Stereo & Electronics - Steering Wheel Radio controls accessory

Sorry if this has been answered a few times but;

I know everyone knows that if you replaced the stock head unit you can no longer use the steering wheel controls. However , there are accessories you can buy out there that allow you to use them again. By some sort of sending the signal of your new units remote to the deck, you can do the same with the steer wheel controls. Sort of like a remote built into the steering wheel itself.

Ok, now for the important stuff. In this link, I found an accessory that may perform this. I'm not sure, but I'm fairly positive it may work. Anyone got any feedback on this? Or know a sure shot module that they bought and works 100%? Thanks

http://www.autotoys.com/x/catalog/STEERING_WHEEL_INTERFACE_TO_FACTORY_CONTROLS_FOR_V IDEO_OR_ANY_I_p_596.html

If you just want steering wheel controls get the PAC SWI-X. Search for that on Ebay. One can be had for $40.00. Thats all you need, I'm looking at mine right now. Good Luck!

What's the difference between SWI-X and SWI-V? The only thing I can figure is the price. But then again I need to know what would work best. I have a pioneer deck, so this SWI-X should work right?

I am new here, my steering wheel accessory controls.....the top ones on each side. The bulbs have blown....where can I get replacement ones...

Jeff

The PAC SWI-X will work with your panasonic. I have one of these in my Grand Prix and in the Camaro. They are easy to install and to program. The steering whell controls will work just like the stock radio.

Go with the SWI-X as that is known to work. You just need to mount a small IR emitter somewhere in the vehicle that has line of sight to the radio's remote sensor.

I mounted mine in the coffee-cup handle cutout of my center console, at the middle of the angle so it is aiming pretty much right at the radio sensor.

There are many places that will work and if you can flush mount your radio some people can get the sensor mounted in the actual bezel and be ok.

Far as bulbs... do a search. The radio controls can be disassembled and new leds can be soldered in. It's not a pull/plug type of bulb, unfortunately.

Just FYI on mounting the SWI-X - There's no need to point it at the HU. Just mount the transmitter above/below the radio facing backwards. It'll bounce off something, but you may need to experiment with the angle to get it so it works 100% of the time (like in direct rear sunlight).

Screw the PAC. Get a soundgate. You don't have to reprogram it when the power dies, and you don't have to worry about mounting the IR eye. It costs more, but installs the same except a minijack plugs into the rear of the headunit.

where do you find the soundgate one and how much does it cost?

hey not to whore but what if you have a 98 without stereo controls on the wheel. can you put one in?

where do you find the soundgate one and how much does it cost?

www.soundgate.com

The only disadvantage to it is you can't use your remote when you hook the Soundgate up.