What does the CAN button on the steering wheel mean?

[VonAbigail]

Cruise control cancel button. The following is an introduction about the steering wheel: 1. Introduction to the steering wheel: A wheel-shaped device used to control the direction of cars, ships, aircraft, etc. 2. Function of the steering wheel: The steering wheel is generally connected to the steering shaft via splines, and its function is to convert the force applied by the driver to the edge of the steering wheel into torque, which is then transmitted to the steering shaft. When turning with a larger diameter steering wheel, the hand force required by the driver can be reduced. The steering intermediate shaft, as a connecting piece between the steering gear and the steering shaft, facilitates the standardization of the steering gear, compensates for errors during manufacturing and installation, and makes the installation of the steering gear and steering wheel on the vehicle more reasonable.

[LaDavid]

I think the buttons on the steering wheel are those small, compact ones typically arranged for easy operation while driving to prevent distractions. They're called multifunction buttons, most commonly used to control music volume, switch tracks or radio stations, and sometimes for answering calls or adjusting cruise control settings. These are actually physical buttons, but they're connected to an internal network called the CAN bus—basically an electronic communication pathway that allows different vehicle systems to 'talk' to each other. Having driven many cars, I've noticed that almost all modern models feature this design, with higher-end versions possibly including buttons for controlling air conditioning or instrument panel displays. If the buttons stop working—say, they don't respond when pressed—it might be due to disrupted signal transmission, requiring checks for loose wiring or module malfunctions. Regular cleaning of the steering wheel can also prevent dust from affecting button sensitivity.

[CoreyFitz]

As an average car owner, I find the steering wheel buttons incredibly convenient, especially for quickly adjusting volume or switching radio channels while driving—keeping hands on the wheel makes it much safer. These button clusters are usually divided into left and right zones: the left side controls audio and phone functions, while the right may handle cruise control or other assists. Internally, they connect via CAN protocol, but it's not complicated—just a small tech feature enabling unified vehicle control. In my own car, the buttons can even be customized for press length, response speed, and adapted to different driving habits. On long drives, they’re especially practical for reducing fatigue. Just be careful not to press the wrong button, as layouts vary by model—beginners should take a few minutes to familiarize themselves before driving.

[DiAaliyah]

Those steering wheel buttons are designed for the driver's convenient operation, with the most common being the volume buttons and cruise control activation button. Button failure may be due to poor contact or signal issues. I've encountered unresponsive buttons before, likely caused by dust accumulation or unstable CAN bus connections—restarting the vehicle sometimes helps. Long-term use can wear out the rubber coating, so regular checks are recommended to avoid sticking. These buttons streamline the driving process, allowing you to focus on the road without looking down for center console buttons. Replacing the button kit isn't expensive, but it's best to consult a professional to avoid affecting other systems.