How does the steering wheel radio control work? How to install the steering column joystick for radio control yourself: help audiophiles. Instructions - we connect the multimedia buttons on the steering wheel to the Pioneer radio

How to connect the radio to the steering wheel on different cars

A standard car radio or a car multimedia system is equipment for playing sound and video information (depending on the class of equipment), which is installed at the car plant at the time the car is equipped with equipment and car accessories.

How to connect to the steering wheel?

Car audio head unit

Devices for this purpose have four control options.

1. Control from the remote control (RC).
2. Button control. The buttons are located at the bottom of the front panel of the radio.
3. One-touch touch control of functions and options to symbols on the LCD screen, if available.
4. Push-button control from the steering column or directly from the steering wheel of the car.

It is the fourth option that we will consider in detail in our article.

Examples will be Nissan X-trail, BMW E46 and a Pioneer non-standard radio.

Radio with buttons on the steering wheel

Almost all modern turntables can be controlled by buttons from the steering wheel. But the most popular among motorists are devices from the Pioneer and Sony firms. This type of device control can be carried out in two ways (we do not take into account the remote control, which is mounted on the steering wheel in a special clip):

• Via buttons already on the steering wheel (multifunction).
• Separately purchased and built-in button block for remote control of the Pioneer non-standard radio tape recorder.

The second option for connecting the control of the radio on the steering wheel is much more difficult, since for its implementation you will need not only the installation and adaptation of the alternative head unit itself, but also almost complete disassembly of the car's steering column.

Many models of passenger cars already have a so-called multifunction steering wheel in their standard equipment. But even in this case, the work of connecting the player to the control buttons will not be easy. Although the manufacturers promise that all installation steps will take no more than half an hour, in reality this process takes several hours. It all depends on the level of knowledge and skills of the installer. Therefore, we recommend that, in their absence, contact professional craftsmen from a specialized center for the installation and repair of car audio systems. Otherwise, if the connection is incorrect, you risk not only the loss of the Pioneer radio, but also a violation of the control system and other equipment.

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Connecting a Pioneer radio to the steering wheel of a Nissan X-trail car via OEM buttons

What is needed in order to connect the buttons on the steering wheel to a non-standard radio tape recorder?

• Multifunction itself. On the Nissan X-trail, it is present on a regular basis;
• Car player Pioneer;
• ISO adapter, adapter, as a rule, is sold with a radio tape recorder;
• Second ISO adapter. Sold separately;
• Adaptive antenna adapter. Also bought in the store;
• Adapter for buttons on the steering wheel for combination with a non-standard radio.

After carefully studying all the available information about connecting the buttons on the steering wheel to the Pioneer radio, pinout diagrams, etc. proceeding to the installation of the player by connecting the adapters laid down according to the iso instructions, including the antenna and its adapter. We check the operation of the radio in the usual way. And only then we start adapting it with the steering wheel buttons.

This is where an unpleasant surprise lies in wait. The pinout color scheme is completely inappropriate for this car, although it is spelled out in the instructions.

The following information is based on feedback and advice from car owners who have already encountered such a problem when connecting the Pioneer head unit to the X-trail. But we cannot guarantee its 100% accuracy!

Diagram of contact wires by colors and functions from Nissan X-trail owners

• The blue and purple wires are responsible for adjusting the volume increase and switching music tracks or radio stations.
• Orange and green wire - switching stations and tracks. Decrease the volume.
• Gray and black are mass.
• Red wire - voltage.

Having achieved the work of all buttons on the control wheel, we proceed to synchronize the steering buttons with the non-standard device through an adapter specially purchased for this.

In this case, all operations are carried out according to the instructions supplied by the manufacturer, which fully corresponds to reality.

After the completion of the work, a complete check of all functions of the radio control from the steering wheel is carried out.

