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Old 12-12-2013, 11:58 AM   #1
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Steering Wheel Stereo Controls

Has anyone figured out a good way to add steering wheel controls for their stereo? I have a 2007 E350. It just has the standard cruise control buttons, nothing else. I'd love to have the typical steering wheel controls (volume, source, mute, Bluetooth) if possible.

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Old 12-12-2013, 12:02 PM   #2
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Re: Steering Wheel Stereo Controls

I've wondered the same thing. Following this to see the answers (if any)...
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Old 12-12-2013, 02:07 PM   #3
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Re: Steering Wheel Stereo Controls

If someone ever figured out a way to upgrade the factory steering wheels or add this without it looking all ghetto they would sell a ton of them. I've seen some hideous cheap ones that have a band around the outside of the steering wheel but I've never seen a smooth looking option. I think the problem is that virtually every steering wheel design is different so an aftermarket manufacturer would be hard pressed to make it work and sell. Seems like a bluetooth (wireless) model would work great.

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Old 12-12-2013, 02:53 PM   #4
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Re: Steering Wheel Stereo Controls

Quote:
Originally Posted by 86Scotty
looking all ghetto

Wasn't sure what a ghetto steering wheel looked like so I googled it.

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Old 12-12-2013, 03:20 PM   #5
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Re: Steering Wheel Stereo Controls

Ford did have steering wheel controls on the Expedition with the same wheel. I imagine you would need to use the clockspring assembly from Expy along with the steering wheel harness. The vans do have an aux control input, as a legacy from when they used to have rear radio controls in all the XLT wagons. I've considered trying to do the swap, but it's pretty far down on my "upgrades" list. And if I did it, I'd probably just do a full steering wheel swap because i really want a heated steering wheel (Lincoln Navigator and King Ranch pickups got it).
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Old 12-13-2013, 08:09 AM   #6
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Re: Steering Wheel Stereo Controls

Thanks carringb, I was guessing it would be a bigger project than I ever wanted to tackle. I've also seen the ones with a band that attaches to the steering wheel. However, I've read mixed reviews on how well they work (IR frequency) and I would also be concerned about them getting in the way of actually usually the steering wheel for its original purpose.
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Old 12-13-2013, 10:40 AM   #7
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Re: Steering Wheel Stereo Controls

You got me thinking about it again. That, and my frozen hands every morning for the last weeks with lows near zero and highs never hitting freezing until this morning.

Pulling the wheel doesn't look too bad, and the clockspring not much more work if it does need to be swapped.

http://www.thedieselstop.com/forums/...spring-166202/

I never though to look at the wiring when I've had the column shroud off before, but now I'm wondering if maybe the existing clock-spring already had the audio controls connectors.
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Old 12-13-2013, 12:14 PM   #8
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Re: Steering Wheel Stereo Controls

Many newer aftermarket headunits have wireless remotes available. A cheap way to do this is to just velcro it to the center of the wheel or something.
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Old 12-13-2013, 02:15 PM   #9
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Re: Steering Wheel Stereo Controls

Quote:
Originally Posted by BrianW
Many newer aftermarket headunits have wireless remotes available. A cheap way to do this is to just velcro it to the center of the wheel or something.
I have though about this, but I don't like the idea of a remote being launched into my face at 200 MPH if the airbag goes off. And the band-mount ones seam tacky, if not potentially an interference while steering (esp doing things like backing a trailer)
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Old 12-13-2013, 03:28 PM   #10
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Re: Steering Wheel Stereo Controls

I've stuck them on my dash but a remote is nothing like the typical controls on a steering wheel. The problem I find is the remote is so small that punching the correct buttons would distract me more than just using the radios face controls. Even if I pull the remote off the dash there are times I have to look down to know I'm on the correct button. I'm sure some remotes have larger volume and selection buttons which helps a bit for adjusting some functions while keeping my eyes on the road, but not mine. Fortunately my radio has the typical round volume knob and reaching it can be done W/O looking down at it. When I do use the remote, I keep it loose in the cup holder. I had more issues prying off the remote than just leaving it loose in the cup holder.
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