I have recently bought a 2013 Continental GT V8. It has a full Bentley service history although the late owner had only driven 1,500 miles since the last major service in June 2021. I had it serviced yesterday at my local Bentley dealer and both the service manager and technician told me that the car was in top class condition and had clearly been looked after. All that came up was that the cruise control did not work (permanent amber symbol on instrument panel) with the diagnostics pointing towards the steering wheel buttons and also the Start/Stop button does not function.

I investigated the cruise control issue and found a copy of a Bentley Technical Product Information document (undated) which says:

I removed the airbag module from my steering wheel and found the ribbon cable to the switches had a red trace. I also noticed the ribbon cable was folded over at the edge at one end instead of laying flat. I carefully relaid it and also disconnected and reconnected the ribbon plugs. To my amazement the cruise control started working! Given new switches are around £1,250 + VAT I was very pleased.

What I cannot make any headway with is the Start/Stop button. The car starts normally with the key. The keyless entry/exit works as does the key fob lock and unlock buttons. The car also tells me if I have both key fobs present in the car.

I have searched the internet but cannot find any useful information. Does anybody know how I can test the switch or offer any suggestions please?

Thank you.

 

I am posting an update in the hope that it might help someone in the future. I found that the Start/Stop button would work to start and stop the engine if I pushed it hard but the first light push did not switch the ignition on and off nor set the steering lock. All pointed to a faulty switch.

I took the switch out and discovered it had two screws to allow it to be dismantled. When I took it apart I found it had 4 contacts which were made by the conductive rubber buttons depressed when the Start/Stop button is pressed. The conductive rubber buttons are the type used in TV remote controls which, in my experience, eventually stop working. As it happens I have a small bottle of graphite lubricant for locks. It is simpy graphite dust. I used a cotton bud and lightly rubbed some on the rubber pads and re-assembled the switch. It worked perfectly.

A new switch retails in the UK at just under £150.

I hope this information might be useful to someone.

 

I have a similar issue with my 14 spur’s buttons on the center console too. If I don’t use the car for a few days and I try to turn on the heated seats, ventilated seats, hazards, rear sun blind, or suspension control, i have to keep pressing the button multiple times, and press really hard for it to work. It’s been like this for a few years now, and I’ve never found a fix.