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PAC SWI-PS

Steering wheel control interface for Dual, Jensen, Pioneer, and Sony

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  • PAC SWI-PS

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  • PAC SWI-PS
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Item# 127SWIPS offer details

Item# 127SWIPS

Review Summary
126 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-PS

by Tim Sprinkle

Installation Note: Some newer vehicles require a special interface for this installation. Click here or call an Advisor at 1-888-955-6000 to see if you need an interface to install this steering wheel control adapter in your vehicle.

You want to install a Dual, Jensen, Pioneer, or Sony stereo in your vehicle, but you hate to give up the convenience of your factory steering wheel radio controls? No problem. PAC's SWI-PS interface allows you to use the steering wheel controls in a wide variety of vehicles to command your new Pioneer or Sony radio.

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 direct connection to the stereo means there's no need for an infrared emitter, allowing the SWI-PS to function even in bright sunlight. Step-by-step LED confirmation makes programming easy. Once connected, the SWI-PS' failsafe memory will learn up to 9 stereo functions, retaining them even if battery power is interrupted. Dimensions: 3-5/84"W x 1"H x 1-9/16"D. Warranty: 1 year.

Important Note: On some vehicles, you may need a voltmeter to locate the correct wires to connect to the SWI-PS. If you have no car audio installation experience, you should consider professional installation. The SWI-PS is compatible with most Pioneer stereos that have a steering wheel remote input, as well as Sony stereos with a wired remote input, but please call or email us to confirm compatibility with your radio.

Wiring Advisory: You'll usually have to tap into one to three wires in your vehicle at the radio location to connect this interface. If you're using a PAC OEM integration adapter to connect your new car stereo to your vehicle, then it most likely will have a prewired connector for this PAC steering wheel audio control adapter. In these cases, no additional wiring in required. PAC does provide custom wiring instructions for all confirmed compatible vehicles on their website.

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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 34" cable (with 3.5mm miniplug)
  • 24" Wiring harness
  • Packet of 7 resistors (includes 47 ohms/100 ohms/150 ohms/560 ohms/1000 ohms/1500 ohms/3900 ohms/5100 ohms)
  • Installation Instructions
  • Vehicle Application Guide
  • Vehicle Connector Chart

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

Product Overview: The PAC SWI-PS interface allows you to retain the use of your steering wheel and/or rear seat radio controls when replacing the factory head unit in select vehicles with a Sony or Pioneer head unit with wired remote capability. In some GM vehicles, this adapter allows you to retain heater control buttons as well.

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.

Vehicle Compatibility: The SWI-PS is compatible with over 95% of the vehicles made from 1986 to the present. Compatible vehicles include many Acura, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hummer, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Oldsmobile, Plymouth, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Suzuki, Toyota, and Volkswagen vehicles and Harley Davidson motorcycles. Please consult "What Fits My Car" to see if your vehicle is compatible.

Known Incompatible Vehicles: The following list includes the vehicles that are known not to be compatible:

  • BMW: All with 5-volt SWC data wire at the steering column or a factory installed cell phone that's in use
  • Toyota: 1998-2003 Sienna vans
  • Volvo: All 2002-up vehicles

Head Unit Compatibility: The SWI-PS works with Sony head units with an input for the RM-X2S, RM-X3S, or RM-X4S wired remotes. The adapter also works for all Pioneer head units that have a wired remote control input. Note: The SWI-PS has a 3.5mm mini-plug connector.

Easily Programmable: The SWI-PS can be easily programmed. You can assign the buttons on the steering wheel to any of the 9 specific functions: Volume Up, Volume Down, Mute, Track/Seek Up, Track/Seek Down, Source, Preset/Disc Up, Preset/Disc Down, and Band. The SWI-PS has a non-volatile memory which keeps all programming in memory, even if the vehicle's battery is disconnected.

