B0290moderate severityBody

Heated Steering Wheel Circuit

on 2021 Subaru Outback 2.5L H4 · AWD

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

  1. Test heated steering wheel element through clock spring connector
  2. Check clock spring continuity
  3. Inspect steering column connector
  4. Test temperature sensor
  5. Check control module output

Repair notes

Replace clock spring if heater circuit passes through it. Replace heated steering wheel if element is open.

Other Body codes on this vehicle

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