steering wheel controls

[CombatCQB]

I was looking over the service manual and it had a section about steering wheel audio controls. Anyone know if we can order the parts to fit the US ones? Do we need a whole new steering wheel with it pre installed?

[gtguy]

If it doesn't have it, you can't put it on. T'would be very difficult.

Kevin

[brady_bunch]

I would agree with gtguy's comments. I say get a whole new steering wheel with the controls pre-installed. Just swap out your airbag unit and you should be set. Wiring may be interesting if it is not already prewired from the stereo to the steering column, though.

[OBH6UK]

Just a though, I have a Blaupunkt head unit with IR remote that fits on the steering wheel. Not as tidy as a factory option but a possible solution.

[jdkobe]

I looked into the audio controls and your parts department can order these for you. I have sport shift in that area now, and I really don't find myself using sport shift on the stearing wheel - so I thought about changing them out.. but I'm not sure if the radio harness is in place so I could just plug and play once I got the old controls off the wheel - anyone know if radio harness connector is there for the radio in steering wheel, if it came with sport shift?

[IwannaSportSedan]

does anyone with an outback have pics of these mythical controls? The only ones with controls are the ones with the mahogany inlaid wheel. I am wondering if the controls are on the sportshift panels, on the backs of them, or if they are on the wheel side of the 3-9-o'clock spokes? It all depends as to what parts to swap...

The LLBean Outback has the controls, plus the non-mp3 stereo, where the VDC has the wheel and the MP3 stereo. I would think that it should work on Outbacks and XTs, as well as all Legacies, as long as the wiring harness is still in the steering column.

[thespeter]

Cool! I know some answers here!

1) The steering wheel with the stereo controls has to be ordered as unit (at least for now) according to the parts department of the Subaru dealership in which I work. Airbag pods do not come with the wheel, thank God.

2) The techs tell me that the steering column is already wired for the stereo controls--just plug and play, baby.

3) The stereo control pods for the 6-cyl models replace the sport shift pods on the GTs.

I'm still trying to find out if there is a JDM black leather wheel with the controls that I might track down, because I want one BAD! Anybody got a lead out there?

[sadrs]

so your saying that all i would have to do is buy a staering wheel with control and replace it with mine and it should just plug in and work?


Cool! I know some answers here!

1) The steering wheel with the stereo controls has to be ordered as unit (at least for now) according to the parts department of the Subaru dealership in which I work. Airbag pods do not come with the wheel, thank God.

2) The techs tell me that the steering column is already wired for the stereo controls--just plug and play, baby.

3) The stereo control pods for the 6-cyl models replace the sport shift pods on the GTs.

I'm still trying to find out if there is a JDM black leather wheel with the controls that I might track down, because I want one BAD! Anybody got a lead out there?

[Monkeyshack]

How much for the new steering wheel? I think I saw one on ebay for ~$500 can you confirm?

[melayout]

Is it possible to just replace one shift pod on the 5EAT GT, with the volume control pod and leave the other shift pod intact ?

[thespeter]

sadrs--Yes, that's really all there is to it! Amazing, isn't it?

Monkeyshack--It's been a bit since I've checked, but I remember an employee price of $650 or so for the LL Bean wheel (as in wood and stereo buttons). I would imagine retail would be closer to $750-800, but that's a guess. I will try to remember to double check tomorrow at work...

melayout--I think that should work, but I'm not really an authority on it. I will ask a couple techs and see what they think. I do know for a fact that ALL of the wiring for these options has been on EVERY Legacy/Outback we have removed the steering wheel from. And that count has climbed significantly since I last posted. It seems that people can't wait to faceplant them into things...only STi's are more frequent.

[Monkeyshack]

cool thanks.

[thespeter]

Monkeyshack--I was a bit off on the prices for the wheel: the retail is like $350. The number I was remembering was my employee price for both wheels. Hopefully, I din't throw you off too far...

melayout--I spoke with the techs, and they said (after much boohooing and shaking their heads) they doubted it. When pressed, though, every fact says that there shouldn't be a problem. The connectors are specifically wired for each control according to the service manual's wiring diagram. It took nearly two hours of poring over the manual to provide you with this particular fact ;). I think they are just skeptical because Subaru has done such a great job of minimizing the wiring. I'm afraid the only way to know for sure is to actually do it. I would give it a 90% chance of success. Luckily, the button pods can now be purchased individually for $85 or so--way better than buying a new wheel, don't you agree?

[Boulderguy]

After I discovered that the shift buttons on the wheel work in the normal driving mode as well as sport, I use them a lot more now. If you didn't know this, it let's you shift manually in normal mode as needed, then takes over again once you let off the gas, then re-apply. It's in the owner's manual. I use it for quick manuvers in traffic or decellerating down hills when I don't want to deal with constantly shifting in sport mode.
If they didn't do this, I'd probably be glad to jettison them for radio controls instead.

[tigerpawGT]

thespeter -- you didn't happen to get the part number(s) for the button pads?

[thespeter]

tigerpawGT--I have set my cell phone alarm to remind me to get the part numbers for you. Now pray I can get online on Saturday to send them your way... ;-)

[thespeter]

tigerpawGT -- according to our parts department, the part number for the button pods is #34325AG000. I am qualifying this just a little because the description on the quote receipt says "switch spt" which makes me wonder if that is the number for the sport shift buttons and not the stereo buttons. I didn't notice until just now, so I'll have to bother them again to find out which is which (I get the feeling I'm starting to wear out my welcome with asking all these questions ;-). Also, the retail price quoted was $97.52.

[tigerpawGT]

thespeter,
Thanks for taking on the leg work for this. I've always been disappointed that the LGT didn't have stereo controls on the wheel. For me having redundant sport shift buttons seemed like a waste since I'm ok with using left or right pads.
Also, I was wondering if the part # you found turns out to be for the sport shift pad, maybe the part # we need is for the Outback LLBean(?). I think someone earlier in this thread confirmed that they have the stereo control pad.

[dskelto]

The USDM Spec B looks like it will have the steering wheel stereo controls. Hopefully the parts will be available for purchase individually. I would love to add the steering wheel stero controls and Spec B wheels to my wagon.

[*Jedimaster*]

I wouldn't want to buy a whole new wheel, but it would be neat to rig it up to work with something else, like if you press the cruise button twice it does the audio. Yeah, talkin' out my ass again :lol:

[thespeter]

TigerpawGT -- I've forgotten to check on the LLBean buttons so far, but I should get that info soon.:rolleyes:

dskelto -- I'm with you on upgrading my wagon with Spec B bits: I am especially interested to see what suspension parts they put on it. Also, the rumors I've heard on the car say it has the 6-cyl engine which up to now hasn't had a stickshift available, so it may not have the stereo controls either in favor of the boring shifter buttons. :( I hope my logic is off...

jedimaster -- I think the double feature buttons is a dream never to be realized on this car because these are traditional mechanical/electronic controls as opposed to the increasingly common computer-controlled ones. I'm personally very thankful for that. And BTW, if your avatar is any indication, I would avoid talking out yer ass if possible. :lol:

[trabbic]

bump / subscribed

Any new info on this? Spec B steering wheel?, I am sure it is not available yet, but it looks to be perfect.

How about sourcing one from Japan, is there any writing on the controls?

Thanks guys...

[trabbic]

Bumpity Bump

[thespeter]

Hey trabbic -- still no official anything on the Spec B. The rumor mills are still debating which engine it has, for crying out loud! The most likely scenario at the moment is the 6-cyl with a stickshift, which means that we can finally order the steering wheel we want. Whenever Subaru gets around to making up a part number for it, anyway...

[trabbic]

Cool, thanks! And keep us up to date on the latest!

[cschneider]

thespeter,
Do you have the part # for the LL bean steering wheel?

[trabbic]

Or better yet the Spec B steering wheel? And perhaps an estimated price?

[cschneider]

Is the Spec B wheel just a GT limited with the audio controls instead of the shift controls? If I understand this thread correctly, you can make an audio control wheel out of the automatic wheel.

[BDII]

Is the Spec B wheel just a GT limited with the audio controls instead of the shift controls? If I understand this thread correctly, you can make an audio control wheel out of the automatic wheel.

Im pondering wether or not I want to order the spec B steering wheel, i really like having the controls on the wheel

[cschneider]

I thought someone was looking into having one side for the stereo controls and one side for shifting.

