Can I use Dash control with aftermarket stereo

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

reedssho

Member
Joined
Mar 24, 2009
Messages
36
Reaction score
2
Location
Indiana
I've searched the threads and don't find any reference to connecting the dash volume/seek/search contols on my 93 SHO to an after market stereo. I want to replace the factory Radio Cassette with a fairly reasonable Radio Cd player, but would really like to have the dash control work with the new unit. Any help is appreciated.
 

kevinspann

Don't take my advice.
Joined
Sep 30, 2007
Messages
3,166
Reaction score
1,884
Location
Richmond VA
You can, but you need an adapter. You would have to get one that works with the brand of radio you have (Pioneer, Kenwood, etc.) and I recall the radio also needs a wired remote input, but most do.

Just google search PAC steering wheel control adapters.
 

jelloslug

Digital
Joined
Aug 29, 2002
Messages
4,206
Reaction score
388
Location
Greenville, SC
Any Ford Premium sound or higher radio that will fit the stock hole will work with the controls. You can also get a PAC like Kevin said for the specific model of aftermarket radio that you are going to install.
 

reedssho

Member
Joined
Mar 24, 2009
Messages
36
Reaction score
2
Location
Indiana
Thanks everyone. got the programable adapter and harness from Crutchfield (PAC SWI Adapter 60 bucks). Should be straight forward install. I'll update if I run into problems.
 

hawkeye18

Sorta cares
Joined
May 18, 2004
Messages
5,631
Reaction score
2,727
Location
Norfolk, VA
I was under the impression that was some only some very early headunits that had the capability to work with Ford Dash controls.

Either way, listen to Spann.

-Sam

Without an adapter of some sort, there is no way to make it work. There are adapters, though, that will make them work. Basically, they work like a Learning remote control. They output signals that various brand HUs will understand (Pioneer, Alpine, Sony, etc.), and you teach the unit what the inputs are.

The factory aux controls work by placing various resistance values on a single wire. You basically set the adapter to learn an action (say, VOL up) by putting the adapter in VOL UP learn mode, then hitting that button on the factory controls. The adapter will detect that resistance level and remember it.

The adapter's about $50 IIRC (it's been a few years since I looked at them), and each brand HU has a different part number adapter, so make sure you get the right one.

Anything's possible with electronics!
 

Forum statistics

Threads
107,088
Messages
1,181,317
Members
16,153
Latest member
lapochkarr

Members online

No members online now.
Back
Top