Is it possible to still use the remote on the steering wheel if I were to change the stereo head unit? If so, what type of unit are capable of this?

 

I've seen different adapters that fit some make/model/year cars and the head unit you pick. For example, here's one that's on Crutchfield’s site: http://www.crutchfield.com/S-lSMQZpi...&avf=N&search=. But again, it really depends on the HU you pick and if the manufacture (or some 3rd party company) produces an adapter for your car/HU combo.

When I upgraded my stereo in my old car (Accord), there wasn't an adapter available for my car or head unit, but a custom install shop said they could take the remote that came with the head unit, pull it apart, and place the IR "eye" back by the center console (so it faced the head unit), and hardwire the steering wheel controls to the remote which would be installed in the console somewhere. It would take a bazillion hours of labor and patience to jerry rig the remote so that the steering wheel controls would operate the remotes functions, but they said it could be done. However, this route sounds a little shaky since you’d have to keep a clear line of sight between the “eye” and the HU – so resting arms, cups in the cup holder, bright sunlight, etc could potentially block the signal. I personally don’t think it’d be worth it, so I didn’t pursue this option.

 

there have been a number of threads on this and i personally think its worth it just because i have become spoiled by the steering wheel controls

SSTS

 

You can just buy an Alpine 6 CD/Mp3 Changer w/ blitzsafe adapter that plugs into the CD changer slot behind the HU and keep the existing HU. That way, you can have hundreds of songs and keep the existing steering wheel control.

 

yeah, in fact im thinking about doing this and keeping the bose HU so it looks less tempting to break into my car. only problem is if you want to add a sub, it will sound a million times better with the alpine HU

SSTS

 

the con to the mp3 changer is that everything is played sequentially. no jumping quickly around to folders and other songs.

 

ipod to blitzsafe on stock hu is what i do, it works nicely. i just use the remote, though i wish the remote had display of the song/screen

haha whoa i just realized this isnt really on topic.

 

we're still in the same ballpark