[BDII]

yeah... this thread kind died, but know that the spc B is available we should be able to order the wheel. the rest is just connecting some wires.

[trabbic]

I found the LL Bean wheel on a parts website (https://www.subarugenuineparts.com/oe_parts_cat.html)

They wanted 310 dollars for it, but since I don't want the look of the LL Bean wheel, I would also have to buy an automatic steering wheel to swap out the switches, I can't find a price for it, but I assume its at least 250 dollars. So it is not worth the money right now. (+$560)

The parts catalog on that site does not have the 06 parts yet, so no prices on the Spec B wheel.

Is there anyone that can get the prices for this wheel?

[cschneider]

Trabbic,
I saw the wheel on there too. Call me crazy, but I really like the look of the fake wood wheel (let the flames begin). The price for the automatic wheel from them is $235. I think I'm probably going to get the LL Bean wheel and swap it out with my automatic wheel. If all goes well I will have an automatic wheel looking for a home.

[TSi+WRX]

Question - Won't you guys need a different roll connector as well? Or are provisions made for that with the "new"/replacement steering-wheel assembly?

Is there further wiring to be concerned about between the roll-connector and (where-ever under the dash that this would connect to), as well?

From reading this thread's earlier posts, the "rumor" is that this will be plug-and-play, but with estimated success rated at 80-90%, well....that's still somewhat disconcerting....

Has anyone with an automatic or with audio controls have any pictures of at least having the vehicle's steering wheel off the column, exposing the roll-connector?

[BDII]

man, what the hell is wrong with SOA? they need to do a wireless set up for the audio controls. Sony has had one out for 15 years alreadY!!!!

[tigerpawGT]

I've looked at the OE parts catalog before and saw that for the Outback you can get the switches for the auto trans vehicles, but two switch parts are shown, one for the 2.5 turbo and another for the 3.0L. They have different prices also. Does anyone know what the differences could be, because I thought all the auto trans vehicles had the sport shift buttons on the wheel.

[trabbic]

Trabbic,
I saw the wheel on there too. Call me crazy, but I really like the look of the fake wood wheel (let the flames begin). The price for the automatic wheel from them is $235. I think I'm probably going to get the LL Bean wheel and swap it out with my automatic wheel. If all goes well I will have an automatic wheel looking for a home.

No way man! To each his own.... That is why I posted that it was available, so if some crazy person liked the wood he could get it. :lol: Just joking with you, if i had a taupe interior I would probably get the LL Bean and love the wood.

After re-reading the above posts, I think that this should work as a plug-in-play. The guys at my service department are cool enough that i could order the part and if it didn't work return it.

I looked up the part number listed earlier on in this thread and that part comes back with the description:

34325AG000 $75.60$0.00$54.89Steering wheel - Steering wheel and trim - Switch - Auto trans
Auto trans - 2.5 liter turbo 2005

So I assume that this is the part number for the auto switches, NOT the radio controls.

[trabbic]

I've looked at the OE parts catalog before and saw that for the Outback you can get the switches for the auto trans vehicles, but two switch parts are shown, one for the 2.5 turbo and another for the 3.0L. They have different prices also. Does anyone know what the differences could be, because I thought all the auto trans vehicles had the sport shift buttons on the wheel.

The Outback with the 3.0L is the LL Bean most likely and those auto cars come with steering wheel radio controls. The ones for the turbo are the sportshift buttons

Do you have the part numbers for the ones with the 3.0L?

[PhiTauFord]

After I discovered that the shift buttons on the wheel work in the normal driving mode as well as sport, I use them a lot more now. If you didn't know this, it let's you shift manually in normal mode as needed, then takes over again once you let off the gas, then re-apply. It's in the owner's manual. I use it for quick manuvers in traffic or decellerating down hills when I don't want to deal with constantly shifting in sport mode.
If they didn't do this, I'd probably be glad to jettison them for radio controls instead.

I had no idea!

[cschneider]

Once I get the wheel I should be able to pull the part numbers for the audio controls right off the part. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this all works out.

[trabbic]

Once I get the wheel I should be able to pull the part numbers for the audio controls right off the part. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this all works out.

That would be awesome! Did you order it already?

[TSi+WRX]

So, basically, what you guys are saying is that this should just connect to the remaining open plug/slot on our (5MT) roll connector....correct?

The following pic is from a previous post of mine:

http://legacygt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=8615

That's my picture of the 5MT roll-connector - what I'm speaking of would be the un-used slot to the left of the green connector.

Again, I pose the question - anyone with either an auto or a Spec.B pop off their steering wheel?

Please forgive my skepticism, brothers, but I just want to look into this as best I can - and no insult meant to the mentioned "service tech.," but being a Forum member, we all know how often they're wrong when it comes to our LGTs. ;)

[ScoobyLife]

Anyone going to try this? The Spec B wheel would be a great addition if it works.

[mvigneau]

The following pic is from a previous post of mine:

http://legacygt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=8615



What post is that from? did you show how to take apart the steering wheel? i would like to take a look at that...

[trabbic]

Thanks for the PIC...

TSi+WRX, the left most plug is for your cruise control, I am almost positive after reading your post where that pic came from. (Very helpful post, BTW)

I was able to determine that the Auto shift buttons share/use the same wires for lighting and ground (makes sense). The Radio satellite buttons just have one extra control wire. The radio controls should plug into the same place as the sport shift buttons.

I could not find any pictures of a steering wheel from an automatic that has been removed. But my THEORY is that those buttons (and therefore the radio buttons), plug into the green connector in your picture there. NOW, I could be way off here, but I think that is it.

In fact on page ET-15, in the troubleshooting steps for the radio controls, it shows a picture of the wiring (but of course not wiring harness id numbers) in that picture you can clearly see that the steering wheel shown is one with sport shift, not radio controls, yet the pins they tell you to check are the same.

OK here is the information I collected:

All steering wheel controls (radio, sport shift, cruise and horn) go through harness connector B68, i believe that this resides BEHIND the roll connector.

UPDATE:

After extensive research (taking apart half the car), I have bad news. It seems as though that the wires necessary for the steering wheel controls (for either the sport shift, or stereo) are not in my car (a limited GT MT).

The B68 harness only has the cruise control, and horn are the only wires. In addition the Roll connector harness only has the necessary wires coming off of it as well.

So in order to install the controls, I think we will AT LEAST need the roll connector off of a LL Bean (3.0L according to the vacation pix), and the steering wheel. Then we will have to connect the wire ourselves to the stereo.

The good news about this is that there are only 2 cables necessary to get the controls functioning, for illumination you may need to connect two more.

[TSi+WRX]

mvigneau - :) http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?p=251590#post251590 :)

trabbic - Doh! That's absolutely correct...I totally forgot that a white-ended harness plugged into that "empty" spot I showed in the above pic. Duh! :) Thanks for spotting my mistake!

Sorry to hear that it looks like this is a more complicated (and expensive) project, with the need of a replacement roll-connector. :( Still, I do wish y'all best-of-luck on this most interesting and functional retrofit!

[andrew.anderson]

Steering wheel audio controls would be great if tey integrate well.. I am not sure I want to pay that much though.

[Leonardo]

I wouldn't mind installing this if we get a" Ok, this is what is needed for the install" thread

[andrew.anderson]

I wouldn't mind installing this if we get a" Ok, this is what is needed for the install" thread

You aren't willing to purchase the controls install (or attempt to install) them on your car and then take the lead on the " This is what we need thread..."??? :)

[BDII]

You aren't willing to purchase the controls install (or attempt to install) them on your car and then take the lead on the " This is what we need thread..."??? :)

Im thinkin about it. Im to lazy to search for the part number


im gonna get these guys to help me install it. www.nhcaraudio.com (http://www.nhcaraudio.com)

[cschneider]

I ordered the LL Bean steering wheel last week. Should arrive sometime soon and I will post my results. I understand from this thread however that those who do not have the automatics may be in a little different boat.

[TSi+WRX]

Best of luck, cschneider - please keep us informed! :)

[BDII]

After extensive research (taking apart half the car), I have bad news. It seems as though that the wires necessary for the steering wheel controls (for either the sport shift, or stereo) are not in my car (a limited GT MT).

The B68 harness only has the cruise control, and horn are the only wires. In addition the Roll connector harness only has the necessary wires coming off of it as well.

