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Retrofit Steering Wheel Audio Controls to First Gen?

Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2025 10:22 am
by minty
Hello all,
I'm the planning stages of the next phase of my audio improvement project (stage one was Carplay headunit + Mic for calls + reverse camera).
I ordered some butyl sound deadener for the doors, which will be the next step. Seeing as how the steering wheel is pretty worn, I was also wondering how difficult it would be to swap a steering wheel from a 10th gen Corolla/2nd gen vibe with audio controls. Anyone try this before?
Would definitely require a new clockspring, but the biggest question I have is the differences in wiring; looking for wiring diagrams online has only gotten me so far...

I get this is probably silly and more work than it's worth, but also I like doing this stuff.

Re: Retrofit Steering Wheel Audio Controls to First Gen?

Posted: Sun Mar 30, 2025 6:43 am
by tpollauf
minty wrote: Sat Mar 29, 2025 10:22 am

I get this is probably silly and more work than it's worth, but also I like doing this stuff.
Not silly at all BUT not sure if practical. Sure we all LOVE the conveniences of most newer vehicles that have steering wheel controls to where it would be nice to convert the older Vibes to have similar functions. Can't help much on your suggestion BUT if it ends up becoming reality, then definitely let all of us here on GenVibe know about it.

Re: Retrofit Steering Wheel Audio Controls to First Gen?

Posted: Sun Mar 30, 2025 7:02 am
by ColonelPanic
Even if the wheel fits, your current air bag won't. I personally wouldn't risk injury by installing an air bag not meant for the vehicle it's installed in, lots of vehicle-specific engineering goes into these things.

I use an IR remote like it's 1995.

Re: Retrofit Steering Wheel Audio Controls to First Gen?

Posted: Sun Mar 30, 2025 7:51 pm
by joatmon
Welcome to genvibe

There's a couple of threads here where people have talked about adding steering wheel radio controls, but it looks like nobody ever reported success

might be better to work up some switch assembly and fit it on the door, or the center console, or a new stationary stalk sticking out from the steering column, someplace easy to reach but avoid the risks of messing with the clockspring and airbag.