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How to retain Steering Wheel Illumination?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by blackavenger, Mar 23, 2016.

  1. blackavenger

    blackavenger Junior Member

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    Okay, so I've seen a couple aftermarket radio install videos on Youtube where people have stated that once they hooked up their aftermarket radios they lost the illumination for the buttons/controls on their steering wheels.

    Is there a way to retain the illumination?
     
    #1 blackavenger, Mar 23, 2016
  2. blackavenger

    blackavenger Junior Member

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    BTW - I bought the Axxess Steering Wheel interface (ASWC-1) to retain the functionality of the controls.
    I also bought the Metra TYTO-01 to retain use of the factory JBL Amp.

    Is there some other plug or technique so that I don't lose the illumination on the steering wheel?
    I REALLY don't want to lose those!!!
     
    #2 blackavenger, Mar 23, 2016
  3. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

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    I didn't lose the illumination in my'04 when I installed the kenwood, you should be ok.
     
    #3 69shovlhed, Mar 23, 2016
  4. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    More familiar with Kenwood and Gen III interface, but if you call Metra Online | Dealer Sales | Metra Auto Parts Online Warehouse and talk to Support they can help with the programming, or what ever the problem might be. Be advised they are hesitant to talk with retail customers, but Support will if you are semi-knowledgeable and nice about the whole thing.
     
    #4 frodoz737, Mar 23, 2016
  5. blackavenger

    blackavenger Junior Member

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    Thanks, Y'all.

    I am doing the install today, so I suppose I'll see if I lose illumination.
    ::fingers crossed that I don't::
     
    #5 blackavenger, Mar 26, 2016
  6. Acidbass32

    Acidbass32 Member

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    Let me know how it goes, I bought the metra when I installed my pioneer AVH bt head unit and don't have steering wheel controls or steering wheel illumination.
     
    #6 Acidbass32, Mar 30, 2016
  7. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Did you call them to help with the programming?
     
    #7 frodoz737, Mar 30, 2016
  8. R-P

    R-P Active Member

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    I lost my illumination as well (around the time I fitted an aftermarket radio), but I never found people linking it to the install of the radio.
    I searched and I thought it was just a break in the spiralling (?) wire in the steeringwheel.

    So keep us updated!
     
    #8 R-P, Apr 4, 2016
  9. blackavenger

    blackavenger Junior Member

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    I forgot to update this thread after the install.

    After installing the HU, the Axxess (ASWC-1) was automatic and works flawlessly.
    Also, I did retain the steering wheel illumination.

    I couldn't be more pleased.

    *However, I do have to mention something I am quite perplexed about with regard to
    the Metra Dash Kit. Why every tutorial suggests that you use that cheap plastic
    bracket that comes w' the kit is beyond me. I used the factory metal bracket without issue.
    It's a perfect fit. Granted I had to forego one bolt (the original radio is secured by 4 bolts) when
    using the OE bracket over the flimsy plastic bracket that comes with the kit. But, soooooo what?
    Like the exclusion of one screw on either side is going to make that much of a difference in
    securing the HU to the bracket....yeah, it's not!!
     
    #9 blackavenger, Apr 10, 2016
    frodoz737 likes this.
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