Metra Axxess ASWC-1 Steering Wheel Control Interface

Pros: It worked! Auto-programming and resetting of the device was simplistic Cons: Instructions have to be downloaded from the site for your specific yr/make/model; the documentation it comes with out of the package is useless Instructions aren't exactly clear, even when they're specific to your vehicle (but more helpful for sure). If anything goes wrong during the wiring, it's hard to diagnose where the failure actually is unless you have the documentation to explain it; which again is not exactly that clear on why it failed. Instructions are not clear on where the 3.5mm jack actually needs to go (in the back of the radio is not helpful). I'm writing this review because it was extremely difficult for me to research and get a clear answer from any forum, youtube video, or google search. The 3.5mm jack does not go into the the AUX port. For this particular radio, it goes into the W/R port. It is not labeled SWC, or SWI, or any other fancy name. There is no SWS wire coming from the harness on the radio. If you auto-program when it was in the wrong port (because that seems like the only 3.5mm option) then you will get the 7 flashes and solid light, and no control over the unit from the steering controls. Moving it to the right port doesn't help you, unless you reset the unit and have it go through the auto-detect process again, so it's hard to tell when you get this right unless you're constantly resetting. Also - if you own a Toyota 4runner or a Tacoma - you will most likely need to attached the black wire to one of the connectors wires AND a ground. it's a three way connection (google it so you get a visual of what this is) because the instructions are not clear on this aspect; and in fact probably make it more confusing. Overall I'm giving it a 5 star because it did what I needed it to do, but I read other stories where people didn't even have the 3.5mm jack pinned correctly on the harness from the factory for this thing. So I feel like I got rather lucky in the end, and that I get to pat myself on the back for getting through what was ultimately the hardest part of putting in the new radio unit. But hey - at least I can control it from my steering wheel!

I purchased this item together with several other Metra parts (dash trim, radio harness, antenna cable, and backup camera retention cable) to replace a factory stereo with a new CarPlay head unit in a 2018 Sentra (base model, no Bose speakers). The overall installation process for all of these parts was lengthy but fairly straightforward... though I haven't used my soldering skills since high school, I was able to wire up the various harnesses, insulate everything with shrink and tesa tape, open the dash, and get everything hooked up and working. The teenager who drives the car is very happy with her new radio. The most difficult part of the entire operation was installation of this component. First, Metra's website didn't cover the model year of our Sentra (2018). Eventually, I learned that the 2017 instructions worked and that Metra simply hadn't yet tested enough 2018 models to feel comfortable putting it on their website--fair enough. Even when I found working instructions, they were poorly written and laid out, almost to the point of being impenetrable. Metra should really consider hiring a professional to improve their documentation. Fortunately, a couple of calls to Metra's tech support--even available on weekends!!--answered all of my questions. They were patient, helpful, and encouraging, giving me the confidence to take on and complete the install. Metra's tech support is genuinely excellent. I only wish their documentation was half as good. One thing Metra recommended which I did NOT do was splice directly into the car's radio harness behind the plug. That would have required peeling back insulation to splice in-line to the bare wire without cutting, and then soldering the new connections *inside the dash*. As I said, my soldering skills are pretty rudimentary and I was not confident that I could easily solder such small connections inside the dash cavity without damaging something else. Instead I used Posi-Taps to tap the two cables behind the plug without cutting or soldering. While Metra warned me that taps wouldn't work, I had seen other installers use them on YouTube. Even Crutchfield's tutorial video used them! In the end, they worked perfectly and I spared myself the tricky soldering and possibly damaging the factory radio harness. Overall, though it was a bit of a challenge I'm glad I took it on.

