Does anybody have remote radio controls?
3rd Gen Ram Moderator
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,596
Likes: 16
From: Cádiz, Spain
RE: Does anybody have remote radio controls?
I think the Infinity system comes with the steering wheel controls. I've got them in my truck, and I can't believe I never knew what I was missing!
Amateur
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Does anybody have remote radio controls?
The Infinity system does not come standard with the steering wheel remote controls--at least mine didn't. According to the Dodge website, they are $75 option, regardless of whether you have the Infinity system or not.
Record Breaker
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,233
Likes: 0
From: DFW, Texas
RE: Does anybody have remote radio controls?
man you guys must have some short arms to make such a big deal about a little stretch to the radio... I have a remote for mine and never use it because its easier to just turn the **** than to fiddle with the remote. I barely have to lean over to get to it and I drive with my seat all the way back and slightly reclined at that. Maybe I am just part gorilla, I dont know!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Gilbert (Phoenix), AZ
RE: Does anybody have remote radio controls?
According to this (from TruckTrend), trucks without the factory option are not pre-wired for the steering wheel controls (but you never know - it seems the best way is to get in there and look, hassle as it may seem)... Anyway, some good info here for if/when you do...
Q:I need to replace my 2002 Dodge Ram 1500's steering wheel, and the current wheel doesn't have the remote control for the radio switches. My questions: First, how difficult is it to replace the actual steering wheel with respect to the airbag? Second, are the remote radio controls already wired and just need to be connected or would there be more to it than that?
A:First, and most important, the airbag system must be fully disabled by disconnecting the battery and allowing two minutes for the system to discharge. This will prevent accidental deployment and serious injury. That said, the wiring harness for the airbag and remote radio controls is connected through a "clock spring" located behind the steering wheel on the steering column. The clock spring is a wound-up group of wires that allows the steering wheel to rotate back and forth without breaking the wires. If your Dodge Ram didn't come from the factory with the remote radio option, the appropriate wiring wasn't installed and adding a steering wheel equipped with radio control switches isn't going to make it work. Replacing the steering wheel involves the removal of the airbag mounting screws, disconnecting its electrical connector, and loosening the steering-wheel retaining bolt before installing a special steering-wheel puller tool. Be sure to have the wheels straight ahead and the steering wheel centered before removal. Then mark and reinstall the steering wheel in exactly the same spot. This will keep the clock spring centered and prevent a future break in the airbag wiring.
Q:I need to replace my 2002 Dodge Ram 1500's steering wheel, and the current wheel doesn't have the remote control for the radio switches. My questions: First, how difficult is it to replace the actual steering wheel with respect to the airbag? Second, are the remote radio controls already wired and just need to be connected or would there be more to it than that?
A:First, and most important, the airbag system must be fully disabled by disconnecting the battery and allowing two minutes for the system to discharge. This will prevent accidental deployment and serious injury. That said, the wiring harness for the airbag and remote radio controls is connected through a "clock spring" located behind the steering wheel on the steering column. The clock spring is a wound-up group of wires that allows the steering wheel to rotate back and forth without breaking the wires. If your Dodge Ram didn't come from the factory with the remote radio option, the appropriate wiring wasn't installed and adding a steering wheel equipped with radio control switches isn't going to make it work. Replacing the steering wheel involves the removal of the airbag mounting screws, disconnecting its electrical connector, and loosening the steering-wheel retaining bolt before installing a special steering-wheel puller tool. Be sure to have the wheels straight ahead and the steering wheel centered before removal. Then mark and reinstall the steering wheel in exactly the same spot. This will keep the clock spring centered and prevent a future break in the airbag wiring.
Professional
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 117
Likes: 1
From: 33.43.342, 84.21.602
RE: Does anybody have remote radio controls?
you guys must have some short arms. . .Ive got a QC, got the seat slammed back, I drive a 6spd, and have no problems hitting the radio buttons
Amateur
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Does anybody have remote radio controls?
If your Dodge Ram didn't come from the factory with the remote radio option, the appropriate wiring wasn't installed and adding a steering wheel equipped with radio control switches isn't going to make it work.
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 406
Likes: 0
From: NW Florida
RE: Does anybody have remote radio controls?
ORIGINAL: thundersteel
This may be true for the 2002 model, but, as I stated previouosly, mine WAS pre-wired, and my "new" controls work!
If your Dodge Ram didn't come from the factory with the remote radio option, the appropriate wiring wasn't installed and adding a steering wheel equipped with radio control switches isn't going to make it work.