Radio only works from steering wheel controller

This is actually as strange as it sounds a problem with the clock spring in the steering column. The problem will be in the ground on the clock spring . You will find 2 grounding wires on the backside of the clock spring . One is for the radio and the other is for the other controls on the steering wheel . This one is now actually grounding the stereo and as a result the unit itself is not grounded. The only grounding the stereo has no is a cheater from the cruise control . Replacing the clock spring doesn’t help you will need to replace the harness that comes into the clock spring up the steering column. Or you can solder the ground if your handy with a soldering iron . Hope this helps