Steering wheel audio controls

[mjtr21]

I was wondering if it's possible to get the steering wheel with the audio controls put in my car. I have the 1999 Grand AM GT but mine doesnt have the controls. What kind of a job would I be getting into if I did it? Also what else would I have to add on, any extra wiring? Please and Thanks.

[Blue Bowtie]

The steering wheel controls use a serial data bus communication protocol via the body control module. Of course, it CAN be done. How much do you really want to spend to avoid having to reach over to the radio as opposed to using your thumbs? Furthermore, the steering wheel controls are somewhat limited in function, allowing only a few features. You cannot directly select a track or channel as you can with the head unit controls.

Turn off and set down your celly, put the five-liter Biggie Gulp back in the cup holder, put away the lip gloss or electric razor (can't tell which it might be with the user name), finish your sandwich, and reach over to adjust the radio. IMO, it really isn't worth the frustration, expense, and potential problems of retrofitting remote wheel controls.

If you want further evidence, search these forums for all the threads beginning with "My steering wheel controls don't work..." and you may change your mind. If you ever want to change to an aftermarket audio unit, the frustration would be even deeper.

Speaking of aftermarket, there ARE aftermarket wheel control units which will work with aftermarket head units, but they are not truly integrated with the wheel. Rather, they bolt or strap onto the wheel, so that's not the most elegant solution, either.

[xeroinfinity]

Even with parts from a salvage yard it is difficult.
I'm not certain your steering column has the wires already installed, other then that it could be done with just the steering wheel controls and the cable to the stereo.

One thing these controls do help with is the stupid volume control on these radios, it can turn up when you turned it down and or not work at all.
When you use the Steering wheel controls it doesnt do this.


On my controls, they do control my CD tracks/FFW/RW, Auto search/FFW/RW on my tape deck, It does control most thing except for switching from Radio-CD-tape.

"Give me convenience or give me death"- Jello Biafra(Dead Kennedys)

[Blue Bowtie]

Can you directly select a CD track on your's, or do you have to "page-up" or "page-down" track by track, like mine does?