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PAC SWI-RC Steering Wheel Control Adapter Connects your car's steering wheel audio controls to select aftermarket car stereos

Item # 541SWIRC

You want to install an aftermarket stereo in your vehicle, but you hate to give up the convenience of your factory...

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You want to install an aftermarket stereo in your vehicle, but you hate to give up the convenience of your factory...

19 questions - 24 answers

Item # 541SWIRC

About the PAC SWI-RC Steering Wheel Control Adapter

John Pollard
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 adapter 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 Note: Some newer vehicles require a special interface for this installation. Click here to see if you need an interface to install the SWI-RC adapter in your vehicle. If you see one, add it to your cart along with this adapter.

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 adapter 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.

READ LESS

What's in the box:

  • 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
MFR #SWI-RC

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More details on the PAC SWI-RC Steering Wheel Control Adapter

Stacey B.
The PAC SWI-RC Steering Wheel Control Adapter replaces these items:

Product Research

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. (Not compatible with Sony XAV-V630BT, XAV-V631BT, XAV-AX100, XAV-W650BT, or XAV-W651BT.)
  • JVC & Kenwood: The aftermarket head unit must be equipped with a blue/yellow steering wheel input wire. (Not compatible with Kenwood KDC-BT318U, KDC-BT558U, KDC-BT562U, KDC-BT758HD, KDC-X598, KDC-X798, KMR-D558BT, or KMR-D562BT.)

Note: Not compatible with Rosen, CarShow, or Parrot receivers.

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.

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 A PAC radio replacement interface or theSWI-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 A PAC radio replacement interface or theSWI-CAN is required.
2003-2004 CLK
2003-2004 CLK 320
2000-2002 CLK A PAC radio replacement interface or theSWI-CAN2 is required.
2007 CLK 350
2000-2007 E
2008 GL
2001-2003 S
2006 SLK
Mitsubishi 2006-2007 Raider A PAC radio replacement interface or theSWI-CAN2 is required.
Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep 2004+ Durango A PAC radio replacement interface, theSWI-CAN or SWI-CAN2 is required (unless you are using the SW-IRC in conjunction with theC2R-CHY4).
All 2005+ Vehicles
Toyota Sienna Not compatible with vehicles before 2001.
Volkswagen All A PAC radio replacement interface or theSWI-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.

