I got my steering wheel controls to work with my JVC head unit using a PAC SWI-RC. It is really simple to do. Here is a little write up on how to do it, should you want to attempt it.

The following is a small write up based on my install experience with my car. Your mileage may vary.

If you have factory steering wheel controls there will be a connector by the radio that has a orange wire and a black wire. Check to make sure there is 5 volts (when car is on, or in radio position). Push a button on the steering wheel and make sure the value changes. If there is an issue, that will need to be addressed first.

Goto the PAC website here. Fill in all the information and print out the programming instructions.

Back at the car, splice the black wire of the PAC unit to a ground. the red wire to a switched 12v, I just spliced mine into the radio harness adapter. Take the orange wire on the PAC unit and splice it into the orange wire in the car that you tested earlier. All other wires on that connector can be tucked away, cut off, or whatever.

The other end of the unit has a wire and a male 3.5mm jack. Depending on the style of head unit, use the appropriate connector to go to the steering wheel remote input of your deck.

When I put the radio back into the pod, I had to tuck the PAC box up behind the AC controls. So make sure you don't cut the wires short.

Install complete, now to program it.

Here is where it gets tricky. Follow the instructions you printed out earlier to program it to your particular head unit. Each manufacturer does it differently. the PAC unit needs to be flashed and set to your head unit.

When programming the buttons, the instructions say to hold to hold down the button. That is wrong. Just push and release the button. Wait a second, then push the next button. I found, at least with mine, if the button is held down the voltage on the signal wire will change and it wont program correctly.

After programming check it out. Should work good or will need to be reprogrammed. It took me a couple tries to get it right.

I am just putting this little tutorial out for anyone who might be interested. I might be able to answer questions you may have about the PAC unit itself. But I doubt I will be able to answer any programming questions that pertain to your particular radio.

 

You may have just solved a very old and sought after adaptation. Thank you.

 

thanx for the kind reply.

The price of the unit I used was only $40 on . Pretty cheap if you ask me.

If I ever redo it I might pull up the front of the center console and stick the box in there. the wires are long enough.

 

Was needing one of those, and thanks for the link, its pretty cheaper as i expected

 

What do I need to look for in a head unit to make the controls work with the PAC adapter? Will I need one with a remote control or other features, or will this work with any head unit?

 

I knew what to buy but never knew that it was easy. after I paint mine I want to put a new head unit in mine. thanks for the heads up

 

I ordered one in and I'm excited to get it installed this weekend

 

Note from Experience today. I am a fool at times. Make sure the radio you buy has remote control availability. The Pioneer DEH-47P47DH 1.5 din unit does not have this option. **** me! After the installation. LOL.

 

I installed mine ... Not sure if the radio controls on steering wheel work or what but no luck

 

check voltage at teh orange wire on the plug by the radio. It should be a different voltage for each button.

 

Can you explain the whole process with pictures
I'm very confused on how to install this PAC swi rc adapter

The orange wire goes with the orange wire from the car

Where does the black/ blue wire from the car go ?

How does the PAC get power?

 

I have since sold the car, so I can't look. IIRC, it was an easy install. I wired it into the radio adapter harness, not the factory one (except for the signal wire). Matched up colors, and voila. I think.

 

I'll give it another shot
I'm probably just over thinking things
Thanks

 

I tried to use the PAC on my 89 TTA and couldn't get it to work properly. I sent them an email and they told me that it would not work with this car.

 

Was tjhis a single din head unit...im trying o researching trying to get my steering controls back on my 89 GTA...TIA...Mick

 

Single DIN, 1.5 DIN or double DIN is irrelevant

 

Thank You, I only have 1 more question...I thought i read somewhere stereos must be remote control compatable or remote ready...I sure appreciate you help here

 

Did you even read the thread? This question was answered in the thread

 

So do we have GTAs with PAC SWI-RC that control steering wheel controls on a aftermarket radio that has remote option. The OP says no big deal find the orange wire and figure out what voltage each button is then Program the unit, badabag and viola it works?

 

Well I just ordered one to try with my 89 GTA...so ill post back soon with the official answer..lol

 

Were you able to make this work? I am most curious. I tried one on my ‘88 GTA with no success. I ended up making my own. Looking forward to your report.

 

So the short answer...no.
in doing my testing it is my understanding that the orange wire on the horn pad should have 4.7 volts. My yellow has 12 volts but the orange has under 1. I tried a different horn pad too.. same thing. I need to do more research. Might be my turn signal switch with the IR leds?

 

Sorry that one didn't work out for you. After all of the pain which you are now unfortunately experiencing, I ended up making my own. Here is the link to the horn pad control I have. https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/car-...ml#post6521987 . It was my last resort, but I ultimately finished what I started.