HELP! - '02 XE Needs Steering Wheel Controls for Radio

A little help please:

I've upgraded the speakers and head unit from a stock '02 radio to the 6 Cd changer radio (an aftermarket amp will go in soon). So here's the problem:

No Steering Wheel Controls!!!

I don't have the wire that runs from the steering wheel controls to the head unit. I can add the controls to the wheel by purchasing the part from Nissan, but I need the cable that goes from the controls to the head unit. You would think that Nissan would have the same harness in place for both models (XE and SE) and if they were installing the stock radio, the wire would just be lying there doing nothing. Apparantly, depending on which radio they manufacture the car with, Nissan installs a different harness. And they want like $1200 for the harness which has dozens of other wires including the one I want.

Someone told me that there are only two wires used (out of 16) in the steering wheel control wire where it plugs into the head unit. Apparantly, it performs the various functions (volume, change station, etc...) by a change in impedence in the line. (Way too technical for me!)

Bottom line . . . Does anyone have the controls and the wire that plugs into the head unit and how does the wire attach to the contols at the steering wheel. I had the wheel apart and didn't see where the wire would go.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Russ Moskowitz
RMoskowitz@Finzfirm.com

Consider taking a look at http://www.xterraparts.com for your parts. Their prices are usually quite a bit lower than local dealers.

Are you sure an aftermarket stereo can connect to the Nissan controls? If so, let me know. I've always assumed "no", which is a big reason why I haven't upgraded yet.

Didn't say I put in an aftermarket head unit, just changed it from th XE stock to the SE 6 Cd changer. However, the answer to your question is yes. There is a converter which enables the controls to learn the function of the new head unit. Search the forum, Vigre just posted it within the last week or so.

The post I was talking about is on the XOC board under radios named "My Install" by Vigre. Hope this helps, now if someone could just help me, PLEASE!

Originally posted by ToeJam
Are you sure an aftermarket stereo can connect to the Nissan controls?

I recently upgraded to a JVC KD-SH77, and it has an infrared remote. Crutchfield has a dohickey that allows you to splice into your steering wheel controls and use them to control "numerous" aftermarket decks. You just need to mount the little infrared "eye" so it gets line of sight.

I haven't tried it yet (it's on the list), but I'll let ya know when I do.

Click here (http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-ayJrdLp7j35/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=11&g=751&I=127SWIX&o=p&a=1)

Hey Brad,

Did you get the check yet?

Russ

No dice, Russ. You'll get an email when I do.

It is only two wires that connect to the back of the stock changer/radio in the dash. I think they are orange and white or some combination of stripes. The radio has a seperate plug for that. I don't know about the steering wheel control wiring since mine already had it (I have the SE). You might just be able to run two wires and connect them to the controller and head unit. As far as exactly what goes where, I'll have to pull mine out and see. I'm currently in the process of upgrading my whole audio system. I'm going to run new wire, speakers, and subs. I'm going to do it all at one time. I'm still building the box right now. Hope this might have helped some?

Don't get me wrong, but what's wrong with reaching over 18" to do it like it's been done for decades?

No kidding! I wouldn't even bother and I've never understood the big deal about having steering wheel controls. The stereo isn't much more of a reach and unlike on the steering wheel, the controls are always in the same spot when you reach for them.

That won't be fun trying to route the wiring into the steering wheel...watch out for the airbag!

Wait a min, u can upgrade from stock radio XE 2002 model to the SE 300 watt fosgate sound system? If so, where? and how much, approx.?

Actually I don't know if that is possible, upgrading to the SE from a XE 6 disc changer. RE: my 02 SE non-Rockford system did in fact have an amp behind the radio. When I upgraded to an Alpine and hooked up the harness to the Alpine's harness I left out the amp turn on connection cause I really just wanted to bypass that amp. Well I got no output to the speakers, so if the reverse is opposite, the SE changer HU has no built in amp and would not power the speakers alone. Maybe I'm wrong and I think I've seen where some folks have done it. But that was my findings. Then I said screw it and just ran new wires everywhere. I would much rather invest in an aftermarket system that I know what is what rather than cheap stock and be clueless as what it really does in the way of integration of the rest of the car. I guarantee it will sound 10x better anyway.