So in order to install the controls, I think we will AT LEAST need the roll connector off of a LL Bean (3.0L according to the vacation pix), and the steering wheel. Then we will have to connect the wire ourselves to the stereo.

The good news about this is that there are only 2 cables necessary to get the controls functioning, for illumination you may need to connect two more.


ok, so what your saying is that there is no way to use the exisisting roll connector to run the stereo controls? if not, than we have to get a roll connector, which is probably a $300 part in itself because its probably part of tree/steering column. Aside from ordering the LL bean wheel, which has fake wood (my car doesnt) your looking at an expensive project.

What I was thinking was...
if they can make existing controls on other cars work with after market stereo's why cant they make one like sony does that attaches to the wheel and uses signals like a remote instead of wiring? has anyone heard of this?


Edit:

I just talked to my stereo guy and he told me that he has never heard of an after market control for stock stereo's. so Im gonna start looking into the spec B wheel and roll connectors...

[TSi+WRX]

ok, so what your saying is that there is no way to use the exisisting roll connector to run the stereo controls? if not, than we have to get a roll connector, which is probably a $300 part in itself because its probably part of tree/steering column. Aside from ordering the LL bean wheel, which has fake wood (my car doesnt) your looking at an expensive project.


Until brother trabbic comes back - I believe that this is indeed what he's saying....that at the very least, we'll need the roll connector off the control-integrated specific LGT/Outback models, and then will still have to somehow ourselves connect the wiring to our stock headunits.

[BDII]

Until brother trabbic comes back - I believe that this is indeed what he's saying....that at the very least, we'll need the roll connector off the control-integrated specific LGT/Outback models, and then will still have to somehow ourselves connect the wiring to our stock headunits.

wiring it into the stereo should be the easy part. As far as I know all the radios should be the same. I think it just plugs up.

[TSi+WRX]

^ :) Strange, I was just thinking that the roll-connector would be the easier part :lol: - guess that tells you how many steering wheels I've pulled in the past, huh, bruddah? :lol:

[cschneider]

A roll connector for my BMW cost about $100, I would be shocked if the part from subaru were more expensive. The Bean steering wheel was $300 and I would think that would be the most expensive part. We'll see when it gets here I guess. I'm just hoping the automatic has everything there already.

[BDII]

^ :) Strange, I was just thinking that the roll-connector would be the easier part :lol: - guess that tells you how many steering wheels I've pulled in the past, huh, bruddah? :lol:

From what i remember the actual wiring, just plugs into the stereo. the roll connector should mount on with ease.

[TSi+WRX]

mount on with ease. :lol:

Sorry, had to do it. This thread was getting way too serious. :lol:

Carry on, folks. :)

[Brady]

where will this actual wiring "plug into" the stereo? when I installed my VDC head unit, I didn't see any unused plugs/sockets for anything else to plug in. At the time, I was under the impression that the wiring was already in place for the wheel controls, but now I'm thinking there may be splicing involved with the main harness to get these to work, but I really don't know.

[TSi+WRX]

^ I've got no idea - that's one part of hte vehicle I never messed with ....not an audiophile.......

[BDII]

:lol:

Sorry, had to do it. This thread was getting way too serious. :lol:

Carry on, folks. :)

:lol::lol::lol:
:lol:

Has anyone pulled the HU on a LGT with steer controls and looked to see where and how it connects to the actual HU?

[trabbic]

Until brother trabbic comes back - I believe that this is indeed what he's saying....that at the very least, we'll need the roll connector off the control-integrated specific LGT/Outback models, and then will still have to somehow ourselves connect the wiring to our stock headunits.

Exactly, Roll connector and Steering wheel w/controls. Does anyone know how much the roll connector is? 100 dollars sounds pretty good, less would be better...

How hard is the roll connector to replace? I have done this exact same thing with my Ford Focus, it was pretty easy because the controls actually mounted on the steering wheel column, so I did not have to worry about the roll connector. I had to feed wires from the controls to the stereo.

[Brady]

Bu11dogg2 - that is my exact concern. I have the head unit from the VDC which most definitely has steering wheel controls, and I was expecting to have at least one extra connection in the rear from my stock head unit, but side by side, the rear was identical. I can't figure out where the plug would be. Furthermore, the L.L. Bean also has steering wheel controls, but does not play MP3, so identical to the stock LGT unit, but again, I see no room for someone to just plug in the controls. I think we're missing something else that will again complicate the install. :(

It would be nice to get and L.L. Bean and a GT side by side and see if any of the wiring differs. I was hopeful to find a way to pull this off initially, but now I'm just not so sure.

[TSi+WRX]

Exactly, Roll connector and Steering wheel w/controls. Does anyone know how much the roll connector is? 100 dollars sounds pretty good, less would be better...

How hard is the roll connector to replace? I have done this exact same thing with my Ford Focus, it was pretty easy because the controls actually mounted on the steering wheel column, so I did not have to worry about the roll connector. I had to feed wires from the controls to the stereo.

^ I actually could not get Winky's roll-connector to properly release from the column. I actually almost ended up unrolling my roll-connector! :( Not cool :eek: , and not recommended. :lol:

What I can tell you, positively, is that it's *_NOT_* done by opening the tabs that I illustrate in the previously cited picture:

http://legacygt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=8615

That picture of mine shows me right before I proceeded to nearly unroll my roll-connector. :icon_tong

This was probably just me being totally stupid, though, as I've had absolutely no problems installing many aftermarket steering wheels on airbag-equipped 2G DSMs, which also use, of course, a roll-connector.

Truthfully,these Scooby's must have some kind of trick that I just couldn't figure out, given that the Vacation Pix did not cover roll connector removal. On DSMs, they just lift right off the column.....

[BDII]

Bu11dogg2 - that is my exact concern. I have the head unit from the VDC which most definitely has steering wheel controls, and I was expecting to have at least one extra connection in the rear from my stock head unit, but side by side, the rear was identical. I can't figure out where the plug would be. Furthermore, the L.L. Bean also has steering wheel controls, but does not play MP3, so identical to the stock LGT unit, but again, I see no room for someone to just plug in the controls. I think we're missing something else that will again complicate the install. :(

It would be nice to get and L.L. Bean and a GT side by side and see if any of the wiring differs. I was hopeful to find a way to pull this off initially, but now I'm just not so sure.
http://legacygt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=8615 ok so the harness is there, but the wiring is not... is that what i see?
could it be a splitter plug? if so you have to either splice it in or buy the rest of the harness. Unless........ subaru put the the harness in from the steering column back on all models, just not the roll connector.

Someone has to know this? where is the guy that sucessfully put in an after market HU? I bet he knows where it plugs in.

this is my prediction for what is needed:
1. the wiring Male/female end (wheel to HU)
2. the Spec B wheel (for MT owners) or the controls (for auto users)
3. insight on where it plugs in to the stereo

total cost....... I wanna say $400-$500 worth it to me

[Brady]

Well, my hope would be that the wiring is already there, but no roll connector, but I have a feeling that it won't be the case. Case in point, a lot of wiring is pre existing in our cars from things like the heated seats between the 2.5i and the 2.5GT ... but those are both "Legacies" but the steering wheel controls are only found on Outbacks ... and only on Automatics at that. I think/fear there are probably enough differences between the cars that the wiring won't already be there. :(

[BDII]

http://legacygt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=8615 ok, the yellow wires are the cruise, the blue the Horn? look next to the blue, empty slot. the yellow splits in two, anyone know is it in vacation?

[Brady]

I see that empty slot too. Looks like you could just plug another connector in there. Hopefully this is all it takes.

Fingers crossed.

[trabbic]

http://legacygt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=8615 ok, the yellow wires are the cruise, the blue the Horn? look next to the blue, empty slot. the yellow splits in two, anyone know is it in vacation?

All the wires in the Yellow band are for the Airbag.

the wires for the steering wheel controls (stereo and auto) use (replace?) the green connector.

Now as far as the back of the stereo, as far as I can tell from this pic:

http://www.stimpco.com/coppermine/displayimage.php?album=46&pos=22

The wires entering the stereo are there, Violet with White stripe, and Orange with White stripe. Plug i85

Those are the control wires for the satellite radio controls according the the Vacation Pix.

I think this is doable, to start we need the wheel and roll connector. Plug everything in and see if it works. I know that this WILL NOT work on an automatic, because the wires feed into different places (TCU). On a manual I don't think it will work because I don't think the body harness has the wires necessary. However I think that we can tap off of the roll connector plug, and run wires to the harness feeding the stereo. Should be pretty straight forward and I am sure it is possible.

