New to this forum. Just bought an 06 Big Horn 4x4 that had an aftermarket Sony stereo in it. I found that the stereo controls on the underside of my steering wheel didn't work. I assume this is b/c of the aftermarket deck that's in there. How do I remedy this? Thanks.

 

kind of a PITA to remedy first you will have to pull the aftermarket deck and see if it has a port on the back for external remote. If it's a cheapy radio it isn't compatible with any form of steering wheel controls. If it does, most will look like a 3.5mm jack then you will need a steering wheel control interface that must be connected to the vehicles wiring for the controls and to the radio and subsequently programmed. Most modules run anywhere from 50-150 dollars.

 

or find an OEM head unit

 

Finding the OEM unit sounds like much less of a pain. Going through all of that other stuff seems like a lot of hassle for steering wheel controls. I have them on my truck and only use them occasionally at most.

 

i didnt use them once when i had my oem stereo, in fact i forgot they were even there

 

Why not just use or obtain a remote for your Sony HU and leave well enough alone?

 

What your looking for is a SWI interface.
http://www.pac-audio.com/swixprogram...rogramming.asp

I believe you would want the X. I have the Jack because I have a Kenwood. Let me warn you. It's hardly worth 100$ the response is really slow and once it gets going, it changes volume insanely fast.
Check your to see if you radio is listed and buy if you really want it.

 

Yeah i had one of those once and what i use now is the remote for my HU.

 

Our 2002's have stereo controls on the steering wheel? Or does that only come with certain packages.

 

yeah it really all depends on the model...mines an SLT Plus...which mean I have them.. I guess