontal Stage 2 Deployment Control
B0005
Driver Knee Airbag Deployment Circuit
B0006
Passenger Knee Airbag Deployment Circuit
B0007
Rear Left Side Airbag Deployment Circuit
B0008
Rear Right Side Airbag Deployment Circuit
B0010
Driver Side Airbag Deployment
B0011
Driver Side Airbag Deployment Circuit Open