DIY: 2013-2014 OEM Steering Wheel Audio Control Install

Moab_Rockstar · Feb 26, 2017

I did this Friday afternoon, and it's frigging awesome to have my buttons on the steering wheel. I hate not having them. 10 years ago I thought they were kind of silly, but I've come around in the last few years to them.

The only thing I did different in this, was I didn't bother to change the back cover, with a drill and a dremel, I cut the holes into my existing cover. It took a lot less time than trying to pull of the steering wheel. I also saved the 20 bucks that cover costs. :naughty:

I traced a template of the switch on some cardboard, then stenciled the template on to the cover, roughly centered on the roughed out square that is usually present. Then I drilled out the corners, and used a dremel cut-off wheel to connect the dots. I then used a dremel straight burr bit to smooth it out and take additional material where needed between test fittings.

HolyRam · Feb 26, 2017

Great write Up!

05roush0090 · Mar 16, 2017

Moab_Rockstar said:
I did this Friday afternoon, and it's frigging awesome to have my buttons on the steering wheel. I hate not having them. 10 years ago I thought they were kind of silly, but I've come around in the last few years to them.

The only thing I did different in this, was I didn't bother to change the back cover, with a drill and a dremel, I cut the holes into my existing cover. It took a lot less time than trying to pull of the steering wheel. I also saved the 20 bucks that cover costs.

I traced a template of the switch on some cardboard, then stenciled the template on to the cover, roughly centered on the roughed out square that is usually present. Then I drilled out the corners, and used a dremel cut-off wheel to connect the dots. I then used a dremel straight burr bit to smooth it out and take additional material where needed between test fittings.

You put the radio controls in without removing steering wheel?

cgeorgemo · Mar 18, 2017

05roush0090 said:
You put the radio controls in without removing steering wheel?

I think what he's saying is that the hole cutting took less time than the wheel removal. Not that the wheel didn't get removed because you have to swap in the wiring harness no matter what.

I wonder what this button does?

icetraxx · Mar 18, 2017

To those that did this install how hard would it be to swap the volume control on the right with the station control on the left. I'm right handed and change the station more than I do the volume. I'm thinking it would just be a plug swap either under the dash or steering wheel?

Mpgrimm2 · Mar 18, 2017

icetraxx said:
To those that did this install how hard would it be to swap the volume control on the right with the station control on the left. I'm right handed and change the station more than I do the volume. I'm thinking it would just be a plug swap either under the dash or steering wheel?

I have been thinking of doing this since I put the audio controls in 2 years ago (my first mod). The catch is that it would not be as simple as a plug swap (not long enough).

What you would have to do is remove and reinstall individual pins (the correct ones) in the main harness connector that is inside the steering wheel (single row 20 pin Connector?). I haven't spent any time looking at the schematic to know which ones, but it should be able to be done this way.

If you look at my user profile for started threads, you can see the 2017 1500 schematics.

M² Mods - From my non Flammable S7!

00R/T · Mar 18, 2017

Mpgrimm2 said:
I have been thinking of doing this since I put the audio controls in 2 years ago (my first mod). The catch is that it would not be as simple as a plug swap (not long enough).

What you would have to do is remove and reinstall individual pins (the correct ones) in the main harness connector that is inside the steering wheel (single row 20 pin Connector?). I haven't spent any time looking at the schematic to know which ones, but it should be able to be done this way.

If you look at my user profile for started threads, you can see the 2017 1500 schematics.

M² Mods - From my non Flammable S7!

You can't do it that way. The switches are multiplexed and use a single connection to the master (cruise control) switch. You would have to actually swap the location of the switches. You'd probably need to extend the wiring on them since there isn't much slack in the steering wheel harness. The switches are also keyed so they will only fit on one side, so they'd have to be modified. I can't remember if that would be easy or not.

Mpgrimm2 · Mar 18, 2017

cgeorgemo said:
....

@cgeorgemo

Are you aware that www.Infotainment.com is using your directions and name for their instruction sheet that goes with the $200 kit they sell? ($130 elsewhere). Hope you are getting paid for your time and write-up, or at the very least are aware of it.
Hell, they are using your pictures and text word for word (apparently because it was provided publicly). Even linked my airbag video. Can hardly read the text because whoever did it, didn't bother to adjust the font/color and just copied it from the forum post directly.

Here's the link: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0234/3499/files/Ram_SWC_Guide.pdf?3273321835123842081

Webpage:
https://www.infotainment.com/products/ram-truck-steering-wheel-audio-control-kit

PS: your OP link to the kit at AllMoparParts.com appears to be broken/moved. Here's the working link...
https://www.allmoparparts.com/1500-steering-wheel-audio-control-upgrade-black-p-5793.html

Moab_Rockstar · Mar 18, 2017

cgeorgemo said:
I think what he's saying is that the hole cutting took less time than the wheel removal. Not that the wheel didn't get removed because you have to swap in the wiring harness no matter what.

