Upgrade headunit

[neowire2002]

Have a question. I'm thinking of upgrading the headunit in the vehicle to an aftermarket sony double-din unit.

Does anyone know if by installing the aftermarket headunit if I will be disabling the steering wheel controls for AC, etc?

I know that by performing the upgrade on my previous vehicle it did this, just wondering before I go forward with the purchase.

[Rockettman]

Yup it will!
That's exactly why I haven't. (I'm still gonna get a fixed one - because of the FM problem - or buy one off a member here that has not had the porblem yet).

[Pops]

If you do a Pioneer you can get the interface so The steering wheel controls will work. PM me for info and pricing!

[tbone]

They make head units that work with steering wheel controls.

I don't think the ventilation controls on the wheel goes through the stereo.....that makes no sense.

[4drcbra]

I installed a double din touch screen that was compatible with my ipod. I still have the factory head unit that I never had problems with. The new head unit improved sound quality 10 fold though. PM me with an offer and maybe we can make a deal on my factory one if thats what ur looking for

[MrBluGruv]

As far as I remember with mine, only the radio controls will stop working, not the A/C. I'll check when I'm out to lunch.

[MercOut]

The A/C controls still work

[Rockettman]

Yup it will!

Oops! I was too soon on that one.
:alone:

(Yah, yah, I know..."that's what she said").

[musclemerc]

If your not planning on a crazy loud audio system you should do a search. Many member's have had great comment's on the Escape in dash 6CD Premium unit. The bass is improved and the upper volume is also more than our's. Afterward's you can look into a better sub using the stock enclosure. JL Audio make's an impressive 6" sub and Pioneer make's a nice 8" shallow sub, both will fit with little modification.

[neowire2002]

Thanks for the heads up everyone.

@Pops I'm currently doing some thinking, but am looking towards the Sony XAV-60, if you might have any insight towards any additional hardware I would need for that setup, it would be appreciated.

[LANDY]

What pops tried to say is, yes if you go aftermarket go with pioneer and he can get you set up so the steering wheel controls work for the radio. I have one and it works fine.

[cougar9150]

Also you can check at any stereo shop and they will have interface kits to keep your steering wheel controls. I haven't swapped in my system to the MM yet but will be soon and will not buy the same kit I used before.

When I replaced the factory head unit in my wife's old 02 Altima I bought a kit that you wired into the steering wheel controls and added a small transmitter LED just above the stereo. This basically used your steering wheel control as a remote see link below.

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_127SWIPS/PAC-SWI-PS.html?search=steering+wheel+ interface&ssi=0

There was serious lag time between the button push and the stereo response. I would consider the Metra Axxess kit before I would use the PAC again as it is self programming, no messing with resistors etc... You just need a aftermarket head unit that has a wired steering wheel remote connection.

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_22808_Axxess+ASWC.html