Hey guys. I know this question has been posted before, but I did a search and did not find much on it. I purchased a mint newer Pontiac Cd player for my 1989 GTA. (I ended up sending it back because I was told it would work with the steering wheel controls and it didn't) The Cd player came out of like a 1999 Pontiac. It has a equailizer on it, and it has the red lights like the factory lights. The stereo plays great, sounds a hell of a lot better than the factory tape deck, bolts and fits right in perfect. The lights even dim with the headlight switch. But of course the steering wheel controls do not work. Has anyone been able to figure out this mystery on how to get our steering wheel controls to work on a GTA with a later model cd player (factory Pontiac deck)? I know crutchfield makes a item (called a PAC) for an aftermarket deck to work with the wheels, but I do not want to install an aftermarket deck. I do not think they fit and look as good as a factory deck. Someone has got to be able to figure this dilema out. The newer deck doesn't seem to have a plug area for steering wheel controls, just for the main harness. There is another plug area on the back of the stereo for like a disc changer, etc.
Thanks!!
Mike

This is going to be 100% speculation because I don't know OEM equipment very well, but...

You're probably going to need a deck that came out of a car with steering wheel controls in order for it to have the ability to interface w/ steering wheel controls. It would probably be easiest to grab the other car's wheel and mount it in the thirdgen. My car came with steering wheel controls but had an aftermarket deck in it when I bought it. I don’t have a special harness for the controls floating around in my dash that I’m aware of.

I'm pretty sure that the 3rd gen controls are a serial type interface. I'm willing to bet the newer designs are too. You could probably design/build some kind of converter box if you really set your mind to it.

Thanks Gummie. The newer GM radios are compatible with steering wheel controls. The older radios like my stock deck have a seperate plug for the wheel controls. The newer radios have the steering wheel wiring into the main harness (where you plug in to the radio). I wonder if the PAC adapter from crutchfield would work with a factory later model pontiac decks.
Later Bro
Mike

If crutchfield sells something call them and ask about it. They're really helpful over the phone.

yeah, I think I will call them. Thanks Gummie.

The PAC box (SWX-1 or what ever) will only work with HUs that use an IR remote. And you need the remote to program it...

OK, thanks man. I am going to figure out a way to get the wheel to work somehow.