I wonder what this button does?

That's right. The airbag still has to come out, which isn't bad once you get the first clip. I bent a flat head screw driver to manipulate the clips a littler easier. The harness is easy to swap out. Airbag going back on is much easier.

I didn't feel like messing with the steering angle sensor, which is really easy to screw up, and that was my motivation to just cut the holes. With the driver door open, you can spin the wheel around to where you want it, and it's easy to work on from the outside. I probably spent 15 minutes total cutting and fitting the holes for the buttons. It depends on your skill level.

cgeorgemo · Mar 24, 2017

Mpgrimm2 said:
@cgeorgemo

Are you aware that www.Infotainment.com is using your directions and name for their instruction sheet that goes with the $200 kit they sell? ($130 elsewhere). Hope you are getting paid for your time and write-up, or at the very least are aware of it.
Hell, they are using your pictures and text word for word (apparently because it was provided publicly). Even linked my airbag video. Can hardly read the text because whoever did it, didn't bother to adjust the font/color and just copied it from the forum post directly.

Here's the link: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0234/3499/files/Ram_SWC_Guide.pdf?3273321835123842081

Webpage:
https://www.infotainment.com/products/ram-truck-steering-wheel-audio-control-kit

PS: your OP link to the kit at AllMoparParts.com appears to be broken/moved. Here's the working link...
https://www.allmoparparts.com/1500-steering-wheel-audio-control-upgrade-black-p-5793.html

No I wasn't aware of the company using my directions. I cant say I'm surprised.
I'll fix the link in my post in a bit for clarity.

I wonder what this button does?

Mpgrimm2 · Mar 24, 2017

cgeorgemo said:
No I wasn't aware of the company using my directions. I cant say I'm surprised.
I'll fix the link in my post in a bit for clarity.

I wonder what this button does?

You should shoot them an email and ask them for a gift certificate or maybe a code activation device for your next project.

M² Mods - From my non Flammable S7!

Jsimon34 · Mar 27, 2017

cptwing said:
Bites way too hard! Wife wants me banned from this forum!

My wife doesn't know about this mod ... only the radio swap and full console swap.... got the parts from a fellow forum member tonight..... hopefully get it done this weekend!

rabbitreborn · Mar 28, 2017

Been following this thread and reading like crazy.....

2 questions for those that have done it....

After disconnecting the battery, how do you ensure the power is drained from the system so there is no accidental airbag discharge?

When reinstalling the airbag, do you just push it in like you are pressing the horn? line up the clips and press firmly until they seat themselves?

Moab_Rockstar · Mar 28, 2017

rabbitreborn said:
Been following this thread and reading like crazy.....

2 questions for those that have done it....

After disconnecting the battery, how do you ensure the power is drained from the system so there is no accidental airbag discharge?

When reinstalling the airbag, do you just push it in like you are pressing the horn? line up the clips and press firmly until they seat themselves?

Pulling the battery connection resets your adaptives, I recommending cycling the key about 7-10 times to relearn the pedal adaption before you drive anywhere. It's not a huge deal if you don't, but depending on how far out the pedal has to learn, it could set a pedal fault during driving, or actually look to the PCM like pedal is being applied when it is not.

When reinstalling, yeah, line it up and give it a push. It goes back on with pretty minimal effort. Good luck!

Moab_Rockstar · Mar 29, 2017

I forgot to add, when disconnecting the battery, you shouldn't have to wait, powerdown should be instantaneous. the ORC sends the actual signal to deploy airbag. It won't have any power.

Jsimon34 · Apr 1, 2017

Just received my stuff in mail today from a fellow member.... excited to get this done....

Jsimon34 · Apr 1, 2017

4 trips to different auto parts stores later, I have the tool to get the airbag off and the steering wheel remover.... airbag is definitely a *****!! Finishing up after work!

Jsimon34 · Apr 1, 2017

Got everything in and all works properly!! Excellent write up.... thank you!!

R.L.K. · Apr 2, 2017

Fantastic!

rabbitreborn · Apr 8, 2017

Awesome write up. Can't thank you enough for the easiest mod i have ever done.

Dealer that I bought the parts from said it couldn't be done, plan to show them just how wrong they were.....

DIY: 2013-2014 OEM Steering Wheel Audio Control Install

Senior Member

Member

Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Member

Similar threads

Forum statistics

Share this page