[trabbic]

I see that empty slot too. Looks like you could just plug another connector in there. Hopefully this is all it takes.

Fingers crossed.

Not that easy unfortunately, that plug is for the cruise. The green plug will have the wires running into it.

But none of that matters because the roll connector does not have the necessary wires coming off of it, unless you have a 3.0 (according to the Pix). And the wires between the stereo harness and the roll connector are not there (as far as I can tell, in my car), so we will have to put those in (easy ;) )...

[BDII]

OK we got that part out of the way... who is gonna drop the cash ???

the good part is, that it doesnt look like we will need the roll connector. $$$

Im gonna think about it. first and foremost, i need a price for all parts, second, My retarded ass needs directions:lol:

[trabbic]

If I could get the part numbers, i would buy the part after my next check. But I need the numbers from the Spec B. My parts guy is less than helpful in this arena.

If and WHEN I am successful, I will post a HOW TO with pictures and details.

If someone beats me to the punch with the parts I would gladly assist with any support I can give...

[Brady]

Trabbic ... If the wires are already present and running into the rear of the head unit, then where do those wires go to? Do they go to the back of the roll connector, or do they go elsewhere? Does that mean we would need to figure out where to run the wiring from the roll connector to some other unknown destination?

:confused:

[Hanger]

yea i wished i would just spent that extra couple hundreds and get that package, i regret it now ~.~

[trabbic]

Brady, If I am correct... The wires exist on the back of the Stereo. So there are wires in a harness that come off of the stereo and then plug into the Body Integrated Harness, at that location there are no wires.

So:

Steering Wheel Controls------()Roll Connector------()Body Integrated Harness----------()Radio Harness-----()Radio

So ---- are wires and () are plugs.

Obviously this is simplified, but we would need to run wires where the BIH is, once we get the Controls and Roll Connector.

[cschneider]

After doing a little research, I think I may have some preliminary answers. First off, it looks like the clocksprings (roll connectors) are the same for the 5eat and Bean cars. The parts catalog denotes them as being "w/ dynamic control" which I assume means "dynamic" in the sense that it can be either shift or radio controls. It could mean that only VDC enabled cars but the parts show for the legacy 2.5 as well. The wrinkle however is that the steering column is different from the 5eat to the 3.0 Outbacks which include the Bean and VDC which both have the steering wheel controls. This can cut two ways: either you need to replace the column because only the 3.0 has the wiring for the radio, or the columns are different because of the engines. Not really sure on this one. Anyways, the worst case is that you have to replace all three:

LL Bean Wheel 34311AG18AJC 274.88
LL Bean Clockspring 34500AG10A* 189.26
LL Bean Column 83196AG01D* 136.80

*Part numbers didn't bring anything up in search but was able to locate the parts through keyword search.

[thespeter]

Brady---Did you upgrade the stereo to the McIntosh from the VDC and get the wheel stereo controls both?

[TSi+WRX]

All the wires in the Yellow band are for the Airbag.

the wires for the steering wheel controls (stereo and auto) use (replace?) the green connector.


To both brothers Bu11dogg2 and Brady, I do apologize - as brother trabbic so kindly worked through with me in posts 42 through 46, my own poor picture, combined with my own poor recall of my taking off the wheel, led me to believe that initially, that slot (far left in the referenced roll-connector pic) was empty, but indeed, that's for the cruise.

I had somehow managed to take that plug off without remembering to photograph it in-situ. My fault, and I apologize to all for the confusion.

The other connectors are as trabbic cited, too. :)

[trabbic]

in-situ.

Stop using fancy dancy word thingies!!

Just kidding, you come across as the nicest person on this board, you are always polite and nice to noobs who ask "what is stage 1?" No kidding here, you go out of your way to be nice, that says a lot about how you were raised. Now, go tell your mom you just got complimented on your online etiquette, she will be proud.

OK back on topic:

189 for the clockspring... kind of pricey, but still in my range as long at the steering wheel from the Spec B is around 270... What parts we need are confusing from the information we have. Do all LL Bean's have VDC?

thespeter, or cschneider, do either of you have a part number/price for the spec B wheel?

This thread is becoming very informative.

EDIT: after looking, we need 8 wires coming off of the roll connector (not including for the Airbag, which should be in Yellow.)

3 for cruise
1 for horn
2 for Stereo Sat switches
2 for Illumination for Switches

[TSi+WRX]

Stop using fancy dancy word thingies!!

ROFL :lol: --- can't do, bro - I'm cursed with pseudo-scientific words and verbal-diarrhea...too many years behind the keyboard writing scientific papers and such. :lol:


Just kidding, you come across as the nicest person on this board, you are always polite and nice to noobs who ask "what is stage 1?" No kidding here, you go out of your way to be nice, that says a lot about how you were raised. Now, go tell your mom you just got complimented on your online etiquette, she will be proud.

Thankyee - :blush: I don't deserve that kind of praise, bro, I'm just trying to help out others as I've been helped-out myself. I might not know much, but I do try my best to help those who know even less - hopefully with factual and correct information, to-boot. ;)


189 for the clockspring... kind of pricey


Ouch! :( But still, not nearly "pwned" range. :)

I still continue to wish all of you guys attempting this mod the absolute best of luck!

[trabbic]

Searching on the part numbers given above, I get no result for the last part number, but get this for the middle one (clock spring);

34500AG10A $182.40$0.00$132.42Steering column - Steering column assembly - Column assy
Column assy - 3.0 liter 2005

I think that will be what we need...

[trabbic]

TSi+WRX, keep doin' what your doin' then, it is very helpful, and don't be so modest!!!

cschneider, When you get your steering wheel, i would gladly assist you in trying to hook it up, it is possible that the automatic roll connector will have enough wires coming off of it to make it work. Are you located anywhere near Toledo, OH? Otherwise I could assist over the phone or just here on the boards... Any update on the shipping status? be sure to take lots of pictures!!

EDIT: Nevermind, I just saw that you are in SF... My best friend lives out there. Well I would gladly help out from good old Ohio...

[Brady]

I do not have the Macintosh system found in the older (2001-2004) VDC models (or Possibly JDM / AUDM VDC) but I have the 2005 USDM Outback VDC head unit, which only incorporates the MP3 ability in addition to the standard features of the stock head unit. In short, I have the USDM Spec B radio.

No controls were included with my radio, so I've also been considering how to add steering wheel controls for some time, but never got curious enough to do the research some of these boys have already done. :)

[silverfool]

this is why newbies shouldn't attempt mods. I was totally with you guys about the wanting to replace one of the steering wheel modules with a radio controller but then got lost in all the tech jargon. has anyone with a automatic tranny tried to have the dealer do this? i'm not about to fiddle around with crap I don't know about lest I end up like the guy who disabled his AWD...although he did it on purpose.

[trabbic]

this is why newbies shouldn't attempt mods. I was totally with you guys about the wanting to replace one of the steering wheel modules with a radio controller but then got lost in all the tech jargon. has anyone with a automatic tranny tried to have the dealer do this? i'm not about to fiddle around with crap I don't know about lest I end up like the guy who disabled his AWD...although he did it on purpose.

Don't worry, it shouldn't be to difficult, here is a quick rundown of what we think so far you will need and with what steps to do...

Needed:

Tools (known so far):
Phillips Screwdriver
T-25 Torx screwdriver
Socket set
Wire taps
4 feet or so of wire

STEPS:
1. Unplug Battery
2. Remove Airbag (Torx)
3. Unplug Airbag
4. Remove column cover
5. Remove Steering wheel
6. Remove knee pad and lower trim
7. Remove Stereo
8. Unplug and remove Roll connector (this is uncharted territory, so far)
9. Install New Roll Connector
10. Install new Steering wheel
11. Tap wires from roll connector
12. Feed wires to stereo opening.
13. Tap wires into back of stereo.
14. Install everything else back in.

Obviously this is a large overview of what has to happen, there are sure to be more things I am forgetting (or we don't know about yet). but basically you have to connect 2 wires on the roll connector to the color we tell you run them to the stereo and tap them to a couple different colors. Everything else is plug and play.

