Axxess ASWC Steering Wheel Control Interface Installation Manual

Kit Features

• One Interface does it all - No additional interfaces needed
• Designed to be compatible with all major radio brands
• Auto detects vehicle type, radio connection, and presets controls
• Can be manually programmed for most vehicles
• Memory retains settings even after battery disconnection or interface removal
• Connection placements are all organized behind the radio
• USB updatable

Interface Components

• ASWC Interface
• 12-pin harness with male 3.5 mm connector
• Female 3.5 mm connector with Brown and Brown/White wires
• 12k-ohm resistor

Tools Required

• Cutting tool
• Crimping tool
• Tape
• Connectors (example: butt-connectors, bell caps, etc.)

[Diagram Description: Images of a utility knife, crimping pliers, a roll of tape, and various wire connectors like butt-connectors and bell caps.]

Preface

What you need to know before you begin

1. Know the correct year, make, and model of your vehicle.
2. Be sure that the radio you are installing is compatible with the Axxess steering wheel control (ASWC) interface (refer to the aftermarket radio owner's manual).
3. Go to the Axxess website (www.axxessinterface.com) and click on "Steering Wheel Control" (SWC). Once you input your vehicle information and hit "Submit", a new page will display two sources of information: a PDF document in the "Documents" tab and detailed information on steering wheel control wire colors under the "Vehicle Information" tab. Print the PDF document for use during installation.

Note: While extensive research has been done, it is your responsibility to verify steering wheel control wires with a multimeter. Notify the Tech Department at 1-800-253-TECH if discrepancies are found. Be in the vehicle with access to the interface and wiring when calling.

Overview

Introduction to the ASWC Interface and Wiring Harness

The ASWC interface has three key points:

1. Programming LED: Flashes rapidly in auto detect mode, slowly in manual programming mode.
2. Reset Button: Hold for 3 seconds for auto detect mode; hold longer than 10 seconds for manual programming mode.
3. Slide Cover (USB Port Cover): Reveals the USB update port for updating firmware via the Axxess website using the USB-CAB update cable.

[Diagram Description: An illustration of the ASWC interface showing the USB Port Cover, Reset Button, and Programming LED.]

ASWC Wire Colors

Refer to the Axxess website (www.axxessinterface.com) for detailed vehicle-specific wire color information.

Pin-1

Pink

Pin-2

White/Green

Pin-3

Yellow/Green

Pin-4

Green/Orange

Pin-5

Gray/Red

Pin-6

Black

Pin-7

Blue/Pink

Pin-8

Black/Green

Pin-9

Red (tip of 3.5 mm connector)

Pin-10

White (ring of 3.5 mm connector)

Pin-11

Gray/Blue

Pin-12

Red

Section 1: Installation

After obtaining vehicle-specific information from www.axxessinterface.com, you are ready to install the ASWC.

Installing the ASWC

1. Connect the Black wire of the ASWC to ground. The factory ground point can often be used.
2. Connect the Red wire of the ASWC to a 12-volt accessory wire that powers on/off with the ignition key.
3. Locate the correct SWC wire(s) in the vehicle's radio harness as described in the vehicle information sheet from the Axxess website. Connect the corresponding wire color(s) from the ASWC to the vehicle's SWC wire(s).

Note: Soldering is recommended by Metra for the most secure connection. T-Taps or scotch locks are not recommended due to potential intermittent connections or changes in resistance.

Specific Radio Connections:

• For Eclipse, Kenwood, Metra OE, or newer JVC radios: Plug the included female 3.5 mm connector (with Brown and Brown/White wires) into the male 3.5 mm connector of the ASWC harness.
  • Kenwood and select JVC: Connect the SWC wire (typically Blue/Yellow) to the Brown wire of the ASWC. Isolate and tape the Brown/White wire, as it will not be used. (Note: Some Kenwood radios may auto-detect as JVC. A 12k-ohm resistor may be needed between the Blue/Yellow and Brown wires during programming, or manual radio type selection can be used.)
  • Eclipse: Connect the Eclipse SWC wires (typically Brown and Brown/Black) to the ASWC's Brown and Brown/White wires. Brown connects to Brown, and Brown/Black connects to Brown/White. If this does not work, reverse the connections.
  • Metra OE: Connect the SWC Key 1 wire (Gray) to the ASWC's Brown wire.
• For all other radios: Plug the ASWC's male 3.5 mm connector into the aftermarket radio's external SWC control interface port. Consult the aftermarket radio manual if unsure. After all connections are made, connect the aftermarket radio.

Section 2: Programming

The ASWC can be programmed via Auto Detect Mode or Manual Programming for non-data vehicles. Auto Detect Mode is recommended first.

Auto Detect Mode: Overview

The ASWC can automatically detect the vehicle and connected aftermarket radio. The vehicle info sheet on www.axxessinterface.com will indicate if auto detection is likely and what steps are required.

For Auto Detect to function, one of the following actions may be required, depending on your vehicle:

• Turn the ignition on; no other action is required.
• Turn the ignition on, then press and hold the "Volume Up" button on the steering wheel.
• Turn the ignition on, then press and release the "Volume Up" button repeatedly on the steering wheel.

