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Re: Steering Wheel Buttons
Originally Posted by icebluemariner
(Post 132824)
I purchased an 08 Mariner Hybrid for my wife last month. The big thing missing was the redundant audio controls on the steering wheel. It's really a big safety item--helps keep focused on the road--and Ford just doesn't get it. I have gone so far as to think of getting the replacement wheel from the gas version (very expensive, I imagine), because I don't see where you could modify the molded wheel. Then I would think its a matter of running the wiring connector through the steering column to the back of the NAV, if it has the capability.
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Re: Steering Wheel Buttons
Definitely will have someone who knows what they're doing with the airbag and all ;) . The bigger challenge may be finding someone who can tell me if it can be done.
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Re: Steering Wheel Buttons
Originally Posted by KyGreen
(Post 132504)
... but here's one problem - the steeing wheel is molded and solid where the buttons go on the right side for the volume controls.
Does anyone know yet if the air bag remains the same? Steering wheels are relatively cheap. Air bags are not. So, if it is simply a matter of buying a whole new steering wheel, one with the radio buttons, and reusing the old air bag, then that is at least "do-able" (cost wise). |
Re: Steering Wheel Buttons
You may want to make a test before you invest in the actual controls. You should be able to connect a few resistors to the radio to see if it responds.
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Re: Steering Wheel Buttons
I have a couple of pages from the 08 workshop manual (in .pdf, but I don't know how to post them here). You definitely need to replace the steering wheel base. It appears the existing air bag module and cover will work fine, so the expense would be the wheel itself. The controls pull out of the side housing, where there is the electrical connector. The workshop manual does not tell you if the NAV system from gas to hybrid version is the same, so the research continues....
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Re: Steering Wheel Buttons
Not to rain on anybody's parade or anything, but several states actually have laws against reusing air bags, even if they've never been deployed. I know Minnesota is one, but when the legislation was moving through the Legislature several other states were mentioned. I suppose this is a case of if no one knows, who's it hurting?, but I think that getting yourself killed in an accident because your airbag didn't go off just because you wanted steering wheel mounted audio controls is pretty darn stupid. Sorry, but that's how I feel and I used to have steering wheel mounted controls and I really miss them. If you were to go to a mechanic to do this, they might refuse.
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Re: Steering Wheel Buttons
Just go the easy way and install a "Clapper" to the radio.
"Clap-On. Clap-Off. The Clapper." ( Oh, that would require both hands off the wheel at the same time... nevermind... ) :angel:-John |
Re: Steering Wheel Buttons
Originally Posted by queenfan
(Post 132985)
but I think that getting yourself killed in an accident because your airbag didn't go off just because you wanted steering wheel mounted audio controls is pretty darn stupid. .
~John |
Re: Steering Wheel Buttons
Originally Posted by queenfan
(Post 132985)
Not to rain on anybody's parade or anything, but several states actually have laws against reusing air bags, even if they've never been deployed.
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Re: Steering Wheel Buttons
Walt-
it depends on the language. The law here is interpreted to say no reusing period. |
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