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PAC SWI-X

Steering wheel control interface — use your factory steering wheel controls with an aftermarket stereo

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  • PAC SWI-X

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  • PAC SWI-X
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Item# 127SWIX offer details

Item# 127SWIX

Review Summary
34 people say  
 
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PAC

What does a steering wheel audio control adapter do?

Many people aren't thrilled with the sound of their car's factory radio, but don't want to replace it because they'll lose those convenient audio controls on the steering wheel. For most vehicles, you can purchase an adapter that allows you to use those controls to run a new car stereo, so now you can have great sound and convenience too. Even cooler, if your new stereo has iPod controls, you can use your steering wheel controls to run your iPod.

Our take on the PAC SWI-X

by Charlie Pastorfield

Installation Note: Click here or call an Advisor at 1-888-955-6000 to see if the SWI-X adapter is compatible with your vehicle.

You want to install a non-factory replacement radio in your vehicle, but you hate to give up the convenience of your factory steering wheel radio controls. PAC's SWI-X interface allows you to connect your steering wheel controls in a wide variety of vehicles to almost any aftermarket stereo with wireless remote capability.

Installation is straightforward — connect a few wires, then program the adapter for your particular car and your stereo, and you'll retain the convenience of your steering wheel controls. The SWI-X uses an infrared beam to communicate with your stereo. Step-by-step LED confirmation makes programming easy. Once connected, the adapter's memory will learn up to 12 functions from your receiver's wireless remote, retaining them even if battery power is interrupted. Dimensions: 3-3/4"W x 1-1/16"H x 1-9/16"D. Warranty: 1 year.

Important Note: You'll want to make sure that your stereo and your vehicle are both compatible. If you have no car audio installation experience, you should consider professional installation. The SWI-X uses an infrared beam to communicate with your stereo's remote eye — check "Hands-on Research" for a list of incompatible remote controls or call an Advisor at 1-888-955-6000 to see if this adapter is compatible with your stereo.

See more info on this item
 

Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

What’s in the box? | In-depth notes

Product Research

Product Research
What's in the box?

Download owner's manual

  • Steering wheel radio control interface with attached 46" IR cable
  • 23" Wiring harness
  • One 47 ohm resistor
  • One 150 ohm resistor
  • One 560 ohm resistor
  • One 1000 ohm resistor
  • One 1500 ohm resistor
  • Installation Instructions
  • Vehicle Wire Color and Pin Location sheet
  • Resistor kit sheet

Our Product Research Team

At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box, verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

Features

Compatibility: The SWI-X interface allows you to retain the use of your steering wheel radio controls when replacing the factory head unit with an aftermarket radio with IR remote control in select GMC, Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick, Cadillac, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Acura, Honda, Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Range Rover, Saab, Volkswagen and Harley Davidson vehicles. The interface allows you to use the radio controls in compatible vehicles to command most aftermarket radios with wireless remote capability. The SWI-X interface will only work with infrared remotes that use a 38-40kHz carrier frequency.

Wiring Advisory: You'll usually have to hardwire this adapter into your vehicle's wiring. In most vehicles, the factory radio plug does not have a wire dedicated to the steering wheel audio controls, so splicing is often required. PAC does provide custom wiring instructions for all confirmed compatible vehicles on their website.

Incompatible Remote Models: The SWI-X interface in known to be incompatible with the JVC RM-RK230 remote (included with the JVC KD-AVX1 and KD-DV5100 head units), the JVC RM-RK240 remote (included with KD-AVX2), RM-RK241, and RM-RK250, and the Sony RM-X110, RM-X112, RM-X131, RM-X143A, and RM-X145A infrared remotes.

Easily Programmable: The SWI-X is easily programmed or reprogrammed using the factory controls and the head unit's remote control. During programming, step-by-step LED confirmation will guide you. Once connected, the SWI-X's memory will learn up to 12 functions from your receiver's wireless remote, retaining them even if battery power is interrupted.

Resistor Kit: Some vehicles have a separate wire for each of the steering wheel buttons. Use the resistor kit for steering wheel push buttons that do not already have a resistor network connected to them. The resistor kit includes the following resistors:

  • 47 Ohms (yellow, purple, black, and gold bands)
  • 150 Ohms (brown, green, brown, and gold bands)
  • 560 Ohms (green, blue, brown, and gold bands)
  • 1000 Ohms (brown, black, red, and gold bands)
  • 1500 Ohms (brown, green, red, and gold bands)
 

Product Reviews

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Reviews for the PAC SWI-X

Average Customer Review:

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Showing: 1-20 of 34
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1 out of 5

This is not product that I received.