The aswc-1 is the best at what it does. That is, there is no better steering wheel controls wiring kit that works on as many cars and radios. There is no other kit (that I know of) that can be manually programmed to essentially work with any radio. I was even able to get this working on my Chinese Android radio, the Atoto A6 Pro. (no small task). For that reason, I give it an overall 4 stars. If you have an obscure radio (or some Chinese Android radio) this is the wiring kit you need. If you have a common radio (kenwood, pioneer, etc.) and a common car the aswc-1 works really well. With it's manual radio detection, it will find your radio by itself. However, trouble-shooting can be VERY difficult if things don’t automatically work. (that’s the reason for the 4 stars). **HOW TO CONNECT TO THE ATOTO A6** *DO NOT use the 3.5mm Female input (SWC IR-WIRELESS Steering Wheel Key Control Port) on the back of the Atoto A6 Pro. This port does not work for some reason. 1. Download the vehicle specific instructions for your car, as well as the "Axxess Steering Wheel Control Interface Installation Manual" from axxessinterfaces(dot com). 2. Follow the vehicle specific instructions to first connect the AWSC-1 to your car. **Connections to the Radio** 1. The ASWC-1 includes a female 3.5mm connector with a brown and brown/white wire coming out. Use this to connect to the Atoto’s Steering Wheel Key(+) and Steering Wheel Key#(+) wires. 2. Connect the "Steering Wheel Key+” wire of the Atoto A6 to the Brown/White wire of Axxess ASWC-1, connect the "Steering WheelKey#+” wire of the Atoto A6 to the Brown wire of Axxess ASWC-1 3. Plug the male 3.5 mm jack FROM THE ASWC-1, into the female 3.5 mm jack that you wired up in step 2. 4. The ASWC-1 will not auto detect the Atoto A6. (no problem) 5. Follow the instructions from page 12 of the "Axxess Steering Wheel Control Interface Installation Manual" to change your radio type. 6. The Atoto A6 will respond to "Visteon" radio controls. (Visteon is radio type 8). 7. Once you've set the aswc-1, go to your radio. 8. From the radio navigate to: Settings>Default settings>Steering wheel program. 9. Once at the screen press "Reset". 10. Then press any key value, it will begin to flash. 11. Finally press one of the buttons on your steering wheel, the flashing on your radio will stop and a triangular symbol will appear on the key. this indicates the key means has been successfully programmed. repeat steps 10 and 11 until you have programed all the steering wheel control buttons.

When installing a BOSS Audio Systems BVB9358RC in the wife's Ford Excursion, we wanted to be able to retain the use of the steering wheel controls. I called BOSS Audio to ask what they recommended and they pointed me to the Axxess ASWC-1. Following the wiring diagram and instructions were clear and simple enough. When first powering everything up using the auto detect mode it recognized the car and new radio and worked without any extra effort. It all felt so magical. The volume up / down, next track button, and mode selection all functioned as they should on the radio. Fast forward almost exactly a year later and the ASWC-1 started having issues. The volume down button ceased working altogether and sometimes the next track button would function like the mode button if it were working at all. Luckily, I had installed the ASWC-1 module where it could be easily accessed from the fuse panel. I tried a simple reset with the auto detect mode, and found that did not restore functionality to the volume down button. So I went through the manual programming mode and was able to reconfigure all of the buttons, and now they are all again working as they should. I shudder to think of if I'd installed the ASWC-1 in a more inaccessible location, possibly having to remove the dashboard or uninstall the radio, going through the reset process would not have been so simple. Something to keep in mind when using this product. Otherwise, it's been great.

I spent days researching Metra's website and their YouTube channel [...] to know if this product will work or no. I spent time with the online product expert as well to make sure I do not spend time and money on a product that may not be worth it. After all my due diligence I bought this along with the Dash Kit (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016VENCIU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) It should work? Right? There were no sufficient instructions in the manual, so my installer called Metra while installing and spent 2 hours with them on phone. He installed it as per their instructions. Viola! It was installed. BUT IT DID NOT WORK. There are issues at so many levels with this product. 1) The rear AC cannot be controlled with the dash kit. 2) The customer care give different answers every time you call them. a) When I called them first time they said I have to give them the part number which is under the box. To give it to them, I have to uninstall the kit and pay the installer for it. After that Metra will tell me if I have to do a firmware upgrade for it or no. b) When I called them second time I told them I do not have part number, and I have the issues with AC, they said that update the firmware. I asked them, why they did not tell this to my installer while he was on the call when installation was being done? They had no answer. c) I called them third time to tell them about rear AC issues. To my surprise, this time they tell me that the rear AC is not supposed to work by the kit buttons. It should be controlled manually by the rear passenger. I said that this kit says auto AC control and does not say only for front. Metra told me, neither does it say for front and rear. WOW! What a play on words. d) On the same call, I told them my steering wheel controls do not work despite buying the AXXESS Interface control. He said that it won't work with my radio (Kenwood DNX573S) as that is not compatible. I said why I was not told that when I called you to check the compatibility? They had no answer. Also, in the Youtube link above, they do say that the steering wheel controls will work for Nissan Pathfinder 2013. I am highly disappointed with the product as well as customer service. They do not have knowledge to make their product work. I have to pay to get this uninstalled and send it back to them. I wish I had not purchased it. BEWARE! Make 100% sure before you buy it.