[PGT]

A roll connector for my BMW cost about $100, I would be shocked if the part from subaru were more expensive. The Bean steering wheel was $300 and I would think that would be the most expensive part. We'll see when it gets here I guess. I'm just hoping the automatic has everything there already.

the LLBean steering wheel has the faux wood at the top, not all leather like the Spec B. I only skimmed through this thread....does anybody have a P/N for an all-leather wheel with controls?

[BDII]

the LLBean steering wheel has the faux wood at the top, not all leather like the Spec B. I only skimmed through this thread....does anybody have a P/N for an all-leather wheel with controls?

the ? has been asked before and no one has been able to find it, yet

[PGT]

I just called my guy...no '06 LGT lists have been sent to dealers yet.

[BDII]

well,
I think this is gonna be my first big project.

[cschneider]

The collision parts guide shows the satellite controls as being a separate part. I would think that both controls are interchangeable with the steering wheel. I'm fine with the faux wood wheel and would gladly sell my automatic wheel to someone looking to add the controls to it. Isn't that basically what the B Spec wheel is? The automatic wheel with radio controls instead of the shifter controls.

[PGT]

yup! I'd like to call dibs if that's the case.

[cschneider]

As an update, I was looking over some vacation photos and had a thought... the clockspring for the VDC is a lot more expensive because it has the steering wheel position sensor in it. Not sure what that means in the scope of things but maybe someone can put the pieces together who has a fresher perspective than I.

[PGT]

the VDC uses it for yaw control...it picks up how much steering input there is

[cschneider]

Let me rephrase... I know what the position sensor does, the question is whether that is the only difference between the VDC and normal clockspring. Basically my reasoning is that if we know the manual cars have a clockspring with no socket for shift controls or stereo, then does it stand to reason that the automatic cars would have a different clockspring? If that's the case, and the parts diagrams only show VDC and non-VDC clocksprings, would that mean that the 5eat cars have the VDC clockspring by default?

I really wish I could go and take my wheel off and make sure but I think I'm going to be stuck in this damn law library for the rest of my natural life!!

[tigerpawGT]

I'd be surprised if the non-VDC vehicle has a clockspring coil with the angle sensor. That's a costly part for Subaru to install by default.

This is killing me know what my automatic wheel has for wiring, and to think I almost picked up a SW puller a couple weeks ago.

[TSi+WRX]

tigerpawGT and others -

Either borrow a puller from your friends, or see if you can do the same from AutoZone (tool loaner program) and the like.

I was completely surprised to see how easily my steering wheel came off the column - seriously, I just lifted it off, no force needed.

Apparently, having worked on older vehicles for most of my late-teen to adult life, I never got the pleasure to work with non-seized bolts/mating surfaces. :lol: Sure, it takes quite a bit of force to pop off the steering wheels of 12+ year-old DSMs, but for our brand-spanking-new LGTs, presto, the sucker just lifts right off!

Getting to those damned friggin Torx screws - rather, aligning them again for re-installation of the wheel - was actually the hardest part of the entire "wheel-off" process! ;)

My referenced post has a quick guide on how to take the wheel off, for anyone who has not had experience in this area. Don't worry, I'd grade it 2 on a scale of 1 to 10 (most difficult), and 1 is simply pulling out the correct tool! :)

[PGT]

yup! I'd like to call dibs if that's the case.

no dibs?? :icon_frow

[trabbic]

About the Clockspring, I think that it might be possible that the Automatic Clocksprings have the necessary wires. My only concern is that we have not been able to find different part numbers for the clocksprings. I will go outside in a second and remove the trim again and try to see better.

The Vacation Pix do not have the colors that all the wires are supposed to be (I can't find any for the steering wheel controls). If someone wants to look, you don't have to remove your airbag or steering wheel to see those wires. I will document the process to check those wires shortly.

And TSi-WRX is correct the bolts on the airbag were a little obstinate.

SYLLABICATION:ob·sti·natePRONUNCIATION (http://www.bartleby.com/61/12.html): http://www.bartleby.com/images/pron.jpg (http://www.bartleby.com/61/wavs/59/O0015900.wav) http://www.bartleby.com/images/pronunciation/obreve.gifbhttp://www.bartleby.com/images/pronunciation/prime.gifsthttp://www.bartleby.com/images/pronunciation/schwa.gif-nhttp://www.bartleby.com/images/pronunciation/ibreve.giftADJECTIVE:1. Stubbornly adhering to an attitude, opinion, or course of action; obdurate. 2. Difficult to manage, control, or subdue; refractory. 3. Difficult to alleviate or cure: an obstinate headache. ETYMOLOGY:Middle English obstinat, from Latin obstinhttp://www.bartleby.com/images/pronunciation/amacr.giftus, past participle of obstinhttp://www.bartleby.com/images/pronunciation/amacr.gifre, to persist. See sthttp://www.bartleby.com/images/pronunciation/amacr.gif- (http://www.bartleby.com/61/roots/IE494.html) in Appendix I

TSi - No Latin yet, but i am working on it... :lol:

[TSi+WRX]

^ ROFLMAO! :lol:

[thespeter]

Hey all,

There is no part number or price yet for the Spec B wheel. I am asking at least once a week, so I will post as soon as my parts dept. gets the info. I work at a Subaru dealer, so I will let you know as soon as SoA releases the next parts catalog update. They are getting sick of my asking for it, so I know they won't delay in telling me...;)

[Leonardo]

Just buy an 5EAT wheel ;)

I can't wait for this to go through.

[trabbic]

Hey all,

There is no part number or price yet for the Spec B wheel. I am asking at least once a week, so I will post as soon as my parts dept. gets the info. I work at a Subaru dealer, so I will let you know as soon as SoA releases the next parts catalog update. They are getting sick of my asking for it, so I know they won't delay in telling me...;)

Thanks for the update, I know we can buy an automatic wheel and then the stereo controls, but it must cost more than just getting the right part...

Thanks again, thespeter!!!!

[whitetiger]

All you need is a vin# for the spec b so a parts dept can look it up

[thespeter]

All you need is a vin# for the spec b so a parts dept can look it up

That would work great if there were any known VINs and if the part was in the system already. Neither of which is true yet...

[lester_strud]

What about the Spec B from the UK. That has the Audio Control on the steering wheel!

Not sure how to paste a thread link but here is the link within the thread

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=7567962&uid=3672965

[cschneider]

Again, I'm sure that wheel would work too, it's just no one has the parts catalog yet. Hopefully we can get a little closure on this whole thing when I get the ll bean wheel tomorrow. I will be sure to post pics and any part numbers as soon as I get it.

[cschneider]

Well, it's finally here! I just opened the box and as promised have gone to post pictures. As you can see there are three connectors: white, green and what looks like a ground. The green and ground goes to the satellite controls and the white to the cruise. I can't find a good part number on the satellite controls but from the picture I'm sure someone can figure it out. I will let you know what I find out in the install.

[silverfool]

so did we come to consensus that the module itself could be changed out? rather avoid that woodgrain steering wheel if poss.
i'd like to just go ahead and have the dealer do it rather than feck it up myself.

[trabbic]

^^ yes that is correct the modules are the same size as an automatic tranny wheel shift buttons.

cschneider, GET THAT BABY ON THERE!! Lets see if plugging it in works or if we will need more work...

Damn, I will be out of town this weekend with out the computer :icon_neut

[cschneider]

Should have it on by the end of the day... keep your collective fingers crossed this works.

[cschneider]

The bad news is official! The buttons do not work. Everything plugs in fine but the radio controls don't work. I'm not going to try and drive it because I don't want to screw up the tranny or anything. It looks like the column is different on the cars with the steering wheel controls becuase the wiring is different colors. There are the same number of wires in the same places. It might be as simple as getting under the dash and disconnecting the automatic shift wires and connecting them to the places where they would correspond on the radio for the LL Bean cars. I really don't want to go into that so I think I'm going to settle on having a nice wood wheel with shift buttons. The good news I guess is that the slip ring is the same for both cars (not the MT unfortunately) and the column probably has the same wires, it's just their colored diffrently and go to the tranny control instead of the radio. I think I will be pawning this project off on someone else. If anyone is interested in my black auto wheel and the steering wheel radio buttons, let me know.

[silverfool]

i think patagonian had dibs on one previously but unclear if it happened or now. thanks for trying. i'll call the local dealer to see if they can do the change out...however, i bet they play dumb.

[cschneider]

I'm not sure I know what you mean about the changeout. Could you elaborate. I do think you're right about Patagonian, I had forgotten about that.

