Steering Wheel Controls

AV42Medics · Apr 14, 2003

If I install an aftermarket system, will I lose the ability to use the steering wheel controls?

P.s. Is the 2003 a double DIN or a DIN 1.5?

Boar-Ral · Apr 14, 2003

Jason from JP Customs might be able to tell you whether or not the steering wheel controls work with an aftermarket stereo. (A harness might exist for it.)

In the 2003 Avalanche, the stereo is double-DIN. I know that much at least.

tolarjm · Apr 16, 2003

If you just replace the stereo, the steering wheel controls will not work. If the aftermarket radio has a wireless remote there is an adaptor that uses an IR transmitter. I believe it is made by PAC and the model number is SWI-X. Your local shop should be able to do this for you.

AV42Medics · Apr 17, 2003

Thanks, do you have a link to the PAC web site?

tolarjm · Apr 17, 2003

http://www.go2pac.com/products/swi.htm

that is a link to the site, if you are in the texas, LA area, i can recommend a few different places to have it installed..

AV42Medics · Apr 18, 2003

Thanks for the link. I'll have to see if a dealer exists in Canada.

sparky · May 16, 2003

If you are installing the SWI-X interface unit along with the steering wheel contols, have the original factory radio close by. From what I'm told it is required to complete the programming and installation.

kodiakz · May 17, 2003

Soundgate is coming out with a piece for the new 2003 systems. The radio is basically a double din. Keep in mind that with the aftermarket adaptor, you will have an external ir repeater that will need to be mounted somewhere in line-of-sight of the new head unit so that it can send it ir commands (sorry if you already knew this, most people don't until they see it). Don't forget that you also need an adaptor to maintain databus integrity and/or retain OnStar and door chime.