mermel

I took my 3-year-old JVC MP3/WMA CD player out of my Grand Am before I sold it. I was thinking of putting it into my 2001 Trans Am, but I don't like having useless buttons. I know some Sony and Pioneer radios have an available device you can install to get the steering wheel controls to work with it. I was wondering (since JVC doesn't make one) if there's a generic 3rd party device I can install to get ANY modern radio to work with the controls.

BTW, if JVC DOES make one, PLEASE let me know ASAP.

VIP1

PAC makes adapters to retain the steering wheel controls.

PAC SWI-X is the universal IR adapter that should work with almost any headunit with an IR remote.

PAC also makes manufacturer specific adapters for headunits with a provision for a wired remote input. Example: SWI-PS works with Pioneer & Sony.

Those adapters cost about $50-$70.



Looks like the PAC SWI-JACK works with Alpine, Clarion, JVC, and Kenwood

mermel

So, with this "PAC SWI-JACK" installed behind my JVC radio I can retain the functionality of the steering wheel controls. Is there a website where I can check compatibility?

VIP1

That's the idea.

Crutchfield & Sound Domain should carry it.
Check with KEE AUDIO also (they are a sponsor).

As far as compatibility, for the wired remote input, the headunit would have to have a wired remote input port. Otherwise you'll have to use the universal IR adapter.

mermel

I checked the back of my headunit. Didn't see anything that "said" wired remote, but I did see an open port with some weird symbol that would take me an hour to describe in words. The only digital camera I have is my phone (which sucks) but I'll try and take a shot of it when I get home from work.

What's a Universal IR Adapter?

If it helps any, I have a JVC KD-LH300.

VIP1

PAC SWI-X (I covered it in Post #2)

Here is the installation manual:
http://resources.jvc.com/Resources/0...T0201-002A.pdf

Here is the instruction manual:
http://resources.jvc.com/Resources/0...T0201-001B.pdf

Here is the page on JVC's site:
http://www.jvc.com/product.jsp?model...2&archive=true

I can't find anything on there about a wired remote input. The port you saw is probably the CD-Changer port.


A wired remote input port typically looks like a headphone jack on the back of the headunit and will be labeled "Remote".

mermel

Wow, it'd take me forever to find out all this on my own (I have terrible fact-finding skills).

So I need a Uni IR Adapter. I assume IR stands for Infra-Red and works the same as a remote. My question is, don't you need Line of Sight for that to work? Isn't the IR adapter behind the headunit? I'm not sure how it's supposed to work.

VIP1

Yes.

Its on the front somewhere.

mermel

So.......wait.

Where does the IR sensor connect to, the headunit or the steering wheel? Basically, is it visible or hidden by the dash?

VIP1

IR is wireless.

I haven't installed one yet, but to my knowledge, one end of the adapter taps into the steering wheel control harness and the other end it an IR transceiver that you have to mount line-of-site with the headunit.

mermel

Doesn't sound like it'll look too appealing.

VIP1

Many people in here have it in a somewhat hidden manner so its not noticeable. Maybe one of them will chime in.

hdsportster

is there any chance of finding a stock radio that came in it somewhere? like a website you can get one from or something?. i keep looking on here but i cant find one for my 00 trans am.. i just got it and the cd player dont work at all wont even spit me an error code..

TARZAN

iTrader: (12)

they've got ya covered lol....I kept my steering wheel controls and don't know how I'd live without em lol

-Will

VIP1

Sorry, but I don't understand the question.
What are you trying to do that doesn't work?

hdsportster

i have an 00 trans am. I can get my radio to work fine.. No matter what i do i cant get my cd player to work.. I wanted to see if i could just get a factory replacement somewhere or if i would have to go to a junkyard...

VIP1

There are often Monsoon headunits listed in the "For Sale" section and on ebay. I'd recommend a 2001/2002 model since they can supposedly handle multiple inputs instead of just one (CD-Changer -or- AUX-IN via adapter).

mermel

Wait, so because I have a 2001, I can install a CD Changer and route it to my stock factory Monsoon radio? How would that work?

VIP1

The wire is already there and hooked up. Look for it taped to the wires going to the left rearmost speaker in the hatch area. I think earlier years may have it too.

mermel

So does that mean that I could get a changer and not have a seperate control window on my dash? Because that's the only reason I don't want one. Would the changer be controllable through the stock radio?