This is what I know about the steering wheel audio control (in order to get the switch light up and possibly have the steering wheel remote work). The good thing is that all the wiring is in place, the bad thing is that if you have a stock radio that was not programmed to have the steering wheel option, you are going to have to have it programmed for it. It was easy for me, because I have the navigation radio that I got off Ebay, and all you have to do is hold the 2 and 5 button down to see the diagnostics, and you can find out whether or not the radio has been programmed to do so. If not, then you can send it somewhere to get programmed, or go to your local Ford Dealership. The problem with wiring is, you have to get a separate wiring harness, from the Ford Dealership, which is different from the harness you have in your steering wheel in general. The harness in your steering wheel connects only to the cruise control, while in Explorers with steering wheel remotes, it connects to both the cruise control and the audio remote control. Nonetheless, to do this you have to remove the steering wheel, but first disable the power to your car so the airbag doesn't go off. Those comfortable with it, it should be a piece of cake, those not (like me, we would need someone to help us do it "which I have not yet," these are the instructions that blu mi ci 5 gave me, he seems to be pretty smart in this field.
If you follow the instructions, it's pretty easy, maybe a 4 on a 1 to 10 scale. I did it on my car no problem but I do this kind of stuff all the time, I'll give you the instructions but do it at your own risk (air bags must be treated with respect).
1) Turn all vehicle accessories off
2) Turn ignition sw to off
3) Under the dash on the left you'll see the RCM (Restraints control module), unplug the #17 fuse which is a 10 Amp fuse.
4) Turn the ignition on and watch the air bag indicator for at least 30 seconds. You should get a solid light (no blinking and it shouldn't turn off). If it's not illuminated you pulled the wrong fuse...do not proceed until the correct fuse is pulled!
5) Turn ignition to off
6) VERY IMPORTANT-disconnect the negative terminal from the battery and wait a MINIMUM OF 60 SECONDS. (This will deplete the back up power supply of the air bag)
7) After waiting the 60 seconds you can now remove and disconnect the air bag. (2 7mm screws hold the air bag to the wheel.)
8) Remove the horn assembly and then the old wire harness. (When re-installing the horn be sure you don't kink the rubber isolators or else it might squeak)
To reinstall
1) Install wire harness, switch, horn, and air bag
2) Turn ignition switch from off to on
3) Re-install the 10 Amp fuse
4) (Make sure no one is sitting in front of the air bag at this stage) Connect the battery cable.
5) Turn ignition sw from On to Off and wait 10 seconds, then turn it back to On. The air bag light should light for 6 seconds then turn Off. You're all set at this point, start the radio and see if it works.
Cheers
I just pulled my air bag module off to read the part number and there is no Ford part number on it. I think there is only a supplier part number on it, it is C-898-0166-00. I think if you go to the dealership and tell them that you need the harness for the audio controls then they should be able to get the right one for you. The harness you have today only has 2 connectors and two grounds, the one you want has 3 connectors and two grounds. (For reference my old 2 connector harness was part number C-821-0166-00)
First let me reiterate that the switch will illuminate but it won't control the radio. The stock radio XLT is not configured to "look" for the steering wheel switch, thus the only thing you can do is to install a new wire harness and new switch to get the illumination effect. If you want to put the switch in without the illumination effect then you can simply take a small flat head screw driver and carefully pry out the delete plate and then swap in a new switch. (You can use switch part number 7L1T-9E740-AA)
To put in a wire harness means that you have to take the air bag module out. I really wouldn't recommend that to a do it yourselfer.
Let me know if I can help with any other questions.
Glad I could help. The old harness only goes to the horn and the cruise switch, so the old harness will NOT light up your radio switch. The new harness connects both switches together. (They share the same illumination circuits through the clock spring)
I hope that helps. Good luck at the other dealership.
WHY!!!
