Steering wheel project: Swap, possible modifications?
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New User
Joined: Oct 2012
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Steering wheel project: Swap, possible modifications?
Hi all!
I have been planning to re-cover my steering wheel and found a donor wheel yesterday. My van is a 2000 E350 with cruise controls on the wheel. The junk yard unit is off of a 2005 F350 with every option known to man! My question is weather or not I can harness some of the capabilities engineered into the newer wheel. It has volume control, station up/down, climate (which I know I can't use), ejector seat, death ray, etc.
I pulled the clock spring and multi function switch too.
Is there any chance I can at least use the radio controls (probably with an aftermarket deck)? If not, is there a way to at least use the switches to control other peripherals (like maybe my power folding transformer seat, rear-view camera, radar jammer or simulated blow-off valve sound creator [dont laugh, I've seen them!])?
I'll post pictures of said wheel as soon as I can get out and take some.
Thanks!!!
I have been planning to re-cover my steering wheel and found a donor wheel yesterday. My van is a 2000 E350 with cruise controls on the wheel. The junk yard unit is off of a 2005 F350 with every option known to man! My question is weather or not I can harness some of the capabilities engineered into the newer wheel. It has volume control, station up/down, climate (which I know I can't use), ejector seat, death ray, etc.
I pulled the clock spring and multi function switch too.
Is there any chance I can at least use the radio controls (probably with an aftermarket deck)? If not, is there a way to at least use the switches to control other peripherals (like maybe my power folding transformer seat, rear-view camera, radar jammer or simulated blow-off valve sound creator [dont laugh, I've seen them!])?
I'll post pictures of said wheel as soon as I can get out and take some.
Thanks!!!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
I replied to this same post in another thread but for benefit of those looking in here I'd ask what level of experience do you have in electronics, other than wiring this and that like running simple wires and connecting them?
I ask because steering wheel controls really aren't switches in the usual sense---they're electronic controls that merely interface with the device being controlled in very specific ways. As such trying to re-purpose them is a rather huge challenge for those not more deeply involved in electronic repair, design or build.
As an introduction into what might be required obtain an EVTM (aka "wiring diagrams) book/disc for the donor vehicle and the van you hope to perform this transplant. In reality the physical aspect of this idea would be the easier of all tasks required.
I ask because steering wheel controls really aren't switches in the usual sense---they're electronic controls that merely interface with the device being controlled in very specific ways. As such trying to re-purpose them is a rather huge challenge for those not more deeply involved in electronic repair, design or build.
As an introduction into what might be required obtain an EVTM (aka "wiring diagrams) book/disc for the donor vehicle and the van you hope to perform this transplant. In reality the physical aspect of this idea would be the easier of all tasks required.
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New User
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Pretty much what I thought ; )
Thanks man!
yeah, in looking at the circuitry within the steering wheel switches, it's apparent that there is much to be considered there. I've been brainstorming 2 other options however:
1. re-cover and use my old wheel and add bluetooth connectivity (remote control) buttons to the back of the wheel that interface with a new head unit
or
2. look into possibility of repurposing just the clock spring wiring and putting my own switches in the blanks in the replacement wheel? Seeing that written out makes it look like a worse idea than the original!
Anyhoo, fire off any additional input. My father-in-law is an electrical engineer, so the overall task might be up his ally. We'll see.....
yeah, in looking at the circuitry within the steering wheel switches, it's apparent that there is much to be considered there. I've been brainstorming 2 other options however:
1. re-cover and use my old wheel and add bluetooth connectivity (remote control) buttons to the back of the wheel that interface with a new head unit
or
2. look into possibility of repurposing just the clock spring wiring and putting my own switches in the blanks in the replacement wheel? Seeing that written out makes it look like a worse idea than the original!
Anyhoo, fire off any additional input. My father-in-law is an electrical engineer, so the overall task might be up his ally. We'll see.....
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Fiddling with the clockspring wiring would concern me because its function includes the air bag signal. Naturally that's not something to muck with. 
I'd look into steering wheel control adapters on Crutchfield's site. Some aftermarket car audio manufacturers have devised interfaces for factory controls and their units---might be something doable.
Ask your FIL to look over the schematic for your year's VSC steering wheel switches as there is specific info there that'll give him an understanding how they work in conjunction with that module. From there he can decide what sort of user-programmable microprocessor would be needed to fully implement your ideas.
Keep us updated how this turns out---I'd be interesting for sure.
I'd look into steering wheel control adapters on Crutchfield's site. Some aftermarket car audio manufacturers have devised interfaces for factory controls and their units---might be something doable.
Ask your FIL to look over the schematic for your year's VSC steering wheel switches as there is specific info there that'll give him an understanding how they work in conjunction with that module. From there he can decide what sort of user-programmable microprocessor would be needed to fully implement your ideas.
Keep us updated how this turns out---I'd be interesting for sure.
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