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Customer Q&A

19 questions already asked

Q
Will this work with a boss radio?
david  May 18, 2018
1 answer
A
it barely works with anything. I wouldn't recommend this purchase.
brendan  May 18, 2018
Q
Wat model radio harnest will fit my car i bought a gm3000sw and it is incompatible with car so i need model num?
michael  Mar 10, 2018
1 answer
A
We'll need your vehicle information in order to make a proper recommendation. For additional assistance, feel free to contact us directly by phone or through our online chat service: https://www.crutchfield.com/support/ContactUs.aspx
ryan  Mar 17, 2018 (Staff)
Q
Will this product work with a pyle double din head unit? Its going in a 2017 f150.
alan  Feb 14, 2018
1 answer
A
The PAC SWI-RC Steering Wheel Control Interface is compatible with select Alpine, Clarion, Dual, Jensen, JVC, Kenwood, Pioneer, Sony, and Valor aftermarket head units that feature a steering wheel control input wire. For more details or to discuss further, please contact an Advisor directly by phone (888.955.6000) or online chat.
david  Feb 20, 2018 (Staff)
Q
will this work with 2012 Honda civic SWC? I have XRROSS 2 Din. Thanks
louly  Oct 21, 2017
1 answer
A
You will want to contact an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat to discuss the PAC SWI-RC's compatibility with your specific system. They will be able to pull up your exact vehicle and head unit model to determine if the PAC adapter will work correctly. Thanks! :)
david  Oct 24, 2017 (Staff)
Q
I am looking to use this for a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP special edition coupe with steering wheel controls and a heads up display. I have an older Pioneer head unit, my model number DEH-7100BT. I have a wiring harness that was used for a 1997 Grand Prix and hoping this will work and I can also use this interface to retain my steering wheel controls??? Thanks!
ashley  Jul 22, 2017
1 answer
A
The ability to retain steering wheel controls with aftermarket receivers will be determined by the receiver you are using and the vehicle you have. For full information on this type of integration (including the parts you will need) please contact an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat.
kenneth  Jul 22, 2017 (Staff)
Q
Do I need any additional interfaces to work with a Mercedes C320? If so what? I'm struggling with the install so far. There seems to be no good info anywhere on the web.
eizenga13  Jul 14, 2016
1 answer
A
If you purchased the product from Crutchfield, feel free to contact our Tech Support team. They can walk you through the settings on the product and see if there may be a fix. Our toll-free Tech Support number is printed on your invoice, and is also available under the "My Orders" tab in the "My Account" section of our website. If you did not purchase the unit from Crutchfield, then you may want to contact the manufacturer. You can also post your question in our forums: http://community.crutchfield.com. Or try our online support center: http://crutchfield.custhelp.com/app/answers/list/kw/.
kristina  Jul 15, 2016 (Staff)
Q
How will this work with the PAC TATO? I have a 2005 Toyota Sequoia w/ JBL system and want to make sure this and the TATO will allow me to retain full steering wheel controls for my Pioneer 8000nex.
peter  Aug 17, 2015
1 answer
A
The ability to retain steering wheel controls with aftermarket receivers will be determined by the receiver you are using and the vehicle you have. For full information on this type of integration (including the parts you will need) please contact an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat.
kristina  Aug 19, 2015 (Staff)
Q
i installed this in my 2010 tundra with my avh 4100 nex and while driving, the buttons stop working and the unit changes inputs and stations on its own. any one have any ideas?
daddy  Apr 26, 2015
2 answers
A
These units are tricky, and often require splicing into a bus interface wire. If the resistance of that wire is changed due to alternator noise or other electrical ghosts, it will produce different results than intended. Also, check the ground wire, make it as short as possible to the sheet metal of the truck body.
justin  Aug 08, 2018
A
If you purchased the product from Crutchfield, feel free to contact our Tech Support team. They can walk you through the settings on the product and see if there may be a fix. Our toll-free Tech Support number is printed on your invoice, and is also available under the "My Orders" tab in the "My Account" section of our website. If you did not purchase the unit from Crutchfield, then you may want to contact the manufacturer. You can also post your question in our forums: http://community.crutchfield.com. Or try our online support center: http://crutchfield.custhelp.com/app/answers/list/kw/.
kristina  Apr 26, 2015 (Staff)
Q
i get to the point where i have pushed the program buttom 3 times but after i wait the 3 seconds the light goes on 4 times,i have redone it 10 times and still the same thing ?
bill  Apr 18, 2015
3 answers
A
To be honest w u, I had the same issue and made multiple attempts. I really don't know how I got it to work but but it works now. My efforts were made for my motorcycle. Now that it works, it works great. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful. Good luck. It's been a while but customer service at crutchfield was great. Give them a call.
rene  Apr 18, 2015
A
II feel your pain on that pack or Crutchfield probably does not want me to answer this question the way I am but in my car the installation took 4 hours anyway so I skipped hooking up the steering wheel interface but I can understand if you want everything on the steering wheel to work but me personally I've already hooked up the factory amp interface would the wiring harness and I called it done so you might want to do the same thing because you were so close to the radio anyway you don't really need to use the steering wheel
wesley c  Apr 18, 2015
A
If you purchased the product from Crutchfield, feel free to contact our Tech Support team. They can walk you through the settings on the product and see if there may be a fix. Our toll-free Tech Support number is printed on your invoice, and is also available under the "My Orders" tab in the "My Account" section of our website. If you did not purchase the unit from Crutchfield, then you may want to contact the manufacturer. You can also post your question in our forums: http://community.crutchfield.com. Or try our online support center: http://crutchfield.custhelp.com/app/answers/list/kw/.
kristina  Apr 18, 2015 (Staff)
Q
I've installed this into a 2011 Malibu, but it's not learning. The instructions say to only use the green wire and then to connect the red/black to the power/ground of course. It powers on, I can select the configuration, but when i try to have it learn the controls it doesn't acknowledge them. Has anyone else installed this into a 2011 GM and had similar issues and resolved them? My head unit is a Pioneer FHX-720BT
james  Mar 23, 2015
1 answer
A
If you purchased the product from Crutchfield, feel free to contact our Tech Support team. They can walk you through the settings on the product and see if there may be a fix. Our toll-free Tech Support number is printed on your invoice, and is also available under the "My Orders" tab in the "My Account" section of our website. If you did not purchase the unit from Crutchfield, then you may want to contact the manufacturer. You can also post your question in our forums: http://community.crutchfield.com. Or try our online support center: http://crutchfield.custhelp.com/app/answers/list/kw/.
kristina  Mar 23, 2015 (Staff)
Q
i have a 2005 ford focus zx5 with a pioneer avh x5600bhs radio will this work for both vehicle and radio?
della  Mar 11, 2015
1 answer
A
For details on fit or installation please contact an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They will be able to pull up your vehicle and give you the details on if this will fit and what you will need for an installation in your vehicle.
kristina  Mar 11, 2015 (Staff)
Q
Hi, I bought an Alpine head unit CDE-143BT from you guys and I also got this PAC SWI-RC steering wheel interface. I went to local retailer at Long Island City New York branch and the tech said he can't program this so he only install the audio head unit and now I can't use my steering wheel controller on my 2005 Toyota Prius no Nav n no JBL. Plus now my car master warning light is on. Is that normal? Please advice cuz look like I have to pay installation fee TWICE to fix any of these problems. Thank you.
didi  Mar 07, 2015
1 answer
A
If you purchased the product from Crutchfield, feel free to contact our Tech Support team. They can walk you through the settings on the product and see if there may be a fix. Our toll-free Tech Support number is printed on your invoice, and is also available under the "My Orders" tab in the "My Account" section of our website. If you did not purchase the unit from Crutchfield, then you may want to contact the manufacturer. You can also post your question in our forums: http://community.crutchfield.com. Or try our online support center: http://crutchfield.custhelp.com/app/answers/list/kw/.
kristina  Mar 09, 2015 (Staff)
Q
Does this only control the volume button on the steering wheel or will the tuning / preset / seek / source buttons also work on the steering wheel?
dave  Nov 10, 2014
1 answer
A
The ability to retain steering wheel controls with aftermarket receivers will be determined by the receiver you are using and the vehicle you have. For full information on this type of integration (including the parts you will need) please contact an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat.
kristina  Nov 10, 2014 (Staff)
Q
For those who installed this in a Mini Cooper (someone just did it in March on a 2005 Cooper). Does this kit let you answer a call from the steering wheel?
joseph  Jul 01, 2014
2 answers
A
2003 dodge durango not sure what wire to cut for control, not sure witch wire to cut in half to and what to connect to it
jacob  Oct 25, 2014
A
Can't answer this question. i have not ever installed one.
daryl  Jul 05, 2014
Q
Hi, my friend helped me install the pac swi-rc radio with Pioneer AVH-P8400 with steering wheel controls of a 2008 mazda 3. The problem is that when I move or step back a song only moves between folders. For Example, in my usb memory i have: -Folder 1 -song1.mp3 -song2.mp3 -song3.mp3 -Folder 2 -song4.mp3 -song5.mp3 -song6.mp3 When i use the steering wheel control can view "song1.mp3" and "song4.mp3". Is successfully configured the pac-swi wrong? It is a limitation of the pac swi-rc using the pionner avh-P8400BH a Mazda in March 2008? It is a limitation of the radio pionner avh P8400BH? Regards
luis  May 11, 2014
1 answer
A
If you purchased the product from Crutchfield, feel free to contact our Tech Support team. They can walk you through the settings on the product and see if there may be a fix. Our toll-free Tech Support number is printed on your invoice, and is also available under the "My Orders" tab in the "My Account" section of our website. If you did not purchase the unit from Crutchfield, then you may want to contact the manufacturer. You can also post your question in our forums: http://community.crutchfield.com. Or try our online support center: http://crutchfield.custhelp.com/app/answers/list/kw/.
jeff  May 12, 2014 (Staff)
Q
The directions say to connect the yellow wire to the ground wire in my system. That sounds incorrect to me. Wouldn't that connect the positive battery terminal to the negative battery terminal? I'm for sure no expert. If anyone knows if this is a good idea please respond. My main goal on the DIY project is to not set my car on fire. Thanks,
michael  Feb 24, 2014
1 answer
A
If you purchased the product from Crutchfield, feel free to contact our Tech Support team. They can walk you through the install. Our toll-free Tech Support number is printed on your invoice, and is also available under the "My Orders" tab in the "My Account" section of our website. If you did not purchase the unit from Crutchfield, then you may want to contact the manufacturer. You can also post your question in our forums: http://community.crutchfield.com. Or try our online support center: http://crutchfield.custhelp.com/app/answers/list/kw/.
kristina  Feb 25, 2014 (Staff)
Q
Has anyone got this to work with Blaupunkt Toronto 420? I was able to program it for my Land Rover but the head unit is not responding to any of the controls.
jeffrey  Feb 15, 2014
2 answers
A
I have blaupunkt in my gto and my steering wheel controls work just fine after a few days of fighting with it. The setup is extremely finicky, if you don't get one thing right you need to start all over. Don't know if this will help any but good luck!
james  Sep 06, 2016
A
I installed this in a MINI Cooper with similar results. I talked to the Tech a couple of times and tried all of his suggestions but was unsuccessful in getting the steering wheel controls to work.
steven  Feb 16, 2014
Q
considering up grading radio on 2010 Harley Road Glide. what do I need to purchase to accomplish this and what type of radio should i get ?
henry  Feb 02, 2014
1 answer
A
For details on fit or installation please contact an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They may be able to pull up your vehicle and give you the details on if this will fit and what you will need for an installation in your Harley.
jeff  Feb 03, 2014 (Staff)
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