[shreve1]

Anyone had any luck with steering wheel controls on a aftermarket radio?

 

[Sly Bob]

My steering wheel controls work flawlessly on my Kenwood head unit and have for over four years. If and when you do hook up a head unit to the steering wheel controls be sure to solder everything. Using vampire clips is asking for trouble down the road.

 

[shreve1]

What interface did you use?

 

[Sly Bob]

I used the PAC SWI-jack steering wheel interface.

 

[Seltzinator]

On a side note, my steering wheel controls for the information display (changing from Oil Life to Coolant Temp, to Boost, etc.) do not always work correctly.

Sometimes the INFO button changes what information is displayed and sometimes the RETURN button changes it. Yes, it sometimes changes between key cycles for no discernible reason. I'm afraid it must be a computer issue because I don't see how a wiring issue could cause it.

Any ideas?

 

[TX08manualGXP]

The one on my 06 is trippy sometimes too. sometimes, I'll press info and nothing happens and sometimes I cannot reset. the one on the 08 works perfectly.

 

[TomatoSoup]

On a side note, my steering wheel controls for the information display (changing from Oil Life to Coolant Temp, to Boost, etc.) do not always work correctly.

Sometimes the INFO button changes what information is displayed and sometimes the RETURN button changes it. Yes, it sometimes changes between key cycles for no discernible reason. I'm afraid it must be a computer issue because I don't see how a wiring issue could cause it.

Any ideas?

Absolutely. This has come up a number of times and the fix is relatively simple (! LoL)... you just need to clean the switches in the steering wheel.

These switches are the rubber membrane across PCB contact type - just like the ones in your remote. The difference is that they connect different resistances across a resistor 'ladder', the BCM measures the resistance and performs the function (it thinks) you requested. If the contacts get dirty, the resistance changes and the BCM does something different - or nothing at all.

So, to fix:
- remove the airbag
- unscrew the switch blocks and unplug the wiring connectors
- pry apart the switch blocks to expose the contacts on the PCBs
- clean the PCB contacts with a soft cloth moistened with rubbing alcohol
- gently brush off the backs of the rubber membranes to remove dirt particles (don't rub hard, to avoid damage)
- put it all back together!

UPDATE: More "how to" info here for the first two steps: http://www.solsticeforum.com/forum/f62/removing-steering-wheel-trim-65700/#post995592 - and - http://www.solsticeforum.com/forum/f62/diy-steering-wheel-air-bag-removel-68421/

 

[TX08manualGXP]

Oh, I guess it's the same as a TV remote. well, I need to fix the stupid turn signal on that thing so I guess I'll tackle them both together. Great, thanks Mark.

 

[Seltzinator]

Absolutely. This has come up a number of times and the fix is relatively simple (! LoL)... you just need to clean the switches in the steering wheel.

These switches are the rubber membrane across PCB contact type - just like the ones in your remote. The difference is that they connect different resistances across a resistor 'ladder', the BCM measures the resistance and performs the function (it thinks) you requested. If the contacts get dirty, the resistance changes and the BCM does something different - or nothing at all.

So, to fix:
- remove the airbag

Awwww, ****.

 

[TomatoSoup]

Awwww, ****.

Don't be a Debby-Downer ... it's really easy.

Ackshully, pulling the switches apart is the difficult bit. You need about 20 small screwdrivers to insert and keep the little clips out of their slots :willy:

 

[TX08manualGXP]

ahhh, one of those challenges where an extra pair of hands comes in handy:jester: