Will the controls in my car work for an after market stereo?

Question

My Jeep Grand Cherokee has controls on the backside of the steering wheel that allow me to control the stock stereo/CD player that it has. This way I don't have to reach over to the stereo while I'm driving and I really like this feature. The only problem is that there is no AUX input and I had gotten quite used to listening to my ipod in the car. (This is my new car. In my old Jetta I had an after market stereo with AUX input installed for this reason). I tried the itrip that plugs into my ipod and transmits through a radio station. I got nothing, only static. I had to hold the ipod out the window next to the antenna to get a signal. I am thinking about just buying a new stereo but I'm not sure the controls for the stereo on my steering wheel will still work. Has anyone had any experience with this?

Answer 1

sorry, most aftermarket cd players dont allow that feature. i had the same problem and it also takes a little time to get used to having non-working volume/seek controls on the steering wheel if i ever come a cross one that does ill let u know,but they do make adapters but they're expensive. SUCKS!

Answer 2

just go to crutchfield.com and click live help, and they will link you all of the aftermarket stereos that you can hook up to your steering wheel without buying anything extra, they do make aftermarket stereos that can do this, dont waste money

Answer 3

Yes they will work. Pac makes a few adaptors and you can find them for 50 bucks readily available online. If you by a new alpine I think its a PAC SWIA or SWIALP, if you buy a sony its a PAC SWIS, they also have them for pioneer and there is a universal one called an SWIX. The swix I do not recommend because you have to program it and have a little IR lead pointing at your radio. the others that are made for the alpine, sony, pioneer, they plug directly into the back of the radio in a specific spot. Go, replace your radio, and enjoy the AUX feature. the install may be expensive, just depends where you go. Also when you purchase make sure you get a mid line or higher, as lower end cost ones do not have the dedicated jack in the back for the PAC adaptor. (again alpine, sony, pioneer).

Answer 4

the controls will not work.on aftermarket radios. they use to make a kit to hook up the two. it was kinda pricey. u can try car toys or mobile 1.