[trabbic]

Yeah what I thought... :icon_frow


PM Sent, on the controls...

[Leonardo]

I'll take both things!!!!

[silverfool]

sorry bout the delayed response, i had meant to say have the dealer change out the old shift module for the audio controls and do the requisite wiring work. i have no faith in the one i purchased from so will ask the one where i plan to have all my future work done.

[Leonardo]

Anyone with the electrical diagram compare the plug on the HU of the LL Bean Vs the regualr GT?

Also, follow the ones from the clackspring on both models.

[PGT]

Anyone with the electrical diagram compare the plug on the HU of the LL Bean Vs the regualr GT?

Also, follow the ones from the clackspring on both models.

Leo - are these suggestions or questions? :icon_frow :icon_bigg

[Leonardo]

maybee both? :D

[PGT]

I need to read up tonight.....then decide whether to take this on ;)

[Leonardo]

Well, let me know cuz I will then. Have lots of spare wires and taps.

[jc51373]

OK, am I to assume, based on all Cschneider's hard work, that this will not work? Has anyone had success with a swap out, either MT or AT?

I actually have a Auto trans and I would love to swap out my wheel for the one with radio controls. Anyone done it yet with success?

I don't hear alot about it so I am guessing it is impossible, but let me know anyway.

[cschneider]

Trabbic has taken this one on from me. I sent him my old wheel with the radio controls in place of the shift ones. Hopefully he will see this through and give us all a bit of closure on this. No pressure right? From what I can gather it appears that the automatics have the wiring in the slip ring and column it's just the wiring terminates in the transmissions control unit as opposed to the radio. If someone were to figure out what connections and what wires go where in the radio, it should be a fairly easy retrofit. This of course assumes that there is not something entirely different from the radio units with steering wheel controls and those without.

[jc51373]

Any updates on this? Does it work?


I was told that the harness is not there in the GT, that the harness only goes to the trans, and you would have to wire up the radio custom to get this to work. My guess is it will not since NO ONE on this site has done it yet.

Update us anyway though!

[cschneider]

I'm fairly sure trabbic got the wheel delivered. I think we'll give him a little time to see what he can figure out. Maybe he's out there and can give us an update.

[jc51373]

Nice!

Trabbic? Any commentary?

You have a real chance to be a HERO here! :)


We will just have to wait and see. :munch:

[dark_rex]

bump

[Leonardo]

I would have finished this by now!!!

Is there a part # out for the Spec B wheel?

I will see if I can get my hands on a VDC radio and some controlls.

[jc51373]

Someone has got to to do this!


Leo!! Leo!!!
Leo!!

All Chime in...Leo!! Leo!!! Leo!!

[Kevskate99]

the spec b has radio controls...... I wonder.....

[BDII]

From my investigation into the conversion, it will cost you at least $500.

not worth it to me....

[tigerpawGT]

Has anyone with an auto-trans looked into what might happen if the sport shift harness in the column is re-routed to the radio? If the connection for the sport shift buttons is left open-circuit, I wonder if that will cause a powertrain fault and disable the sport shift altogether or maybe something worse?

[jc51373]

Has anyone with an auto-trans looked into what might happen if the sport shift harness in the column is re-routed to the radio? If the connection for the sport shift buttons is left open-circuit, I wonder if that will cause a powertrain fault and disable the sport shift altogether or maybe something worse?

This is a very good point...Not sure what will happen, but someone has to be adventurous enough to do it.

I know I would be willing to spend the $500 or whatever it would cost if I knew for sure it would work. I never use the steering wheel shift.

[trabbic]

Sorry Guys, for some reason, I did not get an email telling me that people responded to this post!

I have the steering wheel, and it looks great, I am waiting on a part number for the clock spring from the Spec B or LL Bean. Once I get this then I will buy it and attempt an install.

Before I do that however I will try to connect the steering wheel controls to the appropriate connectors in the back of the stereo, to even prove that the non-MP3 stereo has the capability to be controlled by the steering wheel controls.

I am waiting on my subwoofer, when I get that I will pull the stereo and try to connect it, should be sometime next week. I will keep you all informed...

[Leonardo]

Please do, if not I'll take over being the lab rat. :)

[PGT]

Spec-B Combination Switch - P/N: 83111AG41B

Is that what you need?

[*Jedimaster*]

I agree- but I'd have sprung for it factored into the price of the car.

[jc51373]

Sorry Guys, for some reason, I did not get an email telling me that people responded to this post!

I have the steering wheel, and it looks great, I am waiting on a part number for the clock spring from the Spec B or LL Bean. Once I get this then I will buy it and attempt an install.

Before I do that however I will try to connect the steering wheel controls to the appropriate connectors in the back of the stereo, to even prove that the non-MP3 stereo has the capability to be controlled by the steering wheel controls.

I am waiting on my subwoofer, when I get that I will pull the stereo and try to connect it, should be sometime next week. I will keep you all informed...


Nice trabbic!! Thanks for the update...Once you are succesful, I am driving out to Toledo and we can install mine, then go to Cabela's for a nice hot Elk Sandwich. Kiddin..Cabelas is awesome though

[trabbic]

I don't think that is the part number I am looking for... Opie is supposed to get back to me with the part number and I will report that to this forum...

Hot Elk Sandwich huh? :icon_lol: Never had it, although I was just at Cabela's over holidays, it is about 30 minutes from me, and my Girlfriend's father is an avid hunter, so I have been there a couple of times... It is very interesting, and GINORMOUS!

I installed steering wheel radio controls in my Ford Focus ZTS, out of a SVT Focus, so I do have some experience with this stuff, it is not hard; the biggest question with this car now is, will it work with the regular stereo? I will check that soon.

[PGT]

I got that P/N from Opie after asking him the same Q before I decided to let you take the project over instead of me.

[jc51373]

[quote=trabbic]

Hot Elk Sandwich huh? :icon_lol: Never had it, although I was just at Cabela's over holidays, it is about 30 minutes from me, and my Girlfriend's father is an avid hunter, so I have been there a couple of times... It is very interesting, and GINORMOUS!

quote]


Dude, they have Elk Sanwiches!!! And I wouldn't eat one if you paid me! :)



My wife has alot of Family out in Michigan. Bloomfield County, and they have a real nice place out of Harsens Island. Last time out, me and her Uncle and cousins went to Cabela, they are all big fisherman, hunters. I mean serious freakin hunters, Africa hunters. Crazy!

Anyway, I remember seeing signs for Toledo on the way to Cabelas, and they told me it was close by..Thats why i said that. Its a cool area of the country, I like it alot out there. Definately some people..

Anyway, I appreciate you being the guinea pig here...If you are successful and this isn't a complete pain in the ass to do, I am in. Just make sure and list all your expenses and labor.

Thanks man!

[trabbic]

I have GREAT news!!!!!!

Ok maybe not GREAT, but really good news... The Controls WILL control our stereo!!!! I have the car in a bazillion pieces and had the controls hooked up to the two wires behind the stereo and all the controls work...

However I also tried to just plug in the steering wheel into my current roll connector without luck. (No surprise here) So I do need the roll connector from the Spec B or LL Bean.

PGT: I don't think that that part number is correct because that number is the same for Outback without Dynamic Control, and base 2.5i Legs and 2.5GT ltd and regular legs. All of whom have NO steering wheel controls. This is according to subarugenuineparts.com...

So here we are, it looks as though the wires from the stereo feed the main body harness, so it MAY be as easy as hooking up the correct Roll Connector and plugging everything in.

However, (and this is the WORST CASE SENIRERO) I believe that we may have to run wires from the Roll connector to the stereo (EASY).

So right now we are looking at the cost of the steering wheel controls (and perhaps a new steering wheel for those of us with MT), and the Roll Connector. Perhaps a little wire...

EDIT: Some Pictures...

[jc51373]

Nice! Thanks for the play-by-play trabbic...Let us know how it all pans out in the end and the difficulty level. I don't want to tear my center console apart, but I am willing to take the wheel off and out the connector on and go from there.


This is awesome, I am so siked!

[PGT]

Spec-B Combination Switch - P/N: 83111AG41B

Is that what you need?

Wrong P/N. Opie just posted this:

Clock Spring (or Roll connector) for the '06 Legacy Spec-B is P/N: 83196AG02A

[PGT]

I can handle a new wheel.....$$$, but as long as we don't need all the various connectors, I'm down.