Written By Nghia, Davis OK on Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
I have order the Axxess ASWC but is not compatible with my aftermarket stereo, so I called tech support to help, they say this PAC SWI-X should work with my aftermarket stereo, but them they send me the difference one that look nothing like this pictures you looking at.
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1 out of 5

Poor Product

Written By J, Youngstown, OH on Thursday, September 29, 2011
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
I have installed an aftermarket stereo before and had little trouble until I purchased this item. I ultimately had to take this item to a professional to install, who refused to install this particular type of unit due to functionality problems and user complaints.
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5 out of 5

PAC SWI-X

Written By Mike C., Prospect, KY on Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Installed in a 2008 Jeep Patriot
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Works great...just like it was advertised. Shipping was fast - Crutchfield's service is one
of the best!
1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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4 out of 5

PAC SWI-X

Written By Doug, East Troy, WI on Monday, April 05, 2010
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Works very well. Installation pretty smooth, however the included listing for devices and settings is printed so small ANYONE needs a magnifier to read it. Need to drill a mounting hole for infrared emitter, but seems they don't even know what size it should be. Would help to ensure a good fit.
2 out of 2 people found this helpful
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4 out of 5

SWI-X better than SWI-JACK or SWI-PS?

Written By RogerK, Hamilton, Canada on Saturday, October 10, 2009
 
I think this unit may be better than the SWI-PS or SW-JACK models, even if it requires the IR eye. Let me explain:

1 - Pioneer head units use up/down buttons for radio preset surfing, but left/right for track forward and back. SWI-PS maps steering wheel up/down to left/right. Great for CDs, terrible for radio. SWI-X allows you to map how you'd like, provided it's on the unit's IR remote.

2 - SWI-PS can map up to 9 functions. Volume Up, Volume Down, Mute, Track Up/Seek Up, Track Down/Seek Down, Source, Preset Up/Disc Up, Preset Down/Disc Down, Band. No Bluetooth, or off-hook button. SWI-X can have any 12 functions(or less) on the deck's remote on your wheel.

3 - If you decide to sell your deck, the SWI-X is likely compatible with your new one. SWI- PS is for Pioneer/Sony, and SWI-JACK is for JVC, Alpine, and Kenwood. Going from Pioneer to Alpine would require a new unit unless you had the SWI-X.

So I installed a SWI-X this time around. My Mazda6 to FH-P8000BT buttons are mapped like this:
vol up = vol up
vol down = vol down
up = up (preset up, folder advance)
down = right (track advance)
mode = source
mute = Bluetooth off-hook(to answer incoming calls)

Excellent!
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1 out of 5

Don't waste your time!

Written By Stax, Jacksonville Beach, FL on Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
This remote for your steering wheel is not worth the effort required to install it. It was a pain not only to install, but even harder to program. For the average "do it yourselfer", I can deal with just about anything except soddering transistors simply to have steering wheel volume and tracking controls!
1 out of 15 people found this helpful
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3 out of 5

PAC SWI-X

Written By Amos, albany, ga on Monday, February 16, 2009
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
its great
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4 out of 5

PAC SWI-X

Written By Phil, Oklahoma on Monday, September 15, 2008
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Installed in 2001 Honda Accord; head unit Panasonic CQ-RX400U. The first SWIX sent had a double-led-on fault alert. Crutchfield exchanged it for a new one. Second unit accepted the programming. I was going to install the IR emitter in the console box just under the lid; too low by two inches for the IR on the head unit to read. I ended up moving the swix unit to just above the brake pedal area under the dash... then I had enough IR emitter lead to run up the A pillar, under the headliner to the exit/entry handle on the roof just inside the door. I put the emitter in a small hole in one of the rubber screw caps on the handle and it's almost un-noticeable. The IR path is in front of the driver and works 100% all the time. The install takes some time; it's worth it if you really, really want those steering wheel controls back. 4 out of 5 because of vague install instructions. Crutchfield customer service, however, was GREAT and cleared up the install issues.

Downloading the PAC vehicle specific instructions is a MUST.
3 out of 4 people found this helpful
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1 out of 5

Terrible!

Written By Ian, Lexington, KY on Sunday, September 14, 2008
Installed in a 2003 Infiniti G35
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
The sensitivity for the IR Extended Mode is a joke. I have about a 1 inch range for the thing to actually work and that requires the IR node to be sticking out of the console. Don't waste your time with this if you have a G35, just use your remote.
2 out of 4 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

It does work with JVC-KD-HDR30

Written By Bogus, League City, TX on Monday, September 01, 2008
Installed in a 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Easy to install (one wire) in my Pontiac Grand Prix, easy to program, and easy to use. Love that I can still use my steering wheel controls with the nice new HD radio.
5 out of 7 people found this helpful
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4 out of 5

PAC SWI-X

Written By No, Warsaw, Ohio on Thursday, August 28, 2008
Installed in a 1999 Pontiac Grand Am
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
So, I have a '99 Pontiac Grand AM SE, with a Jensen VM9311TS headunit. Crutchfields fitment guide said this module would not work however after calling it does work. So I ordered it and the install was pretty simple, only slight issue was getting it programmed but after reading through it once I relized I was looking to hard into it...press steering wheel button release, press remote button that you want to have function and then back to steering wheel press release and then remote...that simple.
2 out of 3 people found this helpful
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3 out of 5