Refer to the vehicle info sheet for the specific action needed.

Auto Detect Mode: Steps

1. Complete all connections to the vehicle and the aftermarket radio.
2. If this is the first installation in the vehicle: Turn the ignition on. The LED will flash rapidly, indicating the ASWC is searching for the vehicle and radio. Proceed to step 4.
3. If the ASWC was previously installed: Turn the ignition on; the LED will flash once and then go out. Hold the reset button for 3 seconds, then release it. Perform the required action for your vehicle as noted in the vehicle info sheet.
4. After a few seconds, the LED should stop flashing and remain off for 2 seconds. Do not press any buttons during this time.
5. Following the 2-second pause, the LED will display a series of 7 flashes (short and long).
6. The LED will pause for another 2 seconds, then flash up to 11 times (refer to the ASWC Legend).
7. This concludes the auto detection stage. If successful, the ASWC LED will light up solid red.
8. For vehicles with OE Bluetooth buttons: After the LED is solid red, press "Hang up" or "Pick up" on your steering wheel control. If successful, the LED will turn off after 3 seconds, indicating the OE Bluetooth buttons are now programmed to the aftermarket radio's Bluetooth functions (requires aftermarket radio with Bluetooth).

Tip: If the LED does not turn solid red, consult the troubleshooting section.

10. Verify that the steering wheel control buttons function correctly and enjoy.

Section 3: Troubleshooting

Auto Detect Mode Issues

If the LED does not turn solid red after auto detect, the ASWC did not detect the vehicle. Follow these steps:

1. Verify 12-volt accessory power and a good ground connection to the ASWC. A chassis ground is highly recommended, especially if the factory ground is insufficient. Ground the SWC reference ground wire if present, along with the aftermarket radio.
2. Confirm using the vehicle information sheet (Axxess website) that the correct steering wheel control wire(s) in the vehicle were connected to the ASWC.
3. Ensure the 3.5 mm connector is securely connected to the radio and in the correct location.
4. For Eclipse, Kenwood, select JVC, or Metra OE radios using the female 3.5 mm connector, verify the radio's SWC wire is correctly connected to the ASWC.

Manual Programming Auto Detect Mode

If your vehicle is not listed for auto detection on the Axxess website, you can manually program a non-data vehicle using the ASWC legend.

Note: Not all steering wheel controls have all commands. Aftermarket radios without Bluetooth may not recognize PTT or "On/Off Hook" commands, but these can often be manually programmed. Refer to the radio owner's manual for specific command recognition.

1. Complete all connections to the vehicle and aftermarket radio, ensuring the 3.5 mm connector is attached.
2. If this is the first installation: Turn the ignition on; the LED will start flashing rapidly. After 10 seconds, the ASWC enters LED feedback mode and will then display a slow constant flash. Proceed to step 4.
3. If the ASWC was previously installed: Press and hold the reset button for more than 10 seconds. The LED will begin a slow constant flash.
4. Press and hold the "Volume Up" button on the steering wheel for 7 seconds until the LED turns solid red. Release the "Volume Up" button; the LED will turn off. "Volume Up" is now programmed.
5. Press and hold the "Volume Down" button until the LED turns solid red. Release the button; the LED will turn off. "Volume Down" is now programmed.
6. Proceed to the "ASWC Legend Button Assignment" section (page 19) to continue programming buttons like "Seek Up/Next".
7. Programming can be ended in two ways:
   • After programming the last desired button, hold "Volume Up" for at least 10 seconds; the LED will enter a slow constant blink mode.
   • After the 18th button is programmed or skipped, the LED will return to a slow constant blink mode, completing remapping.

Note: If an error occurs, hold the reset button for 10+ seconds to restart manual programming from Step 4.

8. Press and hold the "Volume Down" button for 5 seconds until the LED flashes quickly.
9. Release the "Volume Down" button.
10. After 4 seconds of rapid flashing, the LED will turn off for 2 seconds.
11. The LED will then flash up to 11 times, indicating the radio the ASWC believes it is connected to.
12. Verify the number of flashes matches your installed radio by referring to the "Changing Radio Type" section (pages 13-14).
13. If the flashes match, press and hold the "Volume Down" button until the LED turns solid red.
14. Programming for the vehicle and radio is complete. Test steering wheel control functions.

Changing Radio Type

If the LED flashes do not match your connected radio, you must manually program the ASWC to identify the radio type.

1. To manually program, press and hold the "Volume Down" button on the steering wheel control until the LED turns solid red, then release "Volume Down".
2. Eclipse radios: are now programmed. Proceed to step 3.
3. For other radios: Proceed to step 4.
4. For Eclipse radios: Press and hold "Volume Down" for 5 seconds. The LED will flash once, then turn solid red, indicating programming is finished.
5. For radios other than Eclipse: Press the "Volume Up" button until the LED turns solid red, then release "Volume Up". This programs Kenwood.

