Metra Axxess ASWC-1 Steering Wheel Control Interface

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 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!

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.

I used this aswc-1 to retain steering wheel controls in my 2005 dodge durango with the Infinity sound system. Install is pretty basic, 1 wire and plug jack in( I also was using the harness for retaining stock amp in vehicle). I would have gave this 5 stars, but I had a issue detecting my Kenwood ddx-896, which is a pretty common issue since Kenwood and JVC are same company and when I connected this adaptor, it was supposed to come with a resistor to use when this issue occurs(but one wasnt in box). Even that's not so bad since you can manually select stereo type, but took me about 15 attempts to get it to finally work right. So that is reason for 4 stars, but steering wheel controls are working great now and no issues once I selected manually the correct brand type, I even disconnected battery in the SUV and the aswc-1 retained it's functions. I'm happy, just wish the resistor was in box, would have saved me some headaches. I did have to call customer service and it was very smooth, man who helped me was friendly and had the controls working after a couple attempts, I would give customer service a 10/10, maybe I got lucky. Update 8/2016, after customer service support help my Durango's steering wheel controls worked flawless for past 3 months. Then last week I decided to buy a new Pioneer 3800bhs, since it has so many more features my old 2010 kenwood lacked. Again I followed instructions, changed type of radio(btw, I am using the axxess steering wheel harness and can amp turn on harness) so it all is pre wired, so very little chance of error on my part. As the ASWC-1 tried to detect the Durango's controls the volume bar pops up on the Pioneer, so it is seeing something. But after, it blinks 7 times then 6. So I tried to manually program it, as it goes into program mode I should have to hold down, then select 6 times for Pioneer, but when I tap each time to set brand, the volume goes Up on radio. Then after, nothing works, I tried different ground point, manually wiring harness separate, still same issue. I have never tried a axxess update on PC, will try that and if still issues, will contact customer service. Update 8/25/2016, I downloaded the axxess updater on my phone, plugged in OTG adaptor, used a micro usb I use to charge my phone and plugged it into OTG usb and micro usb into the aswc-1, went the app on my phone(axxess app), turned key on the Durango, hit update on my phone screen and about 10 seconds later, update said complete. Turned off key, unplugged the usb cable, turned key back on(tapped volume up button fast until programming finished, now I have all controls on my steering wheel working! The Dodge Durango uses a odd data system, so to get steering wheel controls to auto detect, you need to quick tap the volume up over and over until aswc-1 stops blinking and goes solid. Works great now, I advise everyone to do the simple update, I bought my aswc-1 in about June 2016 and my firmware are was 3 behind the latest, so update to solve many hours of headache or on hold with customer service.

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.

Had some hesitation when I bought this. Read the reviews and saw that some people had problems. I followed the instructions and tested it. It worked fine. I worked on some other issues and then used it again. The buttons on the wheel were jumbled. The volume down was up as well as the up button the next preset didn't work and the mode changed presets. Reset the unit several times checked everything several times. Sometimes it would work and do the same thing again. I stopped and regrouped. I read the instructions again from start to finish. They contained a wealth of information, and troubleshooting info. They stressed in several places to ground this unit directly on its own and not share it with something else. The initial install instructions said you could ground it to the head unit ground, but they didn't recommend it. As I read the troubleshooting section it addressed the exact problem I was having, and the solution was to ground the unit directly to the body by itself. I did that and reset the unit and it works like a dream. I even went into some of the advanced features and added long press buttons so some of the buttons have double use, better than stock. The problem was mine during the install, and the info to fix it was in the manual. Granted the English isn't the greatest, but was totally understandable. Couldn't be happier.

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.

this worked great for aftermarket deck in a 16' sienna to allow the steering wheel controls to work. button mapping is a bit tricky if the auto learn doesnt work. the support guy for axxess is knowledgeable but talks like he hates you lol

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.