Thread: Adding Steering Wheel Radio Controls?

I have a 2005 GP that did not come with factory radio controls, and I thought that it might be something cool to add. I bought the controls off of Ebay and figured I'd just pop the airbag cover and plug them in. However, when I took the airbag cover off (that's a pain in the ass by the way!!) and there was no harness/connector for them. Would it possibly be tucked away somewhere in the steering column wrapped in electrical tape or something? If not, has anyone done a write up on how to add them? If not, I guess I might be the one doing a write up on how to add them. lol. Thanks guys/gals!

You may also need the correct clock spring and wire harness that runs from the column to the radio to make that work.

Originally Posted by FordMan77

You may also need the correct clock spring and wire harness that runs from the column to the radio to make that work.

Thanks! Any idea on the part number? I'm not seeing it on the parts diagram.

Originally Posted by FordMan77

You may also need the correct clock spring and wire harness that runs from the column to the radio to make that work.

Never mind, I found it! Will have to pull the steering wheel off and see which one I have.

Originally Posted by Scottydoggs

you would need the other style clock spring, its what makes the radio controls work. if you had the right one, you'd have found the wires.

You are correct! I actually got a 2005 entire steering column in the mail for only $75 shipped!! This is including the wheel, airbag, and everything! The clockspring definitely has different connectors, as well as the column harness. However, the connectors that come OUT of the harness appear to be identical. I'm just waiting on a new retainer ring, because I destroyed the one on the old column getting the clockspring off (even with snap ring pliers, just couldn't seem to get it) and I don't want to ruin the one on my car and be screwed. I'll report back once I'm finished with the project. I also have to get the aftermarket adapter to use the controls with my new radio, so it may be a bit. Below are the clockspring and retainer ring part numbers in case anyone wonders... The reatainer ring says it's not compatible, but from the pictures online it certainly looks like the right part. Again, if not I'll post an update!

Clock Spring: 26097600
Retainer Ring: 274414 (I think!)

Originally Posted by Scottydoggs

why dont ya just put that whole new column in the car.

That's just too easy! lol Honestly, I just really like to have projects to work on and I like to keep as much original parts in the car as possible.

All finished! All I'm waiting on is the adapter for my aftermarket radio. I'll let you know what I learned. Maybe someone else will find this useful.

So, the clocksprings for 2004-2005 come in 2 different types. With steering wheel controls and without. Additionally, the steering column harness connector that connects to the clockspring also comes in 2 different types and they each have different connectors that attach to the clockspring (all of the other connectors on it are the same, which in my opinion is stupid). So, you need both the clockspring for SWC AND the steering column harness for SWC. Everything else appears to be fine.

One additional note: 2006+ GPs have the cruise control on the left stalk along with the headlights instead of the bottom right of the steering wheel. So while those clocksprings/harnesses may work, you would have to switch over to a new left stalk with the cruise control on it. Beyond that, I don't know if the clockspring and harness would work or not. I would say if you have an 04 or 05 just get the 04/05 parts to keep it as simple as possible. I'll post pictures and part numbers below.

New clockspring and harness:




Old clockspring and harness:



This is the 2005 connector to the harness WITHOUT SWC. The one without is a flat connector, while the one with the controls is rectangular. (sorry I forgot to take a picture of the SWC harness connector):



Make sure that when you remove the old clockspring that the steering wheel is straight and that it's lined up with the positive cable hole for the horn. Hold the center so that it doesn't move while you remove it. Then tape it or otherwise secure it so that it doesn't spin, because it does need to be "centered". If you need to reuse it for any reason and you don't do this, it could break during use when you're turning the wheel. I ordered a new one which comes centered. It has a plastic tab that keeps it from moving and keeps it centered. Just line it up with the horn wire hole and install it. Then you break the plastic tab off and it's free to spin. Super easy!



Finished product:



And it lights up too now! lol:




Part numbers

Clock Spring: 26097600
Retainer Ring: 274414 (Says it doesn't fit online, but I assure you it's the right one. This is in case you ruin yours getting the old clockspring off. I got lucky and my new snap ring pliers worked great.)
Steering Column Harness: Actually I can''t find the part number. I got mine from a used 05 column. I would ask your parts dealer or hit up the junk yard.

Cheers!!

Originally Posted by wowitsfast

Good job man crack a cold one for a job well done

Sent from my SM-G981V using Tapatalk

Thanks boss!