Steering Wheel Audio Controls (Not the usual Question)

The Nissan Versa Tech Discussion forum is the place to discuss Versa performance modifications and maintenance.
dalan
Posts: 4
Joined: Fri Apr 30, 2010 4:10 pm
Car: 08 Versa SL

Post

It's not what you think. I've decided that I'm going to get a Pioneer receiver with ipod hookup, bluetooth, remote control, the works. I was looking at the remote control, and got to thinking, instead of just strapping it to the steering wheel, is there any way that I could put the guts of the remote into the left side of the steering wheel, where the audio controls would have gone anyway. I would probably need to remove that metal piece on the left size, and have the holes cut out of it, but I haven't tried taking apart a steering wheel before, is there anything else I should know? Any ideas/advice?

One other thing that occurred to me is that if I'm getting the bluetooth, it's going to have a mic that is going to have to be mounted somewhere. Does anyone know if it's possible to replace the map light/sunglasses compartment with one from a Versa SL with bluetooth, and and hide the mic from my new system in there? I know it's probably a bit over anal to care that the mic is hidden, but I want it to look as factory installed as possible.

One last quick thought, anyone know if it's possible to illuminate the cruise control buttons on the steering wheel on an 08 Versa SL? That'd be awesome.


NCJack
Posts: 58
Joined: Thu Feb 25, 2010 1:31 pm
Car: 2007 Versa SL

Post

you can put the remote anywhere you want IF it transmits RF. If not, its probably IR; requiring you to point the remote directly at the headunit. If it is RF, please let me know how you do ll this, because I am very interested. I think the screws to remove that left hand silver piece on the steering wheel is behind the wheel, but im just guessing. Good luck and please post pictures!

As for the mic, if you use a flat head screwdriver to pop out one of the tap lights, the center plastic between them can easily pop out and it has a large cavity to put...well...anything!

Has anyone noticed this car has a TON of hiding places that can easily pop off with the use of no tools or just a flathead screwdriver?

Regards,
Jack

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Promise Land
Posts: 1828
Joined: Tue Mar 10, 2009 6:52 am
Car: 2011 Nissan Versa
2001 Chevy Suburban
1992 Ford Mustang
Location: Sprague River, OR
Contact:

Post

You will need to take the wheel off to remove the plastic silver piece on the left side. Well, you should take it off for easier access. You'll have to take the airbag out of the wheel, which requires disconnecting the battery.

I have seen people dismantle the remote control and graft it to a steering wheel before, so it can be done with some ingenuity.

The factory bluetooth mic is in the small map light on the SL roof where the sunglass holder is. If you can get the maplamp, you can put your mic in the same place.

And it's possible to illunimate the controls. You will need to add the LEDs though. They didn't get illumination from the factory until 2009. No one has tried swapping '09 controls in an '08 or '07 yet.

dalan
Posts: 4
Joined: Fri Apr 30, 2010 4:10 pm
Car: 08 Versa SL

Post

Actually, I was looking at the wired remote. That should be possible right?

Two other quick questions.
1: Will any of these mods void my warranty?
2: What would I call that glasses holder/map lights thing when I go looking for the version with the mic, and any recommendations on where to find it?

User avatar
Promise Land
Posts: 1828
Joined: Tue Mar 10, 2009 6:52 am
Car: 2011 Nissan Versa
2001 Chevy Suburban
1992 Ford Mustang
Location: Sprague River, OR
Contact:

Post

Actually, I was looking at the wired remote. That should be possible right?

My only concern with a wired remote on the steering wheel would be the cable getting twisted as you spin the wheel around. It is possible to do.


Two other quick questions.
1: Will any of these mods void my warranty?


Which warranty? Nissan would probably complain about the wheel modification and wouldn't help you if any of the systems didn't work after you changed items. it's a risk, but with a good installation you shouldn't have many worries.


2: What would I call that glasses holder/map lights thing when I go looking for the version with the mic, and any recommendations on where to find it?

Maplamp with sunglass holder.


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