Guide: VT / VX steering wheel controls on stereo upgrade

[gsx913]

Hi all, a while back I posted a question about hooking up a stereo from a WH statesman into my VX Berlina and getting the steering wheel controls to work. Not too much was known about this so I thought I'd investigate it the hard way. I had read that a lot of people in other threads have said it won't work due to a number of reasons, but I tested it out and behold, it works!!

I thought I would outline what I have done to be of assistance to others trying the same thing. Unfortunately I don't have a camera, so I can't post any pictures at the moment.

The steering wheel buttons on VX exec's and berlina's is controlled via the BCM, that is Steering Wheel Controls > BCM > Stereo. The BCM interprets the voltage changes in the steering wheel controls and then sends a signal to the headunit.

The VX / VT Calais' and WH statesman's are a little different. I'm sure anyone who has had a look at the back of one of these stereos would be familiar with the fact that there is an extra 6 or 12 pin connector in addition to the standard connector in all VT / VX models. Steering wheel controls in these models are linked directly to the headunit. There is no BCM involved.

BTW, I will not take any responsibility for any damage caused to your yourself of your vehicle. This information is used at your own risk, as there may be some wiring differences that may vary between model and series. Here's what I did:

The wiring from steering wheel controls can be accessed by removing the cover from the steering column as seen in the first image 001 and from there you will see the clock spring connector image 101. It's a good idea to remove the fuse for the airbag or disconnect the battery because we'll be fiddling with wires that run parallel to wiring for the horn and airbag. wires connected to the 3rd and 4th connector (from the left--1 and 2 aren't used) connect the steering wheel controls to the BCM in the Berlina. I cut the wires a little closer to the BCM and spliced them to a new set of wires that run directly to the back of the stereo. The wires on the clock spring connector on the image I have are labelled BR - 515 and B/Y - 701, however in the Berlina, B/Y is actually a different colour (B/W).

Make sure your stereo is disconnected from the main harness. Running these wires I simply hooked them up to the two pins that did the job, BR - 515 to pin 4 and B/Y - 701 to pin 11 on the 12 pin connector on the statesman stereo (image 201), plugged the power back into the unit and hey presto, the controls work as they should! I have also attached what I believe should work for Berlina / Exec owner's who have a 6 pin connector on the Calais stereo BR - 515 to pin 1 and B/Y - 701 to pin 2 (image 301) but I can't guarantee this works and you can try at your own risk. Just remember the connectors on the last 2 diagrams are based on the pins on the unit itself when you are looking at the back of it and not to the connectors that plug into them.

[garfa]

bloody good post!

can a mod please link this in to a sticky at the top and also post it in the how to section.

again top stuff for a new member!

[gsx913]

thanks mate, i have a camera on the phone so i'll take a couple of pics so everyone can see it cause i think it's probably easier to understand when you 'see' it. now all I need is the 12 pin plug itself in order to make it permanent. currently the wires are hooked up to the pins on the h/u from pin sleeves i pulled from inside an unused connector I had lying around (don't know what they are called). i can't say that this sort of setup would last (or be safe) as I had already blown a fuse by accidentally touching pin 12 as i was trying to put the sleeve on pin 11 (that's why i suggested disconnecting the radio from it's power source, pin 12 is a backup power out... oops ) so i insulated the other pins by stripping some speaker wire and pushing it over them...

can anyone help with supplying a 12 pin connector for the back of one of these h/u's? i am happy to pay for it and will consider any offers.

[garfa]

pick - a - part or weakers mate.

[gsx913]

here are the pictures, unfortunately the camera on the phone is not that crash hot, but i thought i'd post them anyway.

the first one is looking top down at the clock spring connector and the next two are the wires connected from the connector to the back of the stereo.

anyone who wants to try this themselves and take better photos... be my guest

[gsx913]

Just a quick update, the 12 pin connector I have been looking for is the same 12 pin connector that fits to the back of a Berlina / Calais Climate Control Module so they're pretty easy to come by. Hooked it all up and put everything back in it's place. Works exactly like a Calais / Statesman in as much that pressing the previous / next buttons on the wheel while listening to a CD changes the track, while holding it down for longer changes the disc.

[chatmaster841]

great post mate thanx

[Bezzey]

Thank you so much!

I was wondering what to do as I am in the exact same situation as you were and had the exact same idea in mind to get the connector with the stereo control pins and wire directly to my aftermarket radio. As per Steering wheel controls/clock spring question

[Bezzey]

Heres the result of my steering wheel controls!

Installed Steering Wheel Controls - YouTube

Here's Pictures & more info Result of my steering wheel control installation!