Q: I've got a '96 Trans Am and am upgrading the stereo system. I'd like to change to a new head unit but would love to keep my steering wheel controls. I plan on using one of Sony's units if I can keep my steering wheel controls. If not, I'll get whatever I have to. Do you know where to get or who makes products to keep my controls? Any info is greatly be appreciated.
A: When steering wheel controls first appeared on new cars, our industry had to cobble together a home brew interface to allow the controls to talk to the car audio system. It was a shock to many junior technicians and even the old dogs that never had a proper education in car audio electronics. Today's landscape is considerably different. Many manufacturers have developed specific interface modules that function beautifully and play nice with the car's electrical system.
For instance, Peripheral Electronics has a model PESWIX steering wheel interface listed on their website that works on all Pontiac models with an airbag, but no heater controls, and a 21 pin GM connector. Soundgate offers a model called REMPIOGM, which is built to work with the Sony head units that have a remote interface jack on the back of the chassis using a 3.5mm standard mini phone plug. I couldn't download the application pdf on the site to confirm that your specific model was included, so make sure you ask you local mobile electronics specialist to confirm the compatibility.
Note that there are a wider variety of interface solutions available; you won't be limited to just a Sony radio, in case you thought that you were restricted. Several popular head unit brands will interface to several popular vehicles, so it's a simple matter of finding all of the applicable combinations.