Can you upgrade a 2003 Steering wheel to one with Radio Controls?

[DashingDaryl]

Greetings from Phoenix Arizona, USA!

I have a 2003 with a 2.5 and a plain old steering wheel without any controls. If I purchase a used E85 steering wheel with controls, will I need to install the control wiring harness to the clock spring at the same time?

I am eagerly hoping the harness is already in the column, connected to the clock spring and all I have to do is find my trusty 16mm socket and swap out the steering wheels.

Has anyone done it? Amy I lucky enough that it is really that easy?

 

[paddy wright]

I did this on my 04 (03 build). Like yours should be it was all prewired and an easy swap.

 

[DashingDaryl]

Thanks Paddy, just what I was hoping to hear!

 

[BumpyZ4]

I just did my early 03 E85 and two wires needed were not installed because at the time mine was built the MFS was not even an option on the Z4. I added two wires from the LCM to the Clock spring, MFS works as advertised.

 

[DashingDaryl]

uh oh, I think I am in the same position as you. Mine is a 2003 also.

if I don't run the 2 wires from the light control module, do the controls just not light up? Or does the whole setup not work?

 

[BumpyZ4]

Nope they won't work at all. One of the wires taps into the I-bus which allows the MFS to talk to the radio.

 

[DashingDaryl]

Thanks man! That is good information to know!

 

[DashingDaryl]

@bumpyz4 - Hate to keep asking you questions, so I found this PDF on where I need to run the two wires.

The PDF says that the module has to be programmed. Is that true or is it just plug and play?

https://www.zpost.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=124006&d=1200965329

 

[enuff_zed]

@bumpyz4 - Hate to keep asking you questions, so I found this PDF on where I need to run the two wires.

The PDF says that the module has to be programmed. Is that true or is it just plug and play?

https://www.zpost.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=124006&d=1200965329

Before you get too involved, have you popped the airbag off to see if you have the pins there?

 

[BumpyZ4]

@bumpyz4 - Hate to keep asking you questions, so I found this PDF on where I need to run the two wires.

The PDF says that the module has to be programmed. Is that true or is it just plug and play?

https://www.zpost.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=124006&d=1200965329

No programming needed.

 

[Umfaan]

Pins 9 and 10 on the green plug …if they are there you in luck …or alternatively you will need to run the said 2 wires….Pre Oct 2003 build cars don’t have the wires.

 

[DashingDaryl]

@bumpyz4 - Hate to keep asking you questions, so I found this PDF on where I need to run the two wires.

The PDF says that the module has to be programmed. Is that true or is it just plug and play?

https://www.zpost.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=124006&d=1200965329

Before you get too involved, have you popped the airbag off to see if you have the pins there?

Exxxxxcellant call. Thanks!

 

[DashingDaryl]

Pins 9 and 10 on the green plug …if they are there you in luck …or alternatively you will need to run the said 2 wires….Pre Oct 2003 build cars don’t have the wires.

UGH! According to REALOEM, my car was 1/2003 :x

 

[BumpyZ4]

Don't worry it's not that hard to install the two wires.