Connecting a Pioneer radio to the steering wheel of a BMW E46 car via OEM buttons

When changing a car brand, the process of installing and adapting the head unit with steering is similar to what we have shown for Nissan and the Pioneer apparatus. If you have not yet lost the desire to independently carry out all these operations, then you can perform them by taking this article as a guide. We did not find any intelligible information from the manufacturers, except for assurances of its simplicity.

We will not describe the installation of a block of buttons on the steering wheel with subsequent connection to the player. Because this is a topic for a separate article.

And our advice to you, if you set yourself the goal of controlling the radio without taking your hands off the steering wheel, without having buttons on the steering wheel (that is, with their preset), then purchase a ready-made multifunction steering wheel with control buttons. This will save you money and nerve cells. Although, of course, not to the same extent as contacting a specialized car audio center.

The universal remote control for the car radio on the steering wheel will help you safely control it on the road and not be distracted from driving. There are several ways to connect this useful device.

Advantages and disadvantages of the steering wheel remote control

The main advantage is the increased ease of control of the head unit. You can perform various operations with the radio without taking your hands off the steering wheel. It can accommodate buttons that are responsible for accessing frequently used functions of the car radio, such as adjusting the volume, tuning in to radio stations and switching music.

If there is no place to place buttons on the steering wheel, the steering column joystick for radio control can solve this problem. It offers the same usability, and the direct connection makes the connection to the radio more reliable. Unlike a joystick, a steering wheel with a remote control is connected using slip rings or a harness that has a limited life due to constant bending or friction. This is the only drawback of such an accessory.

Choosing an adapter and remote control

The steering wheel remote control for the car radio must be compatible with it and fit in shape and size to the original steering wheel. There are 2 ways to connect these devices:

• Through a dedicated mini jack for remote control. This method is used on Pioneer head units and some others.
• Via CAN bus. This method can be used to connect the steering wheel button adapter to control a non-standard radio.

The adapter that matches the commands and provides steering support must be programmed to work with the installed car radio. Otherwise, some buttons may not work correctly or not work at all. To expand the functionality of the multifunction steering wheel, you should choose an adapter that allows you to program several actions for one key (by pressing and holding, as well as multiple pressing).

Instructions

Connection and installation of the steering wheel control unit can be carried out at home. First, disconnect the battery. Then the standard steering wheel and head unit are removed. The further procedure depends on the installation and connection method.

How to install

To install the radio control panel on the steering wheel, you will need to remove the covers and the horn button from it. In their place, universal buttons with an adapter are installed and fixed. If a harness is used for connection, then it is fixed to the steering wheel and its column with clamps. The steering column switch can be installed on the shroud next to the ignition switch and the wiper arm. All wires are laid under the dashboard, and the radio is installed in its place.

How to connect

If the remote control for the radio is connected to the steering wheel via a minijack, insert the plug into the remote control socket. Power to the multifunctional module is supplied from the blue and white stripe of the car radio wire. To connect the buttons on the steering wheel to the head unit via the CAN bus, insert the plug into the corresponding connector. Then the car radio and the ignition are switched on to activate the communication of the two devices.

Also, the connection can be made through the ISO connector, since some manufacturers provide unused contacts in such a connector, to which an adapter for a car radio with a steering wheel remote control is connected. After connecting the control device, check its functionality.

How to use

If the radio steering column switch or multifunction steering wheel is configured, then the keys on them must perform the same functions as on the front panel. Otherwise, you will need to learn the buttons on the steering wheel. In most cases, this is done using the universal remote control supplied with the car radio. To switch to learning mode, the adapter wire responsible for this function is connected to ground or positive pole. The corresponding LED should then light up. If there is a buzzer, it will emit a confirmation beep.

Then you should press and hold for a few seconds the radio control button on the steering wheel, for which you need to assign a function, for example, increase the volume. The assignment mode indicator will light up. After that, press a similar key on the handheld control panel of the head unit. The LED indicating the assignment should go out. The buzzer will beep in a different tone.