The ASWC-1 website said that the unit was untested in the 2014 MX-5, but I figured it'd be the same as the 2013 and took a gamble. I'm glad I did. I was able to retain steering wheel controls with this unit and my Pioneer AVH-X2600BT. It couldn't have been easier on the Pioneer unit - simple 3 wire install (switched 12V - I used the red wire on the Pioneer harness, ground - used the black wire on the Pioneer harness, and one signal wire to the stock MX-5 harness - had to tap one of the wires on the car side of the harness). That's pretty much it. There is a small TRS plug that plugs straight in to the back of the Pioneer unit and you'e done. I was able to de-pin all of the unused wires on the Metra plug by simply tugging them out. The install is clean, with minimal wires. I would recommend not trying to fumble through the books that came with this thing. If you go to the ASWC-1 website and ASWC-1 Vehicle Fit Guide in the top menu, you can put in your exact year, make, and model, and will give you easy to follow instructions with color illustrations for what you need to do. After wiring the unit up I turned the car on, it blinked just like the instructions said it would for about 20 seconds (series of greed and red LED blinks) and then it was done, and worked great! The initial programming only has to happen the first time, you don't have to wait for it every time you turn the car on. I wondered if it'd be worth it to get this unit vs just saying "screw it" and dealing with a bunch of dead steering wheel controls. I'm glad I decided to go for it. ALL of my buttons work - volume up down, mute, source select, next and previous for radio and CD tracks, etc. Awesome product!

I'm super OCD about some things, and buttons that DON'T DO ANYTHING, is one of them... If you're anything like me, or just want the convenience and safety of keeping both hands on the wheel, then I highly recommend this - even if the price IS slightly outrageous. It delivers on it's purpose, accurately and effectively, in an intuitive and unique way. I was quite disappointed when I found out that this isn't (fully) included in Metra's $200 dash kits, even though they DO come with the Axxess wiring harness pre-wired (I got one for my 2008 Mazda 6 ), just not the circuit-board box... Like, what?!... But hey, these guys have a veritable monopoly in this market, so they can pretty much do whatever they feel like... Do NOT buy their "proprietary" micro-USB cable that they tell you you NEED in order to update the firmware, though. Don't. Just use any old micro-USB cable (you know, one of those things you charge your phone with). Obviously, you need a computer with an available USB port for this as well, and the proper programs which you will find a link to in the instructions... If you're like me and got one of their dash kits, then like I said, the wiring harness that you installed with that should already have a pre-wired ASWC-1 harness on it, so all you really need from this is the little circuit-board box. So just update the firmware, plug it in, and throw away the rest (yeah, Metra doesn't care about the environment)... If you DON'T have a dash kit with a pre-wired harness, visit the Axxess website to find specific wiring directions for your exact vehicle (basic soldering skills and common sense recommended)... Once that's done, it's time to find a good spot to mount it that's both out-of-the-way yet accessible enough so you can pull it out with minimal stress and effort, should something go wrong. Thankfully, the box is small enough to be mounted discreetly (I used some Velcro strips to secure it up under the passenger-side dash). All said and done, I wish I didn't need it, but I'm glad that I bought it. This is an all-around great little device and a literal must-have if you want your steering wheel to be fully functional again.

I thought this was going to be a lot more involved as far as installation. 2005 silverado..with jvc stereo. Looks like a lot of work being that there are like 12 wires. I believe I only needed to use 4. One for constant power. One for switched power. One for ground. And one that goes to the orange (for this model) I soldered the ground, the 2 power wires, and the pink to orange (for silverado). Then after, you plug the wire with the 3.5 mm connector directly into the head unit. Their website will tell you which communication wire to use, in my case pink, and the wire to connect to, In my case orange. The website had an actual photo of my connector in the dash, with an arrow pointing to the pin position of the orange wire to connect to. You will also want to download the .pdf that shows the led codes, and some troubleshooting options. Programming is fairly straight forward...turn the key to acc. position, push the reset button on the little " brain" box and watch the flashing led. If connected correctly, the 1st series of flashes tell you which communication wire that's connected (in my case pink). The 2nd series tells what stereo it is finding. If the stereo indicator is correct, push the volume up button..if the volume goes up, you're finished. In my case, it kept saying I had a kenwood head but mine is jvc..that's basically an error code telling you it's not finding your stereo. With jvc, instead of direct connecting the 3.5mm connector directly to the head unit, you have to hardwire a female 3.5 adapter (supplied) to the head unit, and that's what you plug into. After that it worked perfect. There is also an extra green wire supplied that is used to connect the head unit to the parking brake system so when the parking brake is engaged, you can watch DVD, or YouTube or whatever video you choose if your head unit allows. This to insure that the video can only be played while not in motion. Overall it been a great purchase, it's nice to be able to use my steering wheel controls again. As laborious or time consuming as it sounds, the installation really is quite easy.

Easy for the DIY installer or the professional, works on my 2006 Jeep KJ Liberty

Pain to find the wire diagram but once I figured it out, the results are great. Added to my 2010 Tahoe and I'm adding a picture of what you need. Pin 13 is a dark green wire and I used the pink wire from this kit to connect. All I needed after that was ground, acc power and the brown wire from the female plug to my Kenwood deck. Fantastic! The diagram should work for any full size 07-13 GM

Excelente producto y cumple con su función, si cambias de estéreo en tu coche y quieres conservar los controles al volante y quieres una opción no especifica que siempre suelen ser mucho más caras esta es la opción segura. No es extremadamente difícil de instalar solo hay que saber que se está haciendo y que cables conectar, pero en la página del proveedor vienen manuales bastante claros del procedimiento paso a paso, además al ser actualizable es casi seguro que sea compatible. Solo en ocasiones al prenderse no reconoce el estéreo y no habilita la función, solo es cosa de volver a prender el coche o apagar el estéreo para que se reinicie y todo correcto.

Amazing.. Loved it! Works exactly how youd expect it to. Easy to install , Its a LITTLE bit tricky to manually program for the few cars that dont support the automatic programming but none the less well worth it. Took me about an hour all up to install into my BA Falcon and it retains my original steeringwheel controls very well. Amazing product and well worth it 5 stars Hands down, worth buying for sure! For those who are skeptical. Just buy it and it'll be the answer your looking for! Thank you

This steering wheel adaptor was purchased for an aftermarket radio. The radio was purchased from Witson for a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The aftermarket radio was not on the list of manufacturers known to work with the steering wheel adapter. However, through trial and error I found that the head unit responded to the codes used for the Eclipse (Type 2) head unit. The firmware update was very straight forward via download of their software from the site to my tablet and using a USB cable from the tablet to the device. I did have some difficulties with the installation at first as I was getting what I eventually found out through Google searching was the error code. This is when the LED on the unit flashes slowly between red and green. It took a few tries with programming and verifying wiring. It should be noted that I had to disconnect the USB cable and turn off/on the ignition then hold my volume up button until the unit recognized the vehicle for each trial of the head unit. The wiring information provided in the manual supplied by Axxess was spot on. I had even referred to the wiring schematic from the vehicles wiring diagrams but ultimately it was the Axxess manual that was correct. The manual could be written a little more clearly but we also have to keep in mind the people who wrote it knew how to use it. The downloaded instructions "for my vehicle" threw me off a bit as it had conflicting information from the manuals that came with the packaging. I almost gave it four stars because of this. The steering wheel controls now work perfectly with the head unit so I give it a five star rating. While this may seem expensive it is well worth it to regain full functionality.