Add Steering Wheel Audio Controls?

[sleezy]

I come back to this every so often and I've never found an answer online. I think @Mopar1973Man will probably know off the top of his head, though!

 

I have a 2001 SLT that did not come with the steering wheel audio controls. I really want them. I know I'd need to buy a wheel with the buttons, that's doable. I'm sure I'd need a different clock spring, that's simple. But I don't know if the existing harness would support the extra input signals?

 

I've had my stereo out several times (and have installed several different stereos over the years) and I don't think I've ever seen an extra plug for the controls, which is why I'm thinking my existing harness wouldn't support what I want to do. Maybe there is a plug back there somewhere that I've just never noticed?

 

I know I'd need a module to translate the signals to something my stereo can handle, but Crutchfield sells those, so that's not a problem.

 

 

[Mopar1973Man]

Steering wheel controls are sent to the Central Timer Module (High Line) and the converted to digital signal over the CCD bus back to the factory stereo. I've seen several converter boxes possible of getting those controls to work with other stereos but I've never heard if those actual work or not. I've you do a bit of searching here you might find that thread about stereo controls in the steering wheel for aftermarket stereos. Remember this will not work with standard central timer. Hence why the factory stereo comes with a CCD network plug.

 

Edited March 30, 2022 by Mopar1973Man

[sleezy]

Thanks, Mike!

 

This is from Crutchfield, and I trust those guys, so I'm confident that if I can get the signal to the deck, I can use it with my stereo:

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_541SWICP2/PAC-SWI-CP2-Steering-Wheel-Control-Adapter.html

 

I don't know which CTM my truck has. I have power heated mirrors, but not heated seats, overhead computer, or keyless entry. Maybe there's just no good way to add steering controls to my truck?

 

It sounds like if I upgrade the steering wheel, the signals will be carried over the same bus as the cruise control. But even if I have the High Line CTM (or maybe I can upgrade the CTM, I have seen threads on that), I still don't think I have the harness/plug that goes from the CTM to the stereo.

[IBMobile]

 

 

[sleezy]

Thank you, @IBMobile

 

Is there a way to tell when CTM I have without ripping the dash apart? 

[IBMobile]

1 hour ago, sleezy said:

Is there a way to tell when CTM I have without ripping the dash apart? 

The regular CTM has one plug connector and the highline has two connectors. 

This is a highline CTM.  You can see the green and white connectors under the dash for it. 

 

[Mopar1973Man]

If your missing the second connector you going to have to swap in the highline wiring harness and high line central timer. Being there is security controls your most likely have to flash the entire system to accept the new central timer and its enhanced features. Vehicle security, key fob door locks, steering wheel stereo controls, and the overhead computer. Just a heads up with information.

[sleezy]

Thanks guys! Looks like it's super easy to get to, right behind the driver knee pad. I'm thinking I probably do not have the high line CTM, because my truck has none of the options listed by Mike above. If I have the base CTM I'll call it a day and give up on steering wheel controls. If I have the high line I guess I'll start visiting Pick n Pulls for a wheel and the 2nd harness section.