Will my aftermarket head unit work with my steering wheel radio controls?

Question

I want to get a new head unit for my car, and I was just wondering if the radio controls on my wheel can still be used with the new head unit. This won't make or break the decission, but it will help knowing.
Thanks.

Answer 1

No after-market head unit will work directly with any vehicle's steering wheel controls, but you can purchase 3rd-party adapters from several manufacturers that will let you use them together. http://www.crutchfield.com/S-EFN4nYtOO1U/cgi-bin/ProdGroup.asp?search=swi&skipvs=T&g=118900

To use one, you need to pick a head unit that either has a jack on the rear for a wired remote control input, or comes with its own wireless remote. The wired remote connection is better, because it doesn't require you to install an infrared emitter somewhere in the vehicle where it will be picked up by the head unit.

Answer 2

Not likely. But can question the manufacturer before purchasing, sometimes an audio unit can be programmed to accept vehicle specific inputs. Might be a good idea to check several manufacturers, as one might not have that option, but the next one might. Hope this helps!

Answer 3

There's no reason why they shouldn't work unless you disconnect the wrong wire when getting the head unit installed.

Answer 4

they will only work if you get the right wiering harness to wire them into your aftermarket headunit, which would cost under $20 but it might be hard to find, i couldent find one for an 05 foucus, but i wasent looking very hard, if you want to find one you best bet is to go to best buy because atuo parts stores dont carry alot of them