The choice to upgrade an older factory head unit is usually an easy one. However, factors such as non-standard head units and steering wheel controls can complicate matters. In the case of steering wheel audio controls, there is a fear that the factory controls will not work with a new head unit, and aftermarket solutions are inconvenient at best.
How to: Factory Steering Wheel Controls with Aftermarket CD Player Head Unit – Install Axxess ASWC
Fears about losing steering wheel controls when upgrading a car stereo are largely unfounded, but this type of upgrade is more complex than most. While it is possible to implement aftermarket steering wheel audio controls with your original equipment manufacturer (OEM) hardware, it’s not a given that every new head unit you purchase will work with your steering wheel controls.
In addition to purchasing a compatible replacement head unit, a typical installation scenario also involves purchasing and installing the correct type of steering wheel audio control adapter to facilitate communication between your factory controls and your aftermarket head unit.
If that sounds complicated, it is – and it isn’t. There’s more compatibility than you might think, with a huge number of manufacturers using the same set of interoperable communications protocols, so you only have a handful of options to consider instead of dozens.