The remaining buttons on the multifunction steering wheel are programmed in the same way. After completing the setting, you must de-energize the terminal responsible for this mode to start using the steering control device. It should be borne in mind that the connection process for working with Chinese radio tape recorders may differ.

The head acoustic equipment installed in the car is controlled by buttons located on the front panel of the device. To change the sound volume or switch radio channels, the driver needs to be distracted from the controls and look for the required key. Installing the universal remote control for the car radio on the steering wheel increases the safety of driving the machine and simplifies the adjustment of the parameters of the acoustic equipment.

Function overview

The steering column radio control joystick is designed for the following actions:

• switching the frequencies of radio stations stored in the memory;
• scanning the frequency range in order to find the required channel;
• selection of the desired song or folder located on external drives;
• switching sound sources;
• adjusting the playback volume;
• start or stop the performance of songs on memory cards or laser discs.

The list of functions implemented by the steering column radio control depends on the modification of the products installed on the car. Together with the Chinese radio tape recorders, devices are supplied that allow you to control the built-in video player or adjust the equalizer curve.

The software used in part of the head units allows the installation of remote controls equipped with programmable keys.

Before starting operation, it is required to conduct training of equipment aimed at combining the characteristics of the remote control and the radio. The user programs the buttons on the remote control at his own discretion.

Choosing the right radio

If the car owner wants to install an additional button block on the steering wheel or use a standard unit, then a compatible head unit must be purchased. Additionally, you should take into account the dimensions of the window available in the instrument panel. The factory steering wheel radio control buttons are connected using a wiring harness, so there must be a corresponding connector on the back of the player. To ensure mutual operation, signal converters or adapters are used.

Some devices are supplied with products that allow you to control the radio from the steering wheel of a car, i.e. these are devices with a remote control on the steering wheel. The block of buttons is located on the steering column or dashboard, connected to the player with a connection cable.

There are turntables with support for steering wheel control, carried out using an infrared data channel. The control unit housing contains a signal transmitter powered by a lithium battery. The transmitted signal is picked up by a sensor located on the front of the equipment. JVC radios have this design; the manufacturer warns in advance about possible failures of the communication channel in sunny weather.

Choosing an adapter and remote control

Before purchasing and installing the radio remote control on the steering wheel, it is necessary to analyze the capabilities of the head player and the type of signal transmission. When using a wired connection, the car owner will need to dismantle the plastic interior linings and run the cables parallel to the standard harnesses. It is possible to install an infrared remote control on the steering wheel, but this will require revision or replacement of the radio. The final choice of the type of product remains with the owner.

The standard button assembly is equipped with a commutation cable that includes 2 wires. Pressing the key causes the resistance to be connected, and the resistor value depends on the name of the function being performed. The radio has a controller that determines the resistance value. Based on the received value, the pressed button is automatically recognized.

The adapter of the buttons of the steering wheel control of the non-standard radio tape recorder allows converting the values \u200b\u200btransmitted by the keys to the parameter recognized by the head audio unit.

The use of a universal remote control for a car radio provides for the use of an infrared switching channel. The product design uses a controller with built-in signal conversion algorithms for various types of head units. Before using the remote control, you need to find the model of the original product in the instructions; next to the image of the node there is a 3-digit digital code, which is entered into the memory of the console. Entering the password allows you to activate the required encryption algorithm for control commands.

How to connect

When using the standard keypad, you must connect the buttons on the steering wheel to the radio. Infrared devices are located between the steering wheel spokes or on the column cover. The wired remotes supplied with the turntables are mounted either on the steering column trim or on the plastic plugs found on the dashboard.

Installing the infrared remote control on the steering wheel:

1. Remove the remote control case from the base; Phillips screws are used for fastening.
2. Place the bracket on the steering wheel and then tighten the Velcro strap.
3. Replace the base cover, which prevents the fastening strap from coming loose.
4. Place the body of the control device on the guides, which should be in the window formed by the steering wheel spokes. The installation site should not interfere with driving and ensure signal transmission regardless of the steering wheel position.