Tough banana

Written By Sheri, Long Beach, CA on Sunday, June 01, 2008
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
So, first we had to figure out the wiring thing, THEN we had to solder on resistors to the wires! What a mess. A plug & play option would have been so much easier and faster... but no, they don't make one for my car. Bummer. So after we got it soldered together (the whole time praying it would work and not catch on fire), THEN we had to program it. Thank god they had a website where you pick your car and it gives you vehicle specific programming info, otherwise I think I would have chucked it out the window. SO then, it only took like, 10+ tries to get the thing programmed correctly. The directions were VERY vague. But I got it to work... finally. There is a slight delay between pressing the steering wheel controls and having the radio register it, but I think that's because it has to send an IR signal to the radio. But it's better than nothing I suppose. I personally don't think it was worth the headache to install it though. I could have lived without my steering wheel controls. =P
2 out of 6 people found this helpful
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3 out of 5

Woth the Effort

Written By wyomaniac, Billings MT on Monday, May 19, 2008
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Now that it's in, we
love it. But what a
challenge! The
three easy wires,
were actually two
easy wires. The
power and the ground
were easy - the
control wire they
listed was not the
proper one! I had
to make an educated
guess. Once that
was complete, then
came the tedious
process of
programming the
thing. They give
you seven second to
correspond the
steering wheel
control with the
remote. If you
makes a mistake, you
start over. Like I
said, now that it's
in, we love it.
Just be prepared for
a challenge!
1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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4 out of 5

Shocked!

Written By Jacob, Minnesota on Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
I was skeptic and figured I would be cutting, splicing, etc.. a lot of wires.
Well, the power, ground, and green wire was all I need. Install was a snap,
programming took a few tries to get used too. Once you figured it out, it
was a breeze. I went to the website to get directions for my vehicle. I
didn't even bother with the ones in the package. I am testing the IR
sending unit in a few spots before I mount it. I am actually planning on
putting it in the dash below and to the left of the deck on a removable
panel out of site. We will have to see how it works on a sunny day.

Harley was a very good and informative sales person.

Vehicle: 97 Chevy Lumina LTZ
3 out of 3 people found this helpful
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3 out of 5

Easy Install, works well.

Written By Ian, Tempe, AZ on Saturday, February 23, 2008
 
It worked with my vehicle, 1999 Accord, even though Crutchfield's site said it would. Mostly easy install, only hard part is figuring out which wire is from the steering wheel. The programming is a bit difficult and took several tries to get working properly. The response is a bit sluggish in response time, to get faster result have to hold down the steering wheel button at times.
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3 out of 5

PAC SWI-X in '03 Durango

Written By Dana, Morristown, TN on Monday, February 11, 2008
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Nice product, works as advertised. But, the service from the manufacturer is lacking. Emailed twice, got no reply. Luckily I figured out the problem myself.
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4 out of 5

2001 Pontiac Grand Prix

Written By Michael, Moore, OK on Monday, February 04, 2008
Installed in a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Well installation was a snap with just 3 wires although I had to determine the signal wire because the application guide did not have my year and model together. Programming guide was just wrong. I had to skip ½ the steps to get the device programmed.


Works all my steering wheel controls as good as the remote.
4 out of 4 people found this helpful
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1 out of 5

Wiring chart doesn't match vehicle's?

Written By mpcruiser, Winchester, TN on Sunday, February 03, 2008
Installed in a 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
It doesn't work @ all - I even took it to a professional installer & PAC distributor in Tullahoma, TN. They said the wiring diagram supplied with the PAC unit did not match the 2001 Nissan Pathfinder's steering wheel control wires (1) was missing - they are reseaching it to resolve problem "but" if you can help me "Please" advise!!! This was a gift to my daughter for Christmas & to retain the steering wheel controls is the reason choose the equipment I purhased by the advice of one of your online sales rep. (we even talked by phone). I very much would like to make this work!!! It is installed correctly & the installer has 21 yrs. experience, he said that the wiring schematic just did not match & even checked date of mfg. of the Pathfinder which was (07/2001)!?!?
1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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3 out of 5

Steering Controls

Written By Webbsite, SLC, Ut on Friday, December 28, 2007
 
The programming instructions are very tricky and poorly written. 30 minutes to install and 2 hours to figure out the programming. Was disappointed that all factory functions could not be programmed for the Toyota. Also no factory to PAC cable adaptor provided. You have to cut the factory wires to make the connection. Granted that is only three wires but it reduces the installation to being very messy. What functions it does provide work very well, better than the factory. 3 of 5 because it is better than nothing.
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5 out of 5

Works GREAT in my 2006 Sonata

Written By michael, NY on Friday, October 12, 2007
Installed in a 2006 Hyundai Sonata
 
My one hesitation in putting in a new HU was that I would no longer have the steering wheel controls. Well even though Crutchfield did NOT think this would work in my 2006 Sonata with sub w. it did work!!! I called PAC tech support directly and asked them if it would work. They were very helpful and told me exactly which wires to use and which harness pin locations they should connect to.

As all of you with the 06 Sanata know there is NO button on the steering wheel for ch up /down. With this SWI-X I changed the Mute button to function as a Ch Up button.
1 out of 2 people found this helpful
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1-20 of 34 >>

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For a more in-depth review and enhanced detailed information on the PAC SWI-X, please visit the Crutchfield website product page (/S-FmUb1H0dx0L/p_127SWIX/PAC-SWI-X.html ).

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    PAC SWI-X