One question? If I install a aftermarket headunit will I still be able to use the steering wheel controls? I love the controls on the wheel don't have to fumble around looking for the buttons well you get the point.

 

It may be possible if you use another Pioneer head unit.

 

Yes it is possible, but it is not worth the hassle. Just get a head unit with a remote.

 

Also, some other brands offer an adapter you can purchase to continue using the controls on the steering wheel all though I don't know of any myself, some other members have aftermarket head units using this adapter with no problems. Best bet would be to run a search..

 

I have a Pioneer head unit, I'll ask the guy at circuit city.

 

Go to this website, www.pac-audio.com, and you will see that they make electronics that allow you to use your steering wheel controls. I have one for my Alpine, and it was very easy to install. The steering wheel controls are much better than a wireless remote.

 

victory did you install it your self if so do you remeber the wires you used i have a swi-x and for some reason i cant get the signal from the controls to the box to program it

 

Any head unit can be made to work with your wheel controls just by wireing in a module. I think one of the modules that are out shoud work for the coblat. The place I work at here in iowa sells them for $125 installed. They are not fun to wire in but it can be done.

Dan

 

I installed it myself, but I don't remember which wires I used. I need to pull it out anyway, as it has been acting up lately. I need to make sure all of my connections are good. It was very easy to hook up. I have a newer Alpine headunit, so it was very easy to hook up to it, as PAC has a module designed specifically for Alpine.

 

SWIX is what we use at CarToys, if you got one of us located near you come see us and get it done ;-) it runs about $80 for the part and another 80$ for install.

 

yes u will lose them. some companies make a thing that plugs into the deck and used infra red to make them work or u can use patch calbes to from the controls to the harness on the radio..its a pain. i did it in my buddies cobalt...it sucks.

 

For some elaboration on which product.. I used the PESWIX from Peripheral Electronics when I got my Pioneer 6800 installed.

http://peripheralelectronics.com/web/steering.asp

 

and how does it work? infra red? does it work well?

 

Its super easy. Ignore all the other idiots that say its hard or not worth the effort, they obviously have never done it or don't know anything if they're saying that. Get one of the PAC boxes from ebay(or elsewhere), they're only around $45 now(on ebay - beware of no warranty if you get it from ebay). You said you have a Pioneer deck, most of the higher end Pioneer decks have a jack in the back for a wired remote. If your deck has this jack, you can get the PAC SWI-PS which works for Pioneer decks (as well as others). The install involves powering the PAC box, and tagging 2 wires in the factory harness. You have to provide power to one of the wires in the factory harness, and the other is for the signal wire from the PAC. Then you just plug into the jack on the back of the deck, follow the directions to program it (pretty easy) and you're done.

If your deck doesn't have a wired remote jack, then you get the SWI-X. Install procedure is the same, but instead of plugging into the back of the deck you run the IR eye somewhere with line of sight to the deck.

Also check out their site www.pac-audio.com. They have the install guides there so you can see for yourself how easy it is.

 

Yes, works great. You basically program the PE-SWIX to take over the same functionality as your remote control, so depending on what steering wheel button you press, it will send the same signal as the remote would for that function. Works infared. I have my IR emitter sticking out right above the new deck, at the dash kit.. it's inconspicuous and has no problems.

 

Infared? that not what I would want. I will keep the same deck if that is what I have to do. my opinion.

 

The same people that make the PE-SWIX also make some that are brand specific and plug into the back of the head unit so you will not have to use IR. I did a post on this with some decent pictures of the IR install in the g/f's Cobalt. Personally I am going with the Pioneer Z-1 and pluggin into the back. I also know that you can keep the Onstar thing too with another adapter. It might take you some work, or some money, but you can keep your Steering wheel controls, your XM, and your Onstar.