Adding steering wheel buttons
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Tuned
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 264
Likes: 2
Adding steering wheel buttons
This is probably a strange request but I did just get a 2011 F250 XL. The SYNC and audio controls on the steering wheel was an available option, but my truck does not have it. I didn't ask for it to be required in the vehicle search, just one of those "if it has it, awesome" things. I am looking to add the buttons to control the radio and MAYBE SYNC for the bluetooth feature if this is possible. I know to add SYNC I need a radio that's ready for it, which mine is, and a microphone somewhere and all of that so that's not to be done until a later date. My old F150 had the radio controls on the wheel and I miss that.
Does anyone know if I can add the radio controls on the wheel? And maybe SYNC without needing to add a Parrot device for bluetooth? Or am I SOL on both?
Thanks!
Does anyone know if I can add the radio controls on the wheel? And maybe SYNC without needing to add a Parrot device for bluetooth? Or am I SOL on both?
Thanks!
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 908
Likes: 2
From: Covina, CA.
Yes, you can add the steering wheel controls, the harness is already there (at least it is on earlier models).
Does your truck already have SYNC? If not, you will need to acquire the stereo that supports it or go 3rd party to use bluetooth. I went with a 3rd party on mine, Mic installs up by the rearview mirror, audio comes through the speakers and caller ID appears on the stereo display.
Does your truck already have SYNC? If not, you will need to acquire the stereo that supports it or go 3rd party to use bluetooth. I went with a 3rd party on mine, Mic installs up by the rearview mirror, audio comes through the speakers and caller ID appears on the stereo display.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 264
Likes: 2
My radio has the phone button on it and whenever pressed it says "No Phone". So I'm guessing that it's ready for it... the one I had pulled out of my F150 when I did an OEM Nav swap was similar, just the fact that was a 6CD and mine's only single MP3. My truck doesn't have the microphone in it though, I'd have to try to find an OEM setup out of a wrecked truck at a pick-n-pull. I know with the Parrot system it comes with a module thing and you have to buy the vehicle-specific harness. My least concern is the phone, I could live without that for a while... I miss being able to do the radio through it. I actually keep reaching for the buttons, and I've had the truck a month 
Would this require pulling the airbag? I'm not going to do it right away, I probably would have the dealer do it. If it involves that much work I don't want to touch it in case I set the airbag off.
My first test is coming up tonight... I may need to get a set of dedicated snow tires or commercial snow traction tires. We're set to get snow and I have no idea how the stock tires are...
Would this require pulling the airbag? I'm not going to do it right away, I probably would have the dealer do it. If it involves that much work I don't want to touch it in case I set the airbag off.
My first test is coming up tonight... I may need to get a set of dedicated snow tires or commercial snow traction tires. We're set to get snow and I have no idea how the stock tires are...
New User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Steering wheel controls
Let me know if you find a solution. I have a 2011 f350 and the same radio setup as yours. Im trying to do the same thing. I got the control for the steering wheel and mounted it. There doesn't seem to be a wiring harness in the wheel though. I hope the clock spring doesn't have to be replaced. Removing the air bag is very simple so dont let it scare you. Thanks.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,752
Likes: 5
From: Stillwater, OK
If it is anything like the 2008s, you will have to rob a harness out of a steering wheel that already has it, as the wiring harnesses are not sold separately from the steering wheels.
Once that is all done, if you stereo head unit was programmed to not have the steering wheel controls, you will either have to find a way to reprogram your head unit for the equipment you've added, or find a head unit that came with the setup you want.
Once that is all done, if you stereo head unit was programmed to not have the steering wheel controls, you will either have to find a way to reprogram your head unit for the equipment you've added, or find a head unit that came with the setup you want.
New User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Were you able to add the steering wheel controls? Just curious as I have the same setup as you and would like to do the same. Didn't know if I could just get the switch and mount it in the wheel, or if I would have to find a replacement steering wheel. (as well as reprogram the HU, or use an aftermarket one)
Rick
Rick
New User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
I was able to install the steering wheel control, had to solder to the switch since the harness was impossible to get. Apparently there is software that has to be loaded into the radio to get it to work. I haven't approached a dealer yet for that task.
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New User
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1
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Just wondering if you had this all done yet and what's all involved? Doing the same to my 12 superduty thanks.
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New User
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1
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Controls
Just Curious did you ever figure it out or get it to work. i bought a wheel and installed it but i have not been able to get it to work. the lights in the switches light up when the headlights come on but i have been unsuccesful at finding anyone to help me get it completed and working.
New User
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Adding Lariat Steering Wheel to 2012 F350 XLT
Just Curious did you ever figure it out or get it to work. i bought a wheel and installed it but i have not been able to get it to work. the lights in the switches light up when the headlights come on but i have been unsuccesful at finding anyone to help me get it completed and working.
4wd Low
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Please help!
Success, I just upgraded my base model 2012 F350 SD XLT steering wheel and it all works! I purchased a leather steering wheel/steering column with both left and right controls from the auto salvage yard. Initially, I just installed the steering wheel and a Kenwood DMX7705S Stereo with harness and Maestro accessories (stereo installed at Best Buy); the stereo worked, but not the steering wheel volume controls. I continued to read several blogs, went to the Ford dealer, Restylers and received all negative feedback, it can't be done. The item I kept reading SCCM needs flashed with code from a vehicle that has both steering wheel controls. Well I purchased the whole column with the SCCM (along with other column controllers) and decided to swap all the column modules. After removing the XLT column control modules, I discovered that two of the connections were just dummy connections. I installed the salvaged control modules that had the connectors and put it all back together. I turned on the ignition and the steering wheel volume controls worked.
I have a 2011 XL, I bought a leather wrapped steering wheel from a lariat that has audio controls and would like to make them functional. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
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