Stock CD Changer and new head unit

[texford56]

My son and I are looking to upgrade the sound system in our 2000 Limited. Can we use the factory CD changer with a new H/U? Can we continue to use the steering wheel controls for audio? We keep getting mixed answers at local car audio stores. Thanks.

Tex

 

[Fhantazm]

You can buy adapters (Made by Blitz, I think) to allow certain aftermarket stereos to control factory changers. As far as retaining steering wheel audio control, unless im mistaken, your out of luck there. There would have to be some sort of interface on the aftermarket headunit and ive never seen one on the major brands. Hope this helps.

 

[BBQ_HotDogs]

Welcome to the forum tex, I bought a thingie for my steering wheel controls. It is being installed now with an Alpine head unit. I was not interested in retaining the rear controls though. As soon as it is installed and tested, I will let you know how it works. I will try and dig up that web site where I bought the adapter at to convert the wiring from the steering wheel to the new head unit at, but it is available at a costs of around 100 bucks.

 

[Fhantazm]

Welcome to the forum tex, I bought a thingie for my steering wheel controls. It is being installed now with an Alpine head unit. I was not interested in retaining the rear controls though. As soon as it is installed and tested, I will let you know how it works. I will try and dig up that web site where I bought the adapter at to convert the wiring from the steering wheel to the new head unit at, but it is available at a costs of around 100 bucks.

Well, you learn something new, everyday!! I never new an item like this existed!! How does it control the headunit, through an infrared repeater??

 

[BBQ_HotDogs]

Yes, it is infrared, that I know.

 

[Fhantazm]

Thats what i figured. I couldnt think of any other way for it to control it. Thanks for the info!

 

[BBQ_HotDogs]

My son and I are looking to upgrade the sound system in our 2000 Limited. Can we use the factory CD changer with a new H/U? Can we continue to use the steering wheel controls for audio? We keep getting mixed answers at local car audio stores. Thanks.

Tex

Hey Tex, here is what I got, sorry it took me so long to find it. If you will do a seach for Audio controls on Steering wheels, you would find it. Here is there web site for just such an animal. Good Luck.
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Ronnie