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Steering wheel controls

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Old Jan 22, 2007 | 06:45 PM
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Default Steering wheel controls

1994 trans-am


All the lights work but none of the actual buttons do. How do i take the buttons out of the steering wheel?
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Old Jan 22, 2007 | 07:57 PM
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https://ls1tech.com/forums/wiring-stereo-electronics/614125-light-went-out-steering-wheel.html
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Old Jan 22, 2007 | 09:31 PM
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That doesn't explain why the lights are working but the actual unit itself isn't performing. I'm having the same problem - my lights function properly, but my left side radio controls don't actually do anything.
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Old Jan 22, 2007 | 11:11 PM
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Originally Posted by Gallstaff
That doesn't explain why the lights are working but the actual unit itself isn't performing.
O I mis-read.

I thought he said that the buttons worked but the lights didn't. There is a 1-amp fuse labeled "STG WHL CNTL" that is used for the steering wheel controls, but I think the lights run off that same fuse. Its worth checking anyway. Also make sure that the cable is firmly connected to the back of the radio (disconnect and reconnect it).

Here is a related thread:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/wiring-stereo-electronics/557506-steering-wheel-buttons.html

Last edited by VIP1; Jan 23, 2007 at 09:06 AM.
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Old Jan 23, 2007 | 09:06 AM
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Originally Posted by Gallstaff
I'm having the same problem - my lights function properly, but my left side radio controls don't actually do anything.
This is what I've dug up on the subject. If some buttons work and others don't then the buttons that don't work are probably broken since...
Originally Posted by WhiteBird00
There's not a whole lot that can go wrong with the steering wheel controls - they're simple switches that just introduce different resistances into the single lead going to head unit.
I found that in this thread:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=557506
(same thread I posted above)

You might want to read through that thread to see what else could contribute to some buttons working and others not.

Last edited by VIP1; Jan 23, 2007 at 09:14 AM.
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Old Jan 23, 2007 | 12:35 PM
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Alright guys thanks, I get the car tomorrow and i'll try it and see what works. I'll get back with you.
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Old Jan 31, 2007 | 08:53 PM
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still nothing even with the new HU. it has a IR remote so i figured it would work.. any other ideas?
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Old Jan 31, 2007 | 09:12 PM
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i can't find that fues you were talking about...
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Old Jan 31, 2007 | 10:32 PM
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I think its in the fuse panel on the left side of the dash.
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Old Jan 31, 2007 | 11:56 PM
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Well I eventaully figured out what MY problem was. Make sure that cable attaching the buttons to the wheel is REALLY secure. My finger actually started to bleed from how hard I had to foce it in. If you plug it in part way, it might either light up or function, but not do both. I had to find some pliers to finally get it to snap back in. You have to make sure it really clicks.
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Old Feb 1, 2007 | 08:28 AM
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but i have an after market HU.. is there still a cable?
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Old Feb 1, 2007 | 09:56 AM
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Originally Posted by Pretyflywiteguy
but i have an after market HU.. is there still a cable?

Forgive me if this is a stupid question, but did you install the PAC SWI-X adaptor kit for the steering wheel controls? Is the IR emitter pointing at your H/U?

IF you installed your aftermarket head without it, then of course your lights will light but your buttons will do nothing. Note: this requires a head unit with an IR remote control.
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Old Feb 1, 2007 | 10:51 AM
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Originally Posted by Pretyflywiteguy
but i have an after market HU.. is there still a cable?
It won't work without extra accesories, I don't know what you need though. I'm in the same boat as you
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Old Feb 1, 2007 | 05:29 PM
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Haha oh no wonder they dont work! The buttons dont work if you simply plug in a new head unit. You need some type of adapter that works with your particular headunit installed if you want button functionality
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Old Feb 1, 2007 | 09:00 PM
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See? I got sick of the steering wheel controls changing the station everytime I was cranking the wheel through some spirited driving manuever. When I got my Aftermarket HU, no more problems.

Lesson: Either get the steering wheel controls interface for the HU and quit driving like a *&#@$ ... or enjoy the lack of steering wheel controls.
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Old Feb 2, 2007 | 10:58 AM
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Originally Posted by HiTechGent
Forgive me if this is a stupid question, but did you install the PAC SWI-X adaptor kit for the steering wheel controls? Is the IR emitter pointing at your H/U?

IF you installed your aftermarket head without it, then of course your lights will light but your buttons will do nothing. Note: this requires a head unit with an IR remote control.
didn't know i needed one. I figured since it's IR it would work.. where do i get this "adapter"?

**edit** where is the IR emiter?
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Old Feb 2, 2007 | 02:58 PM
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PAC SWI-X is the universal IR version

PAC SWI-? is the aftermarket manufacturer specific version that uses their wired remote port.
(ex: PAC SWI-PS works with Pioneer and Sony).

You can get them at Crutchfield and other stereo shops.

I don't know where the IR receiver is on your aftermarket headunit. Its typically a small dark circle somewhere on the face.
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Old Feb 2, 2007 | 08:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Pretyflywiteguy
didn't know i needed one. I figured since it's IR it would work.. where do i get this "adapter"?

**edit** where is the IR emiter?
The steering wheel controls were wired directly to the stock head unit. By themselves, they do not work with IR remote Aftermarket heads.
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Old Feb 2, 2007 | 10:56 PM
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yeah no ****.. i gotta get the cash for the Pac adapter.
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Old Feb 6, 2007 | 04:05 PM
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Don't mean to highjack the thread, but is there any related threads with a writeup on how to change the bulbs in those switches to LEDs? Thanks for the input.
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