Installation of a wired product:

1. Dismantle the steering column decorative casing, which is fixed with screws and latches (the method of fastening depends on the model and manufacturer of the car).
2. Mark the mounting point of the remote control; if necessary, a figured hole is cut for the bracket.
3. Fix the equipment with screws or standard latches; the use of glue is not recommended, since the connection does not ensure the reliability and durability of the product.
4. Route the connection cable inside the steering column and dashboard. It is recommended to run the cord parallel to the factory harnesses, connecting the elements with plastic clamps.
5. Connect the cable to the connectors located on the remote control and the head unit, and then test the joint operation of the equipment.
6. Install the removed elements to their original places.

The technique is used on cars equipped with standard players, but not equipped with a factory remote control. Such vehicles may have standard wiring, which is laid inside the steering column or the niche of the radio in the instrument panel.

The standard remote control adapter, consisting of a microcircuit and several resistors, is installed under the button block or on the back of the head unit.

The controller software allows you to change the resistance values.

The correction is carried out using a special computer, it is recommended to perform work in a service center.

It is possible to connect buttons to the steering wheel for Can-bus control; the technique is used on vehicles equipped with a digital channel connecting electronic components. The Can bus consists of 2 additional cables included in the patch harness; the connection is used for standard equipment, alternative products are not compatible with digital channels.

Pioneer radios that are not equipped with an infrared command receiver can be modified by yourself. The printed circuit board of the player is equipped with a regular place for installing the element to which the commutation tracks are laid; the controller contains the receiver control program. The user needs to mount an infrared element and additional capacitor and resistance. Since the elements are small in size, special soldering equipment and work skills are required.

Step-by-step process for refining Pioneer turntables:

1. Disassemble the front panel casing, which consists of 2 halves connected by 3 screws.
2. There are 2 resistors on the PCB that need to be removed. There is an additional mounting point between the elements, where a 100 Ohm resistance is placed.
3. The designated place for the receiver is on the bottom of the board, under the LCD display. The element is installed at 3 points, the excess of the mounting feet is removed with nippers. The unit is located opposite the window on the front panel decorative insert.
4. Carefully remove the protective paint layer applied to the transparent insert mounted on the panel opposite the signal receiver.
5. Assemble the front panel, install on the radio. Check the reception of signals from the remote control; if “dead” zones are detected, it is required to correct the position of the receiver relative to the window.

The owner should remember that not all models of Pioneer radio tape recorders can be modified. Changing the PCB design automatically removes the equipment from warranty service.

Music in the car is a great addition to comfort and good mood while driving. A wide variety of radio tape recorders in the automotive market, standard installation and non-standard ones, allows the consumer to choose equipment according to individual taste and for a specific company and brand of car.

Push-button auto audio control

While driving, it is not always convenient to use a button radio to search for a specific audio recording, radio waves and to adjust the volume. It is safer to use the standard radio buttons on the steering wheel. This feature is installed in car dealerships as an additional option or as part of a premium kit for new vehicles. The standard devices of a middle class car (for example, a Chevrolet Lacetti) have little capabilities.

Sometimes car owners prefer to replace the standard audio system with a new multifunctional one. Then the signal from the buttons on the steering wheel does not go to the installed radio tape recorder, and the driver has to contact the installation center.

To create a relationship between car steering and audio technology, a steering controller is used, which changes the signal from a button on the steering wheel to a signal for reading by a radio tape recorder. To connect it, the car has all the necessary wiring. Steering adapters are suitable for almost all radios that have an infrared port and / or mini-jack output.

Modules for multi-wheel:

1. Resistive. The measured resistance values \u200b\u200bare recorded in the memory of the module, as a result of which there is a control of the steering buttons over the radio.
2. Supporting CAN buses. This adapter changes only digital signals exactly to those that are received by the installed non-standard audio system.