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)
  • 100 Ohms (brown, black, brown, 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)
  • 3900 Ohms (orange, white, red, and gold bands)
  • 5100 Ohms (green, brown, red, and gold bands)
 

Product Reviews

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Reviews for the PAC SWI-PS

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5 out of 5

I've got control again!!!

Written By SL, Randallstown, MD on Wednesday, August 01, 2012
Installed in a 2008 Honda Civic EX
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Works great with my Pioneer head unit. I haven't had steering wheel control for a while so this is great. I printed install instructions for my Civic from the PAC website (a must for an easier install). Works just like it was a factory controller. I had no problems with the install, I wired resistor and read instruction's the night before installed the next day. I've been installing audio in my cars for as long as I can remember; a novice should the take time to fully understand the install and programming procedure in detail before starting.
Pros:
Works great does what it suppose to do. Works great with my Pioneer DVD head unit. No delays in response between steering wheel control and receiver reaction.
Cons:
Over priced, just a little
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1 out of 5

PAC SWI-PS

Written By Katonk, Honolulu on Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Installed in a 2005 Honda Odyssey
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Was not able to work despite tech support
Cons:
Very complicated
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3 out of 5

Its worth getting

Written By john, cohoes, NY on Thursday, July 12, 2012
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
I installed this with the Ford radio interface adapter when I put a Sony Nav receiver in my 2010 Ford F150 Screw with SYNC. I'm glad I did even if just for the volume controlls! how I would miss them! The install in my case was as easy as it gets because it literally plugs into the ford radio interface harness and the other end plugs into the 3.5mm wired remote jack on the HU. Now, the issues I did have came with programming the unit. Everything went OK, BUT the volume up button was lowering the volume, the vol down didnt even work, and the track down button was raising the volume! whoa baby! then I notice the fine print. In summary, it said the SWC might be whacked out when used with Sony receivers, and the solution is to reprogram the RADIOS wired remote settings. Guess what? As far as I can see in the Sony owners manual this is not something that can be done. My solution? Program the SWC in a different order than what the instructions stated to make the controlls do what they were intended to. That worked with the exception of track down which is just not functional. Dont know why, dont care. Its done and its good enough for me. Anyways, I think its a good product, just be wary if your using it with a Sony.
Pros:
Retains convenient features
Cons:
Dowsnt really work properly with Sony radios
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5 out of 5

Great Product

Written By Curtis, Rhode Island on Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Installed in a 2003 Infiniti I35
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Does what it is suppose to do, like the programmable buttons.
Pros:
easy to install, great button customization.
Cons:
hard to program; Instructions confusing at first, but with help from their website, installation went great.
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2 out of 5

2nd try this week

Written By Sonsword, VA on Monday, June 18, 2012
Installed in a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
So I installed this, the PAC C2R-CHY4, and a Pioneer AVH-P2400BT in a 2012 Wrangler over the weekend. It took 6 hours to carefully remove the dash, modify the sub-dash, test, and install. It is the testing part that kills me. I tested it all right, but not with the engine running. It seems the steering wheel buttons worked great with the key on ACC, but as soon as I started the engine it was like the were not even there. I called tech support and we tested the voltages, all was good. He couldn't explain except to say it was a bad SWI-PS. Crutchfield made the right move, sending me a replacement without charge right away (under the condition I retun the other within 30 days). I hope this one works, It is a real pain to take apart and re-assemble...
Pros:
Can program the buttons the way you like
Cons:
Took a few trys to understand the programming procedure, but once you get it no problem. The one I got only worked when the engine was not running... very odd but you should test this too.
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4 out of 5

Great product, vague instructions

Written By Aaron, Calhoun, LA on Friday, June 08, 2012
Installed in a 2010 Ford Escape
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Product works as it is supposed to, but the instructions need to be clearer. I installed this with a PAC C2R-FRD1 Interface with a Pioneer AVH-P4400BH in a 2010 Ford Escape. It took some time to figure out the resistor that had to be put in, mainly due to the sketchy instructions, but once everything was hooked up, programming was simple.
Pros:
Works flawlessly, easy programming
Cons:
Difficult instructions, had to install resistor
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5 out of 5

Awesome interface controller

Written By RobertH, Gillette,WY on Thursday, May 17, 2012
Installed in a 2004 Mazda RX8
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
It is awesome to have steering wheel controlls on an aftermarket stereo. The easy way to do this is go to their website and do a specific search for instructions. Made it simple. My instal was only three wires. Programming was kind of a breeze...
Pros:
I love still having wheel controlls. Three wire hook-up. Easy programming after several attempts to understand the procedure.
Cons:
The procedure instructions for programming should have been worded differently to eliminate any confusion. I didn't like having to cut and ground one of the wires on the factory wiring harness to complete the install. But it had to be done. Leave enough wire off the back of wiring harness connector in case you change your mind about leaving aftermarket stereo in car you wanna sell.
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1 out of 5

PAC SWI-PS

Written By Anonymous, VA on Monday, May 07, 2012
Installed in a 2007 Honda Pilot
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Couldn't get it to work. I's currently sitting useless in my dashboard.
Crutchfield response on Tuesday, May 08, 2012
We forwarded this review to our Technical Support team for follow-up. Lifetime tech support comes with every Crutchfield purchase.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

AWESOME

Written By Mark, Isom, KY on Friday, April 27, 2012
Installed in a 1999 Dodge Ram
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
This is AWESOME to use your factory steering wheel radio controls. If your installing it in a Dodge Ram don't use the same ground as the stereo. Ground separately somewhere else.
Pros:
It plugs up to Pioneer Stereo and works great.
Cons:
Kinda hard finding the right wire in the steering wheel harness to connect to. In the instructions it says to use the same ground as the stereo. Don't do this it will not stay set. Use separate ground. (I had to call PAC tech support about this)
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4 out of 5

PAC SWI-PS

Written By Myles, Nicholasville Ky on Sunday, April 15, 2012
Installed in a 1995 Lincoln Town Car
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Works as described. Programing is not hard but can be challenging. The instructions are an Eye chart to read. Go to the net where they can be viewed easier and eliminate issues.
Pros:
pretty easy to install.
Cons:
Instructions were printed very small so I made a few mistakes.
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5 out of 5

PAC SWI-PS

Written By John H, Ewa Beach, Hi on Monday, April 02, 2012
Installed in a 2012 Dodge Durango
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Works as described.
Pros:
Works with my steering wheels as described.
Cons:
Install swapped the volume and preset functions on the wheel from the manufacturer. Assume the install folks had a hand in it, not the product.
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4 out of 5

works exactly as advertised

Written By k3v0, Philadelphia, PA on Thursday, March 29, 2012
Installed in a 2009 Volkswagen GTI
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
I ordered this unit to turn on steering wheel controls for my Pioneer AppRadio. I have a 2009 VW GTI with the 8 button steering wheel controls. In order to avoid overlap with the multi function display i programmed the volume up and down buttons on the steering wheel as expected but I then programmed the star and phone buttons to be FF and RW.

the unit plugs right into the CAN adapter and then you program it according to the instructions. then you plug it into the radio and voila, steering wheel controls.
Pros:
works perfectly once programmed, PAC website has great vehicle specific instructions. i definitely recommend checking the website for the instructions.
Cons:
programming SWC controls could be a little intimidating to some people
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5 out of 5

Works Great!

Written By PeteF, South Jersey on Sunday, March 04, 2012
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
There was in insert in the package directing me to the manufacturer's website for instructions specific to my vehicle. I followed those and had all of my steering wheel functions back in less than 15 minutes. Very simple to install and program.
Pros:
Vehicle specific instructions available, very simple to install and program. Now have all steering wheel functions back, well worth the $.
Cons:
None.
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1 out of 5

A complete waste of time. Do not buy.

Written By Derek P, Philly PA on Thursday, February 09, 2012
Installed in a 2002 Dodge Durango
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
This module was a complete waste of time, money and energy from the get go. Where to begin.

First, the instructions that come with the unit, as well as the instructions on the website read as though they were written by someone who was rushing to get out the door at 5 o'clock. Nothing is clearly explained.

Second, everything on this module has to be programmed by hand. And I do mean everything. First you have to manually program the type of , vehicle into the module. Then, every single button or radio control on your steering wheel must be manually and individually programmed, one at a time. Yes, you read that right. Every button, manually programmed by hand.

3rd, and most infuriating of all, when you call PAC for installation help, you get a message saying that only dealers can be helped on weekends. If you're not a dealer, you must call back during a weekday. Apparently those of us with jobs are out of luck.

After struggling through all of this, the module kept jumping the gun during programming, and would shut down the programming mode before I had actually entered anything.

A thoroughly frustrating experience from start to finish. I exchanged it for an Axxess Interface module that installed beautifully in about 45 minutes. It programmed everything automatically and was much better than the PAC piece of garbage.
Pros:
Absolutely nothing
Cons:
Everything. Literally everything
1 out of 3 people found this helpful
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3 out of 5

Not sure yet

Written By esilvas, Converse, TX on Thursday, February 02, 2012
Installed in a 2003 Honda Odyssey
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
While I expected to have some difficulty with this product, at this point I can only say I don't use it. I didn't expect that I would have to solder resisters together (had someone else do it) nor that it would randomly work/not work. I am only giving it three stars. But, I think it might be my steering wheel controls. If I get it to work, I might change the rating.
Pros:
Works, but with some connection issues.
Cons:
Don't buy if you can't solder. It is necessary.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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1 out of 5

no good for santa fe with infinty sound and navigation

Written By JayW35, Elizabeth City, NC on Thursday, January 26, 2012
Installed in a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Will not program to 08 Hyundai Santa Fe w/ infinity sound and navigation. Had to order a part from overseas to work. Will not order again.
3 out of 3 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

PAC SWI-PS

Written By Blake, Carrabelle, FL on Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
As other reviewers have stated, go to the manufacturer website and download the instructions specific for your vehicle, makes things much simpler. Installed this after trying the Pioneer CD-SR100 steering wheel remote which did not work on my 04 Tundra. Put this in to use the original steering wheel controls and everything works great.
Pros:
Easy to install and wire. Steering wheel controls work new head unit just like they did with the original system.
Cons:
A little difficult to program. Took several tries due to all the flashing light sequences you have to go thru within a very limited amount of time.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

very good, work at first attempt a little tricky to program

Written By mau, Birmingham AL on Monday, December 19, 2011
Installed in a 2010 Mazda 5
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Installed in a mazda 5 with a jensen VM9414 2010 worked flalwlessly. i had it going in less than 10 minutes.
Pros:
Very effective. Loved their web site with the possibility to print down only your vehicle specs. worked flawlessly. Loved that it worked at first attempt
Cons:
The programming instruciton are clear but a little fuzzy when you have actually program the buttons everything else is very clear.
4 out of 4 people found this helpful
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3 out of 5

Check the manufacturer's website

Written By Erik, Indiana on Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Installed in a 2007 Honda Accord SE
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
I recommend that you don't use the paperwork that comes with this device. Once I figured out the right wiring diagram by going to the manufacturer's website, I was able to get this device programmed. It has been working great after that. It would be nice if this device also came with the required resistors that I needed to buy to complete the wiring for my vehicle. After everything was done, I was left feeling that this device isn't as easy as it claims to be, although as I have said, it does work well after figuring out that their paperwork is incorrect.
Pros:
It works great! All of the buttons on my steering wheel are recognized and I haven't had any issues with them.
Cons:
The wiring sheet that came with the product was incorrect for my vehicle. The manufacturers website had an entirely different (and correct) wiring diagram for my vehicle.
3 out of 3 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

PAC SWI-PS

Written By Anonymous, Albany, NY on Thursday, November 17, 2011
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Works great!!!
1 out of 2 people found this helpful
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    PAC SWI-PS