[trabbic]

Nice! Thanks for the play-by-play trabbic...Let us know how it all pans out in the end and the difficulty level. I don't want to tear my center console apart, but I am willing to take the wheel off and out the connector on and go from there.


This is awesome, I am so siked!

Pulling out the stereo is actually easier than I made it look...

You pull up on the shifter console after taking off your shift knob... (If you have an automatic, there are directions around here, but after you get the shifter surround off everything else is the same).

After removing the shifter surround, remove the two visible screws on the metallic painted plastic trim pieces, and pull them off.

Then remove the 6 screws holding the stereo in and pull it out.

You will have to disconnect the plug from the hazard light switch.

That's it... pretty easy actually... Less work than getting the steering column and steering wheel off...


I hope however that we don't have to wire it in manually, also because I did not wire the lighting for the switches up, and that would be kind of nice to have them light up.

You guys with automatics, are your switches illuminated now? If they are then at least that part SHOULD be plug and play...

[trabbic]

Ok more progress!!

After getting that part number from Opie (THANKS!!)... I noticed that it was the same part number for my car (2.5GT), so I went outside and did some tests:

My roll connector feeds the signal through!!! There are two wires on the right hand side of the roll connector that feed the signal correctly!!

Now I have to run connections from those wires to the stereo, and BAM! Stereo controls... :icon_bigg

I am taking pictures and will write up a step by step sometime tonight if I have time...

I am confident that I will have steering wheel radio controls in my car by this afternoon!!!

The other good news out of this is that we don't have to buy a roll connector, only the steering wheel (and some wire), those with automatics only need the switches (if they are sold separately)

This will not give me illumination, I think I have found the wires for that, and will do a little more testing to see if I can hook that up also...

[trabbic]

SUCCESS!!!

It works great, mute, volume up and down, seek or CD + -, and Mode commands all work perfectly...

It even says MUTE when you press the mute button...

Pretty easy to hook up, should take you guys about an hour when I get the directions all written up!

I am almost positive that for all cars all you need is the controls (and a wheel for MT's), even auto cars roll connectors should still pass the signal.

it is just a matter of hooking up the wires to the harness under the dash and running those wires the short distance to the stereo and tapping into that harness...

[PGT]

what wires did you run? A specific P/N, or just some wire you had sitting around the garage?

In for the writeup with P/N's needed (5MT car for me)... :)

[trabbic]

I just used some solid core copper hookup wire I had laying around, from radio shack.

You could use any wire, but the solid core helped me to jam it in to the backs of the harnesses rather than tapping the other wire...

Write up will happen as soon as I have time, right now I have to do a little work before I get fired!! :lol:

[Leonardo]

Great!!!!
Opie, Part # for the Spec-B wheel or Auto wheel and radio cotrols please!

[dark_rex]

wow.

AWESOME

[silverfool]

that's pretty cool. big compliment to the enthusiast community to have people willing to undergo this like trabbic. i wish i was handier with crap like this. i think for those as likely to electrocute themselves or destroy their entire vehicle like me that i may have to wait until the dealer can do this. however, given that they couldn't even do my oil change without probs, i have little faith.

[Qship]

Great Job trabbic! This is definitely something I miss from my last car. Even my minivan has it. Sport shift on the right audio on the left. I hope the switches can be purchased without the wheel.

[trabbic]

Thanks guys, I hope to have specific directions up soon!! (With Pics ;))

[jc51373]

You are a hero in my eyes already..Just the fact you did this is amazing! There is hope!

[racerdave]

Yes, very cool. Well done, and I'm eager to see the pics, install and part/price list.

Focking SOA should've made this standard on all Legacys/OBs... :(

[wukilla98]

Sorry if i missed it, but do the buttons have illumination, and if so were you able to figure out how to get them to work as well?

Really glad you went through this...check off another item I wish the LGT had that the damn TSX/TL has.

[jc51373]

Sorry if i missed it, but do the buttons have illumination, and if so were you able to figure out how to get them to work as well?

Really glad you went through this...check off another item I wish the LGT had that the damn TSX/TL has.


Great question, if it does, I am DEFINATELY doing this ASAP.

:munch:

[trabbic]

Sorry if i missed it, but do the buttons have illumination, and if so were you able to figure out how to get them to work as well?

Really glad you went through this...check off another item I wish the LGT had that the damn TSX/TL has.

Yeah the controls were something that I thought were REALLY missing on this car...

The buttons are capable of illumination, however I have not gotten that to work yet. I have to do some more research to figure out what wires need to be connected where... I tried feeding 12V to them without luck...


BTW, I don't think the buttons on the TSX are illuminated (at least in '05), and I drove the car last night without illumination and it was not a problem, the buttons are well laid out...

[mlloydlgt]

I want this! We 5eat owners just need the p/n for the steering wheel switches and a nice walkthru! Great work.

[trabbic]

To wet your appetite...

[trabbic]

some more...

[mlloydlgt]

how much are just the buttons added to a 5eat wheel?

[cschneider]

Bravo Trabbic! I almost have some remorse for not trying this myself but it would have been a long time before I had enough time to sit down and figure this out. I have to say I love the look of my steering wheel in your car. Very nice job, I'm just really happy someone finally got this thing solved.

[wukilla98]

Yeah the controls were something that I thought were REALLY missing on this car...

The buttons are capable of illumination, however I have not gotten that to work yet. I have to do some more research to figure out what wires need to be connected where... I tried feeding 12V to them without luck...


BTW, I don't think the buttons on the TSX are illuminated (at least in '05), and I drove the car last night without illumination and it was not a problem, the buttons are well laid out...

...the illumination would just give it a lil more pizzaz... hehe

Hopefully you or someone else will figure that out shortly.

[mlloydlgt]

you could always have it on anytime the car is on... daytime you wouldn't notice and night you would... unless it has 2 stages of light (bright for day, dim for night)... in any case, if the ign was switched off, so would the lights go off... sounds failsafe to me.

[jc51373]

Trabbic....Will I have to pull the whole radio and center console apart to do this?

[PGT]

The buttons are capable of illumination, however I have not gotten that to work yet. I have to do some more research to figure out what wires need to be connected where... I tried feeding 12V to them without luck...

.

the the radio has an illumination ability - check the pinout diagram to figure out which one you need for that. I doubt it needs a ground, just a 12v trigger.

[lookslikeanevo]

step by step with total cost of everything, so we can start ordering parts!!!!

this would be a sick upgrade

[boomshnka]

As other have already said, congrats trabbic! You're going to make countless people here very happy. I've been following this thread for a long time in the hopes that somebody would figure it out. My wife got a Mazda3 in September with steering wheel controls and I was so jealous! Now her car will have nothing on mine!! Thanks again and really looking forward to the walk-through.

Chris

[jc51373]

As other have already said, congrats trabbic! You're going to make countless people here very happy. I've been following this thread for a long time in the hopes that somebody would figure it out. My wife got a Mazda3 in September with steering wheel controls and I was so jealous! Now her car will have nothing on mine!! Thanks again and really looking forward to the walk-through.

Chris


I honestly feel my car will be alot more refined with this upgrade...But by the looks of it from trabbic it is going to take some brains to get this connected.

Either way, I have had a boner since I found out this will work.

[Sub_Free]

Great work trabbic! I really look forward to your walk through. Steering wheel radio controls is something I really miss. Even find myself accidently hitting the shift knobs by accident when I want to change volume!

BTW, I don't think the buttons on the TSX are illuminated (at least in '05), and I drove the car last night without illumination and it was not a problem, the buttons are well laid out...

The 2005 TSX's do have illuminated steering wheel controls. I believe it's the 2004 that does not.

[Leonardo]

I have had a boner since I found out this will work.

+1 :icon_tong

[trabbic]

the the radio has an illumination ability - check the pinout diagram to figure out which one you need for that. I doubt it needs a ground, just a 12v trigger.

Thanks!!

Found it in the SM, looks like there is a ground, but that should already be hooked up... looks like the solid purple wire will do it...

Going to check soon and report back...


BTW... I want to get the correct part numbers before posting the directions up, but I have the directions mostly writen and ready to go, if someone has the parts already and wants the walkthrough PM me and I will send it to you along with my phone number if you run into trouble...

[trabbic]

DONE...

Illumination works!! It required running two more wires to the back of the stereo... The ground must be run to the stereo for the brightness adjustment to function...

Directions to follow...

