Replace steering wheel to add radio controls?

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SpacemanSpiff

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Hi All.
Just bought a 2007 Torrent for my daughter, but it doesn't have the steering wheel radio controls, which I'd prefer so she has less distractions.
Does anyone know if the harness is in the column, and whether I can simply swap steering wheels?
I can't imagine it would be cost effective to have separate harnesses.
I'm thinking they just put on whichever steering wheel was originally ordered.
Anyone know firsthand?
Thanks.
 
Have you considered to update the radio to one that allows hands free calling?

Sony has a head unit that acts as a smart phone holder and uses the technology built in to most smart phones to control the head unit making it safer to operate.

Just a push of the home button on a iPhone siri will make calls for her send a message or find music to play. with their app it gives her control of the main head unit through the iPhone. or will act like a stand alone head unit.
The price is about 100 bucks cheaper on Amazon if you do not mind buying used.

I like this Sony because it doesn't duplicate technology you already have in your smart phone.

http://www.sony.com/electronics/in-car-receivers-players/xsp-n1bt
 
EaOutlaw said:
Have you considered to update the radio to one that allows hands free calling?

Sony has a head unit that acts as a smart phone holder and uses the technology built in to most smart phones to control the head unit making it safer to operate.

Just a push of the home button on a iPhone siri will make calls for her send a message or find music to play. with their app it gives her control of the main head unit through the iPhone. or will act like a stand alone head unit.
The price is about 100 bucks cheaper on Amazon if you do not mind buying used.

I like this Sony because it doesn't duplicate technology you already have in your smart phone.

http://www.sony.com/electronics/in-car-receivers-players/xsp-n1bt
Click to expand...
$250 for a new radio vs $75 for a replacement steering wheel...
The OEM radio's actually not all that bad. I don't think I want to replace it.
Thanks for the response though.

I guess I'll just disassemble the wheel myself and see if the connector is there.
 
both links you supplied show a photo of a complete interior off the internet, the first one is an article the second one looks like they borrowed the picture and makes no mention of the details of the wheel. As you saw the factory parts listing says nothing about radio controls.
 
Here's one for sale near me [of course it was listed after I bought one]:
http://eastnc.craigslist.org/cto/5269497802.html

It doesn't matter what that factory parts site shows, I've seen enough 2007 Torrents that have the radio controls to know it was an option.

The question remains, does anyone know if the harness will be there.

Thanks, though.
______________________________
 
SpacemanSpiff said:
$250 for a new radio vs $75 for a replacement steering wheel...
The OEM radio's actually not all that bad. I don't think I want to replace it.
Thanks for the response though.

I guess I'll just disassemble the wheel myself and see if the connector is there.
Click to expand...

I mentioned replacing the radio, because the radio will be your least concern when it comes to distractions. But as everyone knows Father Knows Best LOL

My Dad purchased a commuter car back in 1985 that didn't come with a radio it just had a block off plate,

We were surprised to find wiring for a radio and speakers all ready to go.

Over the years I have been surprised to see how much stuff like this they put in cars when they leave an option out.

So it is possible that your car has the needed wiring and connections for a wheel with controls in it.
 
I know I'm bringing an old post back from the dead...but I have a 2008 and I'm looking to do the same. Just wondering if my stock column would have the necessary wiring if I did a wheel swap?
 
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