Self-connection multifunction

The service of connecting control of a radio tape recorder to the steering wheel in car centers requires certain cash costs and the involvement of experienced specialists with knowledge in the field of car electrics.

But you can connect the remote control and buttons on the steering wheel yourself with your own hands. So how do you connect the steering wheel controls to the radio?

Consider the algorithm for resetting the radio tape recorder control on the steering wheel when buying a new radio tape recorder using the example of a Chevrolet Lacetti car. The work will take 1-1.5 hours with all the steps.

Instructions for reinstalling the standard remote control

1. The radio control panel is removed to the steering wheel by removing the bolts.
2. The connector is removed from it.
3. The remote control is disassembled by unscrewing three screws.
4. Resistors of certain ratings are soldered on the board of the console using a soldering iron.
5. In the cover of the remote control, the ribs are cut, and we assemble it back.
6. One wire from the mini-jack is soldered into the central entrance, the other into the side one. The wires are insulated with electrical tape.
7. In the car, the connector from the radio is cut, stripped, connected to the mini-jack on the terminals and insulated as well.
8. The mini-jack is connected to the radio tape recorder through the connector in the rear wall of the equipment case.
9. The connector is inserted into the remote control, which is then put back by screwing it with two screws.
10. We turn on the radio and check the results, whether the radio control works on the steering wheel.

Instructions for installing the remote control on the steering wheel with a compatible car radio

1. The glove compartment is removed.
2. The stove cables are disconnected.
3. The beard is removed on the panel.
4. The radio tape recorder is removed, from which three wires depart - black, brown-yellow and brown-orange.
5. In the connector from the radio in the left corner (yellow-green chip) there are two wires from the steering wheel control panel.
6. Two wires from the remote control and black and brown-yellow wires from the radio are connected.
7. The radio, beard and glove compartment are replaced.

Instructions for installing and connecting control from the steering wheel of the Chevrolet

1. A control panel with a mount is purchased, a steering wheel contact group with the ability to connect the remote control itself.
2. The steering wheel is removed:

• From the right side of the steering wheel, remove the plug of the screw holes intended for attaching the airbag module;
• The screws for fixing the block are unscrewed;
• The connector is disconnected and removed from the unit;
• Unscrew the two screws securing the airbag module;
• The module is removed;
• The shoe holder opens;
• Disconnect the connector and remove the airbag module;
• The connector is disconnected from the sound signal;
• The key is used to loosen the steering wheel nut, then completely unscrew it;
• The steering wheel is removed.

1. The rudder group is installed or replaced.
2. The airbag is removed.
3. The extended steering wheel group has three wires - for the signal and two for the radio control panel.
4. The wires from the steering wheel group are connected with wires from the radio (there are also three of them).
5. The remote control, airbag and steering wheel are put in place.
6. Installation and programming of the steering wheel radio control adapter:

• The central panel (beard) is removed;
• The radio tape recorder is taken out;
• The black wire from the yellow-green steering wheel is connected to the black wire of the adapter;
• Blue wire of a yellow-green chip with a green wire from the control module (not blue);
• The red wire of the adapter connects to the red power wire from the radio;
• A mini-jack or infrared port is used to connect to an audio system;
• The adapter is secured with clamps under the radio;

1. The functionality of the buttons on the steering wheel is checked.
2. The radio is installed, the panel is assembled.
3. Checking programming and connection.

Following all the points of the algorithm, every motorist with his own hands will be able to install the control panel on the steering wheel, reinstall it in connection with the purchase of a compatible audio system, as well as install and connect the radio control on the steering wheel. Thus, the driver will save money and a little time.

Outcome

The audio system control panel on the steering wheel - the comfort and confidence of the car owner at high driving speeds, while talking on the phone, in bad visible weather conditions. This is a necessary and sometimes irreplaceable addition to the car's functionality.