PS... If anyone cares, my old MOMO steering wheel bolted right up to my Girlfriend's '05 Imprezza RS2.5, no more chintzy plastic wheel for her!!! (Now we will see if she even notices... ;) )

[jc51373]

Nice trabbic....I am siked for the directions.

Question for you...On a scale of 1-10 how difficult was this for you? I have average abilities when it comes to being handy. For example, I hardwired my Valentine 1 radar detector into the car, ran the wires nice and clean so you can't see them.

I am just apprehensive on taking the whole center console and radio out of the car. I don't want anymore rattles. If this is plug and play, I will order the wheel and parts right away.

Thanks for the information. You are DA MAN!

[Leonardo]

Opie, get them part numbers so I can order them ASAP!

[trabbic]

Nice trabbic....I am siked for the directions.

Question for you...On a scale of 1-10 how difficult was this for you? I have average abilities when it comes to being handy. For example, I hardwired my Valentine 1 radar detector into the car, ran the wires nice and clean so you can't see them.

I am just apprehensive on taking the whole center console and radio out of the car. I don't want anymore rattles. If this is plug and play, I will order the wheel and parts right away.

Thanks for the information. You are DA MAN!

I would rate this about a 3 or 4.

If you can wire your V1 you can do this install... with NO PROBLEM... Don't worry man we will be there to help you through!!!

:icon_bigg

[jc51373]

I would rate this about a 3 or 4.

If you can wire your V1 you can do this install... with NO PROBLEM... Don't worry man we will be there to help you through!!!

:icon_bigg


Thanks man, you're a good guy...And I really appreciate all your hard work and superb communication.

After re-reading this entire thread, if I am not mistaken, it sounds like this may be easier for those with an Auto trans. Maybe I am wrong, either way I will wait for the install instructions and part #s for a 5EAT.

[trabbic]

Thanks... My girlfriend thinks this thread is giving me a big head... :icon_tong

Yeah this is pretty easy... the only problem with the AT is that I don't know what colors the wires are yet, so I can't guarantee which color wire to tap into... The other thing to consider is that you will have to cut the wire and tap it with an AT, because otherwise you might hit the Vol down button and have the car shift down!!! That would be bad...

So I need an AT guy to work with me to figure out the differences and make sure that the directions are easy for everyone to follow...

It is almost criminal that Subaru did not offer this option... they would only have had to put in 1 meter of wire and then they could have made it a 500 dollar dealer installed option (at least for the MT), and made a couple hundred on every install, and they would have sold a TON of them...


BTW, the illumination is red and matches the rest of the interior perfectly...

[jc51373]

I am willing to snip wires, as long as I have the right connectors to make it clean and secure. Lemme know when you get the information on the Auto trans. I wish I knew some Subaru people, all the dealers around here where I live suck, so I don't bother with anything other than LGT.com.


I should just be able to buy the pods right, like you did? Since i have the Auto wheel already? But MT owners have to get the wheel with the cut-out right? I think I am gettin it...

[mlloydlgt]

Yeah this is pretty easy... the only problem with the AT is that I don't know what colors the wires are yet, so I can't guarantee which color wire to tap into... The other thing to consider is that you will have to cut the wire and tap it with an AT, because otherwise you might hit the Vol down button and have the car shift down!!! That would be bad...

5EAT guys could simply purchase just the buttons (they are sold seperate from the whole steering wheel, right?)... Then out with the old and in with the new and viola! all is right with the world again.

[lookslikeanevo]

ya im ready to order the parts also

[trabbic]

I am willing to snip wires, as long as I have the right connectors to make it clean and secure. Lemme know when you get the information on the Auto trans. I wish I knew some Subaru people, all the dealers around here where I live suck, so I don't bother with anything other than LGT.com.


I should just be able to buy the pods right, like you did? Since i have the Auto wheel already? But MT owners have to get the wheel with the cut-out right? I think I am gettin it...

I actually got the controls and wheel from cscheidner, he bought the llbean steering wheel and then tried to just plug it in, then he swapped out the switches on his automatic to use the llbean wood wheel and put the radio controls on his automatic wheel, and sold that to me...

I don't know if the controls are available separately or not, but it would make sense, and the service manual has a section on how to troubleshoot the controls, and it that section is mentions "replacing the switch" so take that for what it may be...

[jc51373]

I can hopefully find out if they are sold seperately from a Suie dealership.

[jc51373]

Trabbic, you out there? Whats the status. Still working dligently and ignoring your girlfriend because your too busy with this? Kiddin...:)


Just wanted to check in. Thanks man

[Leonardo]

Bump for Trabbic or Part#'s from Opie ;)

[trabbic]

Part numbers from Opie:

Spec-B Steering Wheel Assembly (complete with satellite controls) P/N: 34311AG23AJC

Satellite controls by themselves, P/N: 83153AG000

Get your parts on order, directions should be posted by tonight...

(My girlfriend is not here tonight... ;))

[PGT]

any idea on rough pricing? Subaruparts.com doesn't recognize the first P/N (probably new).

[trabbic]

If i remember correctly the LL Bean wheel was around 365 or so, and the controls themselves are around 90 dollars.

[jc51373]

Nice....I gotta order mine up.

This will be your Legacy (pun intended) here on LGT.com. Nice work, you should be proud.

[hadvw]

I am willing to snip wires, as long as I have the right connectors to make it clean and secure. Lemme know when you get the information on the Auto trans. I wish I knew some Subaru people, all the dealers around here where I live suck, so I don't bother with anything other than LGT.com.


I should just be able to buy the pods right, like you did? Since i have the Auto wheel already? But MT owners have to get the wheel with the cut-out right? I think I am gettin it...

Bump on info about 5EAT conversions.. Would LOVE to do this..

HV

[hondas123]

am willing to snip wires, as long as I have the right connectors to make it clean and secure. Lemme know when you get the information on the Auto trans. I wish I knew some Subaru people, all the dealers around here where I live suck, so I don't bother with anything other than LGT.com.


jc51373, where are you located in MA? There was a thread talking about a garage day in MA, perhaps in the spring. I'm interested in doing this mod too, I have the 5eat.

[jc51373]

jc51373, where are you located in MA? There was a thread talking about a garage day in MA, perhaps in the spring. I'm interested in doing this mod too, I have the 5eat.



I live out by Worcester, in the sticks.

I would definately be interested in going to that. Would be nice to have people around for input. Are you handy? I am moderately handy, mostly with building constrcution, although I am in sales. I say that because I own an extensive collection of tools, but not alot for cars. I think we only need some screwdrivers and some muscle anyway. I can saw my car in half, but couldn't take a wheel off if I wanted too. :) :)


I am definately doing this mod...I find when I am on the cell phone, I always need to turn the radio down and it is a pain in the ass to one-hand it any longer.

[hondas123]

Here's a link to the thread

http://www.legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26144&highlight=garage+day

I'm relatively handy, more with construction too. I just don't have the balls to try a lot of this stuff for fear of messing my car up!! :icon_bigg That and explaining to the wife why I have to get the car towed. :) I'll keep an eye on these threads and perhaps come spring we can rally some experts together for a day. Take care.

[jc51373]

Here's a link to the thread

http://www.legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26144&highlight=garage+day

I'm relatively handy, more with construction too. I just don't have the balls to try a lot of this stuff for fear of messing my car up!! :icon_bigg That and explaining to the wife why I have to get the car towed. :) I'll keep an eye on these threads and perhaps come spring we can rally some experts together for a day. Take care.


I am definately in. I hear ya on the wife part.

[boomshnka]

Part numbers from Opie:

Spec-B Steering Wheel Assembly (complete with satellite controls) P/N: 34311AG23AJC

Satellite controls by themselves, P/N: 83153AG000

Get your parts on order, directions should be posted by tonight...

(My girlfriend is not here tonight... ;))

Where can one order these parts from...other than a local dealer of course? I like my local dealer but I'm sure that I could get a better deal by shopping around.

Chris

[mlrtime]

+1 on the 5EAT walk through. $90 is well worth this mod.

This should be about as tough as a jazzy install if the pics are accurate.

[trabbic]

Here are the directions :icon_twis :

http://www.legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26232

Please let me know if you need clarification, and I will change them, also I will gladly assist you via the phone or email or this website if you feel you need the help...

[Brady]

Bump for the group buy on the Spec.B wheel in Member Classifieds

http://www.legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26451