INSTALLED STEERING WHEEL AUDIO CONTROLS ON MY 08

[Edgeman]

Another thread from TW. This looks like one of my future projects:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/installed-steering-wheel-audio-controls-on-my-08.316944/

As with all other X-Runners of my era, I have the left side steering wheel controls, but I don't have the right side controls.

I'm still running the original factory head unit, but I'll eventually upgrade to a unit that has both Apple Car Play and Bluetooth. It would be nice to have functional Bluetooth controls on my steering wheel!

Thoughts?

 

[NHXRUNNER]

Another thread from TW. This looks like one of my future projects:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/installed-steering-wheel-audio-controls-on-my-08.316944/

As with all other X-Runners of my era, I have the left side steering wheel controls, but I don't have the right side controls.

I'm still running the original factory head unit, but I'll eventually upgrade to a unit that has both Apple Car Play and Bluetooth. It would be nice to have functional Bluetooth controls on my steering wheel!

Thoughts?

I love this. I've having issue with getting my steering wheel controls to work with my new Alpine head unit. If I get it worked out, I'm very interested in adding these. Plug and play I assume?

 

[Edgeman]

I love this. I've having issue with getting my steering wheel controls to work with my new Alpine head unit. If I get it worked out, I'm very interested in adding these. Plug and play I assume?

Pretty sure it's full plug & play since it's all Toyota parts. Now with that being said, you will probably still need to purchase the aftermarket module with the aftermarket radio to make the steering wheel controls work. You can find those on Crutchfield.

When I do this, will probably replace the clock spring at the same time, since you have to pull the steering wheel to do the install.

 

[blu xr]

oh cool...

let us know if this works

 

[Edgeman]

I finally did the install on my 2008 X-Runner today:

Beginning picture:

Intermediate picture: You can see the torx bit sticking out on the right side. They generally stay in place...i.e. they don't come out when you back them out. I just had to pull that one back when I slid the airbag back in place.

Final picture:

The entire procedure took about 10 minutes to complete. I disconnected my battery last night to prevent a surprise. The procedure is to pop off the two cover plates on the steering wheel to access the Torx bolts, loosen them, then slide the airbag forward to get it out of the way. (You don't have to disconnect the air bag.) My 2008 was pre-wired for this upgrade, and only needed two parts: the right side button module and the "crossover" ribbon connector. Believe all Tacomas with the left side audio controls were "pre-wired."

Once the airbag is out of the way, remove the Phillips screws holding the audio controls on the left, and the blank off button module on the right. Toss the blank off module...lol Connect the crossover ribbon to the audio control button module on the left, and secure it in back in place as shown in the next picture. Connect the other end of the ribbon connector to the new right side module, and screw it in place. At that point just reseat the air bag, tighten the torx bolts and replace the two covers. You're done once you reconnect the battery.
A picture of how the ribbon connector is held in place after attaching it to the button modules:

Every one who's posted about doing this upgrade on Tacoma World said it works. You will need to purchase an interface module to get the OEM steering wheel controls to work with an aftermarket head unit.

My next step will be to upgrade the head unit with one with Bluetooth calling and Apple CarPlay.