Hi all....

I just picked up my new '06 KR and like many other 150's out there, it has steering wheel controls for the audio system and the stock HU has Sirius radio installed and activated. Is there any GPS/Nav system out there that will drop in place of the stock HU but still use the steering wheel controls and also tap into the existing Sirius receiver? I don't want to lose those controls and also throw out my new subscription to Sirius.

 

I believe you can do what you are talking about. I know for a fact that you can retain your steering wheel controls by using an aftermarket interface. I believe it is called a PAC-SWIX or something close to that. I have a Pioneer AVIC-D1 unit in my truck and I love it. The Pioneer will accept the SIRIUS satellite radio as well as XM. The Kenwood units also use SIRIUS satellite radio, but you have to buy a seperate navigation unit and that can become rather expensive. The Pioneer unit has it all built in. With either unit, you will have to buy the aftermarket SIRIUS adapter, but you should be able to change the subscription to the aftermarket one. It is only a matter of changing the radio ID number. You may want to check with SIRIUS though before you buy anything. I would hate to lead you in the wrong direction, but I am almost sure of myself. Oh yeah, the only thing that the Pioneer AVIC-D1 does not have is the ability to play DVDs, but that was not that big of a deal to me. I have seen a few bad reviews of the Pioneer's Navigation system, but I have had nothing but good luck out of it. If you want to wait for a few months, you will be able to get Pioneer's new unit, the AVIC-Z1. Do a google search for AVIC-Z1 and read some of the articles about it. This unit is going to be unbelievable. Hope this helps you some.
BradJohnson

 

YES! The factory Pioneer nav radio will work in your truck as well as any new style F-150. I have also installed it easily on current Super duty trucks. All equipment will work, such as steering wheel controls, sub, rear seat dvd, and back up sensor. The price is equal or less than some aftermarkets.

 

Which factory pioneer radio are you referring to?

 

2005 King Ranch here -- the AVN 5435 Eclipse unit works perfectly with my steering wheel controls with the use of a SWI-ECL which is similar to the SWI-X but is specific to the Eclipse head units.

The SWI-X is a universal type of steering wheel control inverter that actually utilizes RF to transmit the commands that you're wanting to occur on the head unit. Thus, because of the RF, your HU must be remote ready and you MUST have the remote.

By going with the -ECL, I simply splice it in via the back of the HU with VERY user friendly controls/instructions...

RP

 

Ford has a factory Pioneer Nav/XM radio that will drop in? I wonder if this one would work with the Ford blue tooth adapter I keep hearing about? Does it sound as good as the stock Audiophile system? If it does....I'd be extremely interested in this. I wonder also if it would be compatible with a rear view camera system? hmmmm....