Hi. Just bought 2005 150. PO installed a POS stereo, and the steering wheel controls do not work the stereo. I am wondering if it is just a poor installation, or do I have to find a stereo unit with this particular capability? I want to upgrade and know zip about new stereos.... Though I have installed many an 8 track!

 

Who's PO??? What?

Anyway, many stereos are compatible with the steering wheel remotes. You'll need a PAC brand adapter. Do a search for your specific stereo.

 

PO = Previous Owner

 

I take it its an aftermarket h/u? No aftermarket h/u will work with a factory steering wheel controls. Unless you have something like this:

http://www.peripheralelectronics.com?ProductId=212

 

The vast majority of after-market stereos don't have steering wheel control inputs. The steering wheel controls are transmitted over a single wire to the factory head unit.

Many of the big "name brand" head units now offer a plug-n-play adapter which connects to the factory wiring harness and translates the steering wheel commands for the head unit.

The other option is a module that connects to the steering wheel controls and transmits commands to the head unit via the head unit's front RF (remote control) input. This requires you to mount a little RF (LED) somewhere in the cab so the head unit can receive commands.

Just check out Crutchfield's web site. They have videos to answer almost any question you may have.

One option would be to buy a factory head unit from ebay. If you decide to go that route, I can supply you with compatible part numbers.

 

Huh?!? What would you consider the s/w control jack then? Its an input...

Your main choices are the PAC SWI-PS (Pioneer, Sony, also will do Dual and Jensen) or PAC SWI-JACK (JVC, Alpine, Clarion, Kenwood). There are two other units the PAC SWI-ECL (Eclipse) or the PAC SWI-X (universal via RF dot)

Just make sure it has the s/w jack or wire in Kenwoods case (Blue/Yellow)

 

Thanks for the input!