Sounds to me like there could be a connection problem somewhere along the steering column given that the common factor between those two items is the wiring loom and the path those wires run.
There was a thread recently, I can't remember the title, about installing the stereo controls of later models into the steering wheel. I think that thread had images of the column and it's wires, which might help you.
Maybe search for "steering wheel controls". From memory you have to be careful of the air bag and the clock switch (expensive little sucker it is) when pulling the steering wheel apart but I think the thread I am thinking of has that information listed.