Kenwood Double Din HU & Steering Controls

I was considering one of the new Kenwood Double Din head units, but I want to keep the audio controls on my steering wheel ( I have RTL non-Nav). Has anyone had any experience with this or can it be done? I believe the Kenwood Units are the Kenwood DPX-301 DPX-501 DPX-701


Any help would be greatly appreciated.

There are a couple of companies that make aftermarket to OEM steering wheel control adapters.

One is PAC (Pacific Accessory Corp.)

http://www.pac-audio.com/default.asp

Can't remember the other one.

See today's thread about this very subject - specifically the PAC unit. It works - you just need to buy a headunit that supports steering wheel controls. Some Kenwoods do - some don't.

On crutchfield, they mention steering wheel controls for the dpx-701, not for the 501 or 301... I am thinking about the 701, you can get it for under $300.00 on ebay if you are willing to go for the install without Crutchfield. Here is the blurb from Crutchfield...

Steering Wheel Remote Compatibility: The DPX701 has a "steering remote control" lead on the back panel. When used with the optional SWI-ALP interface (item #127SWIALP), you can retain the use of your steering wheel and/or rear seat radio controls when replacing the factory head unit in select vehicles. The SWI-ALP is compatible with over 95% of the vehicles made from 1986 to the present. Compatible vehicles include many Acura, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hummer, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Oldsmobile, Plymouth, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Suzuki, Toyota, and Volkswagen vehicles and Harley Davidson motorcycles. Please consult "What Fits My Car" to see if your vehicle is compatible.

Just had a Pioneer AVIC-Z1 installed with XM and Ipod modules. The installer used the Pacific sterring wheel control adapter and all buttons work fine. Volume of course increases volume. Mode switches between AM, FM, CD, Library, and ipod modes and channel will advance the songs or stations if you are in AM or FM mode.

I really like the features on the Pioneer AVIC-Z1. The ipod integration is so much better than the cheesie interface that Honda is peddling--absolute waste of money. Another feature on the AVIC-Z1 that I enjoy is the hard drive. 20 gig is reserved for navi software--but the remaining 10 gig is available for storing your cd's on the hard drive. Just finished a 2,000 mile roadtrip to Montana. Between XM, ipod and the hard drive--not one cd case was rattling around in my glove box. Awsome.

I will let you know soon. I just had the DDX-7017 installed and the steering wheel controls, sub and amps are going in next.

The ipod integration is so much better than the cheesie interface that Honda is peddling--absolute waste of money.

I have a similar opinion about the Z1. I completed my install (http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8428)a few weeks ago and the one thing I don't like is the iPod interface with the Z1 is super slooooow. It take a long time to scroll the lists. It would be nice to have a Qwerty style keyboard available to access the iPod...I think that would make things faster. Other than that I'm happy with it.

Nothing can be worse than the Alpine interface for their non-touch screen models. I hear it is much better for touch screen models. For me, however, the screen resolution was more important to me than a better iPod interface. As far as I know, nobody makes a high res touch screen. Anybody here have a Clarion DVD unit with iPod control? I heard it was pretty slick.

what are the prices of these units

what are the prices of these units

The price I paid for my steering control module was $59.00:cool:

i mean the recievers

i mean the recievers

I guess you mean the headunits. Well I could only comment on the AVIC Z1. They can be found between $1500 to $2200...that's the HU by itself. If you want the extra modules they run in the neighborhood of $100 to $150 each. Obviously, there is a large difference in price range. You need to be mindful of different sellers and you should verify if they are authorized to sell the product. I've heard of issues with supposed "brand new" items bought on fleebay that are defective and the manufacturer will not honor the warranty. On an item as expensive as some of these Nav units, I would suggest spending a bit more with a legit seller. Hope this helps. :cool: