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PAC SWI-RC

Steering wheel control interface — connects your car's steering wheel audio controls to an aftermarket stereo

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  • PAC SWI-RC

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  • PAC SWI-RC
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Item# 541SWIRC offer details

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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-RC

by John Pollard

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 an aftermarket stereo in your vehicle, but you hate to give up the convenience of your factory steering wheel radio controls? No problem. PAC's SWI-RC interface allows you to use the steering wheel audio controls in a wide variety of vehicles to command select radios from Alpine, Clarion, Dual, Jensen, JVC, Kenwood, Pioneer, and Sony.

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 eliminates the need for an infrared emitter, allowing the interface to function even in bright sunlight. Step-by-step LED confirmation makes programming easy. Once connected, the SWI-RC's failsafe memory will learn up to 12 stereo functions, retaining them even if battery power is interrupted. Dimensions: 2"W x 7/8"H x 2-7/8"D. Warranty: 1 year.

Important Note: On some vehicles, you may need a voltmeter to locate the correct wires to connect to the SWI-RC. If you have no car audio installation experience, you should consider professional installation. The SWI-RC works with most Alpine, Clarion, Dual, Jensen, JVC, Kenwood, Pioneer, and Sony stereos that have a wired remote control input port or a dedicated steering wheel 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.

See Car Receivers that work with this item See more info on this item

Highlights:

  • works with analog signals
  • wire splicing required
 

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 control interface module (with attached 9" blue/yellow wire and 34" cable terminated by a right-angle male 3.5mm connector)
  • 24" Wiring harness
  • Packet of 8 resistors (includes 47 ohms/100 ohms/150 ohms/560 ohms/1000 ohms/1500 ohms/3900 ohms/5100 ohms)
  • 0.47uF Capacitor
  • Installation Instructions
  • 2 Vehicle Connector Charts
  • Bluetooth Commands note
  • "WORK LESS! note
  • Technical Support contact information

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

Overview: The PAC SWI-RC Steering Wheel Control Interface lets you retain steering wheel control functions when replacing the factory radio in select vehicles with an aftermarket head unit that is OEM steering wheel control compatible.

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 & soldering is often required. PAC does provide custom wiring instructions for all confirmed compatible vehicles on their website.

Compatible Aftermarket Head Units: The PAC SWI-RC Steering Wheel Control Interface is compatible with the following steering wheel remote ready aftermarket head units.

  • Alpine, Clarion, Dual, Jensen Pioneer, Sony, and Valor: The aftermarket head unit must be equipped with a 3.5mm steering wheel input jack.
  • JVC & Kenwood: The aftermarket head unit must be equipped with a blue/yellow steering wheel input wire.

Vehicle Application: The PAC SWI-RC Steering Wheel Control Interface is compatible with models from the following car manufactures; Acura, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Harley Davidson, Honda, Hummer, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercedes, Mercury, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Oldsmobile, Plymouth, Pontiac, Porsche, Saab, Saturn, Scion, Suzuki, Toyota, and Volkswagen. Check out PAC's online vehicle application chart for the latest vehicle compatibility.

Note: Please consult Crutchfield's Outfit My Car to see if your vehicle is compatible.

Control Functions: The PAC SWI-RC Steering Wheel Control Interface can be easily programmed. See control settings and functions below.

Switch Position 1 2 3 4 5 7
Radio Alpine JVC Kenwood Clarion Valor Dual Pioneer Sony
Control Functions Volume +/- Volume +/- Volume +/- Volume +/- Volume +/- Volume +/- Volume +/- Volume +/-
Mute Mute Mute Mute Mute Mute Mute Mute
Source Source Source Source Source Source Source Source
Preset +/- Track +/- Play Search +/- Track +/- Preset +/- Preset +/- Preset +/-
Track +/- Band/Disc + Track +/- Band Cursor up/down Track +/- Track +/- Track +/-
Power Preset/Disc - Disc/FM + Send OK Band Band Band
Play/Enter Select Disc/AM - End *** *** Phone Menu ***
Band/Program Attenuation Answer *** *** *** Answer Call ***
Receive (phone) Phone Receive/Reject *** *** *** *** End Call ***
End Voice Dial *** *** *** *** Voice Activation ***
*** Power *** *** *** *** *** ***
Note: The PAC SWI-RC Steering Wheel Control Interface retains programming even if your vehicle's battery is disconnected.

Compatibility Notes:

  • The Clarion CZ500 does not support remote Bluetooth controls.
  • The JVC KW-NT1 and KW-NT3HDT do not support preset up/down from steering wheel controls.
  • The Pioneer AVIC-F series radios do not interpret radio preset seeking commands. This is a limitation of the radio, not the SWI-RC.
  • Pioneer head units with Bluetooth feature, the steering wheel controls will not adjust the phone call volume. The phone call volume must be adjusted on the face of the Pioneer head unit. This is a limitation of the radio and not the SWI-RC.
  • Only the Pioneer AVIC-Z110BT, Z120, Z130, and AVIC-X920BT, X930BT will support the voice recognition function via wired remote input.

Vehicle Exception Notes:

Vehicle Make Year/Model Description
Audi 2002-2008 A4/S4 The SWI-CAN is required.
2002-2005 A6/S6
BMW All Not compatible with 5V SWC data wire at the steering column or with factory activated cellular phones.
Mercedes 2003-2004 C230 The SWI-CAN is required.
2003-2004 CLK
2003-2004 CLK 320
2000-2002 CLK The SWI-CAN2 is required.
2007 CLK 350
2000-2007 E
2008 GL
2001-2003 S
2006 SLK
Mitsubishi 2006-2007 Raider The SWI-CAN2 is required.
Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep 2004+ Durango The SWI-CAN or SWI-CAN2 is required (unless you are using the SW-IRC in conjunction with the C2R-CHY4).
All 2005+ Vehicles
Toyota Sienna Not compatible with vehicles before 2001.
Volkswagen All The SWI-CAN must also be used in all models with double-DIN head units.
Volvo All Not compatible with any Volvo models.

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)

0.47uF Capacitor: In the rare case where your vehicle's steering wheel buttons are intermittent or the aftermarket radio sometimes functions by itself, the enclosed 0.47uF capacitor can be installed to solve this issue. The 0.47uF capacitor can be connected between the SWI-RC interface's white and black wires. Connect the lead of the supplied capacitor to the SWI-RC's white wire and the remaining lead to ground.

 
See Car Receivers that work with this item

Product Reviews

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Reviews for the PAC SWI-RC

Average Customer Review:

35 people say:

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Showing: 1-20 of 35
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3 out of 5

Steering wheel remote connection

Written By DavidE, Alameda, CA on Monday, June 17, 2013
Installed in a 2007 Toyota Tacoma
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Product works well. It was a little tricky to install but being able to download the directions specific to my truck was good. I think some other products were able to be able to 'tune' what buttons do on your wheels and can have dual functions but I couldn't find one for my truck. At least this way, my wheel functions are working as they should and I have good tunes!
Pros:
Make my wheel controls work - safer driving!!!
Cons:
A little tricky on the electrical side
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
4 out of 5

PAC SWI-RC

Written By Anonymous, Amarillo tx on Friday, June 14, 2013
Installed in a 2007 Dodge Ram 2500
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Fairly easy to install. Very pleased over all. Some of the instructions are a little confusing
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
3 out of 5

Wish it was more versatile

Written By GregB, Bellevue, WA on Friday, June 14, 2013
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Liked the fact that I was able to program my "next" button to answer my BT phone, and the "mode" button to hang up the phone. I would have liked to program more than one function into a button for the various head unit modes. ie, when phone is ringing, it would be nice to answer by hitting "next" button on my steering wheel, but when phone not ringing I would like to be able to hit "next" button to advance to next song. Online directions are not the easiest to follow, but the Crutchfield rep helped get me on track quickly.
Pros:
Able to program steering wheel buttons to do any function desired.
Cons:
You can only program one function per button. Expensive.
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4 out of 5

Happy With it

Written By BrianP, Michigan on Friday, June 14, 2013
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
The unit was simple to install. The website has model specific instructions that are very well written. I would have had this installed in minutes instead of an hour if I would have read the instructions as they were written. The instructions for my car specifically say to connect the cars blue wire to the green wire and to connect the cars green wire to the blue wire. I repeatedly connected the blue to blue and green to green and cussed the manufacturer for having a bad product. I felt like a fool when I finally got it working.
Pros:
Works well, easy to install and program.
Cons:
Instructions do not have a note in big bold letters stating "do what it says dummy, not what you think it says"
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4 out of 5

Nice Unit

Written By Kahuna, Maryland on Tuesday, June 04, 2013
Installed in a 2006 Toyota Tundra
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Nice sound and easy to use controls. Many nice features.
Pros:
Easy to use controls, gps has great graphics. Nice sound quality.
Cons:
Need a kenwood interface cable for the ipod.
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5 out of 5

Love this product

Written By Derek, Safford, AZ on Monday, June 03, 2013
Installed in a 1998 Pontiac Sunfire
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Worked just as advertized in my '98 Pontiac Sunfire with a Kenwood deck. easy to install once I logged on to the web sight. the instructions in the package were extremely complete and a little overwhelming. the step by step instructions on the web site made this an easy installation!
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3 out of 5

PAC SWI-RC

Written By 2009 Sierra, Michigan on Sunday, June 02, 2013
Installed in a 2009 GMC Sierra
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
It seemed I received a defective unit. I had the PAC OS4 already so the installation for me was plug and play. Programming the SWI RC was easy once I got the rhythm of it. Don't wait 5 seconds as instructions say - when the LED goes out move on to the next function. Anyhow, everything worked but I would lose the programming after 20 minutes or so. Volume down would start muting the radio and the other buttons would not work. Then the programming would return. Response time with the buttons on the steering wheel were a little hesitant compared to factory but you get used to it..

I did get a replacement unit - Crutchfield was excellent on service and exchanging the part. I did not put the replacement unit back in the truck as I changed head units and no longer need the adapters.

With the PAC OS4 and the SWI RC the XM was never retained. Maybe I had something hooked up wrong but XM only came on when Onstar came on. Using the Source button on the steering wheel turned on the XM control on the DIC but XM never came on. But activate Onstar and XM would start playing. So, maybe it was me or the head unit I had at the time but XM never worked.
Pros:
It does retain most steering wheel functions. Hookup is easy if you already have the PAC OS4.
Cons:
Never did get XM back. Short latency when using the controls - not as responsive as factory in my opinion. But still better than nothing and you get used to how the buttons respond. Not a deal breaker in my opinion. It does the job and is better than losing the controls all together.
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1 out of 5

PAC SWI-RC

Written By Dissapointed, Marrero, La on Saturday, May 25, 2013
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Could not get this product to work with 2003 Mazda 6. No support for vehicle, not even listed. Had to use generic insructions. Will try calling tech support after the holidays, but not optimistic. Will repost final outcome.
Pros:
None
Cons:
No vehicle support
Crutchfield response on Wednesday, May 29, 2013
We forwarded this review to our Technical Support team for follow-up. Lifetime tech support comes with every Crutchfield purchase.
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5 out of 5

It works great

Written By Joeyk, Madison Alabama on Wednesday, May 08, 2013
Installed in a 2001 Honda S2000
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Awesome. Now my dash control works with aftermarket unit
Pros:
Works
Cons:
None
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4 out of 5

A little buggy but works!

Written By Snowman, Allen, TX on Monday, May 06, 2013
Installed in a 2007 Chevrolet Impala
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Easy install (with help of Crutchfield jumping wires as unnecessary for my vehicle). Easily programmed. Only issue I have is programming sometimes is changed with bluetooth activated on my aftermarket model. Also with the Car in Accessory as opposed to on, the programming is changes. Other than that the unit works perfectly.
Pros:
Easy Install and Programming
Cons:
Programming sometimes changes.
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5 out of 5

Works perfect

Written By Karl B, Westchester NY on Sunday, May 05, 2013
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
I have done a lot of aftermarket installs, but I was a bit unsure that this device was going to be able to bring my 2001 Saab and my Sony together, but it installed quickly and works perfectly, first hookup. Like anything read the instructions and read them twice. Watch the video online, pause it and play it again, but you will be all set. I probably would have put in this new radian sooner had I know it would be so easy to hookup my steering wheel controls.
Pros:
Works as promised quick install
Cons:
Programming a little tricky, had to do it 5 times (still only took 5 minutes).
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4 out of 5

Great product!

Written By Jacob, Ohio on Tuesday, April 09, 2013
Installed in a 2004 Infiniti G35
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Great product that is easy for someone with car stereo installation and soldering experience. If you have never done either, I would seek out some assistance. It's not hard, just needs someone who can solder resistors in parallel and series, and read/understand resistor color codes etc. The manual has most of the information I needed, but I still had to go to their website for vehicle specific wiring instructions. Be prepared before you start this install, it will save you some grief! Once prepared, install time was about 15-20 minutes.
Pros:
Gives you your steering wheel controls. Easy to program. Versatile program allows you to customize any button on steering wheel to any specific command (ex. Setting the power button to be used as "play" instead).
Cons:
Difficult to wire in for a beginner, some soldering involved on certain model cars. Other products out there that are more plug and play and will auto-program for similar price. Could have more functions for advanced steering wheels.
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5 out of 5

2013 Tundra Crewmax

Written By David H, Georgetown, KY on Thursday, March 14, 2013
Installed in a 2013 Toyota Tundra
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
This is my second PAC SWI -RC. My last one was in a Tacoma. This one works perfectly. Very easy to wire and the response time is instant. My old one had a delay when a button was pushed on the steering wheel. I do recommend going to their website and printing out wiring instructions. The one that comes with the kit has VERY small print.
Pros:
Instant response time for my vehicle.
Cons:
None
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5 out of 5

PAC SWI-RC

Written By LORKesq, South Ozone Park, NY on Monday, March 11, 2013
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Harness to connect to 02 VW Passat. Wasn't too complicated. This was my first install. Upon first read, instructions make no sense but once you look at the wires and what you're connecting, it's pretty simple.
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1 out of 5

Not Compatible with VW Passat

Written By Eubert, Miami on Friday, March 08, 2013
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
According to VW Tech this adapter is not compatible with VW Passat.
1 out of 5 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Works Great in 2001 Nissan Frontier

Written By Anonymous, NC on Monday, February 25, 2013
Installed in a 2001 Nissan Frontier
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
The attached instructions seemed really complicated at first, but once it was understood what was being accomplished it was actually quite simple to install and program. The unit is fairly "universal" so you have to prune quite a few wires out of the harness for a clean install but once it was installed and working it functioned exactly the same as the original factory controls in a 2001 Nissan Frontier (when connected to a new Pioneer head unit). It would have been nice for Crutchfield to include an adapter plug to allow a no-cut installation.
Pros:
Works as advertised, pricing is slightly less than competing products.
Cons:
Instructions can be daunting until they are thoroughly read and understood.
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
1 out of 5

In a Subaru

Written By Jo Jo, Damascus, MD on Monday, February 04, 2013
 
If you getting this for a newer Subaru, let me warn you. With the stock radio preset/track button works depending on what source you're listening too. If you have it on radio, you can tune or next preset. If it's a CD you can go to the next track.

This module isn't smart enough to do that. I just got off the phone with their tech support. It can only handle one function per button. So you have a choice, do you want to change radio presets or cd/ipod track changing, but not both.

Waste of money, the one button- one function should be made a lot clearer before you buy, especially in causes like this where it says it works for your car that has more than one function on a button.
6 out of 9 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

PAC SWI-RC

Written By John C, Seattle, WA on Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Installed in a 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
This module works perfectly! VERY easy to install! VERY easy to setup! Read instructions first, then connect and add power. Could not be easier! Installed in 2003 VW Jetta.
Pros:
Easy to install, setup, and use.
Cons:
None
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4 out of 5

PAC SWI-RC

Written By Robert, SD on Thursday, January 10, 2013
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
After figuring which wire I connect to in my car, the actual programming only took a few minutes. I would mos def recommend this to my friends.
Pros:
Very easy to program
Cons:
Needed the website for specific vehicle. Vehicle specific instructions are not included but website is mentioned a few times giving you a hint.
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4 out of 5

Honda 2006 Element Steering Controls

Written By Lynn, Iron Station, NC on Saturday, December 29, 2012
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Works great, but does not work with Wiring Harness adapters supplied. Had to hard wire everything for it to work. Programming is a little difficult, but considering what it has to accomplish. Not too bad. In the end, it works great.
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
1-20 of 35 >>

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Rated 5-stars by consumers

For a more in-depth review and enhanced detailed information on the PAC SWI-RC, please visit the Crutchfield website product page (/S-zuDg2fz5hBK/p_541SWIRC/PAC-SWI-RC.html ).

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PAC SWI-RC
PAC SWI-RC
Steering wheel control interface — connects your car's steering wheel audio controls to an aftermarket stereo
$69.99
In Stock
 
 

Installation Tools and Shop Supplies

S&G Wire Cutter/Stripper Tool
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Cuts and strips 12- to 22-gauge wire
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    PAC SWI-RC