The following chart shows the number of "Volume Up" presses needed for different radio manufacturers:

• 1: Eclipse
• 2: Kenwood
• 3: Clarion "Type 1"
• 4: Sony and Dual
• 5: JVC
• 6: Pioneer and Jensen
• 7: Alpine*
• 8: Visteon
• 9: Valor
• 10: Clarion "Type 2"
• 11: Metra OE

Once the radio manufacturer is selected, hold "Volume Down" for at least 5 seconds. The LED will flash the number corresponding to the selected radio, then remain on to indicate programming is complete.

Manual Radio Type Programming (Alternative Method)

Use this procedure if only changing the radio type is necessary.

1. Within the first 25 seconds of turning the key on, press and hold the car's "Volume Down" button.
2. After 15 seconds of holding "Volume Down", the ASWC's red LED will turn on.
3. Release "Volume Down"; the LED will turn off. You are now in radio programming mode.
4. Press and release the "Volume Up" button for the desired radio number (refer to the ASWC legend). The red LED will turn on and then off for feedback after each press.
5. When the desired radio type is reached, press the "Volume Down" button.
6. The LED will turn on and remain on for approximately 3 seconds while the ASWC computes and stores the new information.
7. The LED will turn off, indicating completion.

Note: If no button is pressed for 10 seconds or more, this programming mode will abort.

Section 4: Remapping

Remapping the SWC (Steering Wheel Control) Buttons

After programming the ASWC, you can reassign steering wheel control buttons. For example, programming "Seek Up" as a "Mute" function.

1. Ensure the ASWC is visible to confirm button recognition via LED flashes.
2. Turning off the radio is recommended.
3. Within the first 20 seconds of turning the ignition on, press and hold the "Volume Up" button for at least 20 seconds.
4. The LED will light up solid red. Release "Volume Up"; the LED will go out. "Volume Up" is now programmed.
5. Refer to the "Button Assignment" section (page 19) for the order of buttons to press or bypass.
6. After programming the last desired button on your steering wheel (you don't have to program all), hold "Volume Up" for at least 10 seconds; the LED will go out.

Alternatively, after the 18th button is programmed or skipped, the LED will go out, completing remapping.

Resetting Original SWC Settings

To revert to original steering wheel control settings after remapping, follow these steps:

1. Within the first 20 seconds of turning the ignition on, press and hold the original "Volume Down" button (not the remapped one) for at least 25 seconds.
2. The LED will turn on, then release the "Volume Down" button; the LED will turn off.
3. The original steering wheel control settings will be restored.

ASWC Legend

For A and B:

Short flashes: Indicate steering wheel control wire(s) not connected to the vehicle from the ASWC.

Long flashes: Indicate wire(s) connected to the vehicle.

A. Vehicle LED Feedback

• 1st LED flash: White/Green wire on ASWC
• 2nd LED flash: Orange/Green wire on ASWC
• 3rd LED flash: Green/Orange wire on ASWC
• 4th LED flash: Gray/Red wire on ASWC
• 5th LED flash: Black/Green wire on ASWC
• 6th LED flash: Gray/Blue wire on ASWC
• 7th LED flash: Pink wire on ASWC

B. Radio LED Feedback

• 1st LED flash: Eclipse
• 2nd LED flash: Kenwood
• 3rd LED flash: Clarion ("Type" 1)
• 4th LED flash: Sony and Dual
• 5th LED flash: JVC
• 6th LED flash: Pioneer and Jensen
• 7th LED flash: Alpine*
• 8th LED flash: Visteon
• 9th LED flash: Valor
• 10th LED flash: Clarion ("Type" 2)
• 11th LED flash: Metra OE

Note (Section B): If the ASWC flashes 7 times and an Alpine radio is not connected, it means the ASWC did not detect any radio. Verify the 3.5 mm connector is connected to the radio's SWC input.

C. Button Assignment (Remapping/Manual Programming)

This section lists the default button assignments and functions that can be programmed or remapped.

1. Volume Up

10. Band

2. Volume Down

11. Play/Enter

3. Seek Up/Next

12. PTT (Push To Talk)

4. Seek Down/Prev

13. On Hook

5. Source/Mode

14. Off Hook

6. Mute

15. Fan Up

7. Preset Up

16. Fan Down

8. Preset Down

17. Temp Up

9. Power

18. Temp Down

Note: Not all radios support all commands. Refer to the radio owner's manual or vendor for specific recognized commands.

If a function on the list is not present on your steering wheel, press and hold the "Volume Up" button for 1 second until the LED comes on, then release it. This signals the ASWC that the function is unavailable and moves to the next function.

Important Warning

This product includes installation instructions that must be carefully followed. The instructions assume the installer is capable of completing electronic installations. If you are unclear or do not understand the instructions, consult a qualified technician.

Failure to follow these instructions and install the interface as described could cause harm to the vehicle, its safety systems, or persons. For questions, call the Metra Help line at 1-800-221-0932.

[Diagram Description: Logos for Installer Institute and MECP (Mobile Electronics Certification Program).]

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