Metra Axxess ASWC-1 Steering Wheel Control Interface

I purchased this item together with several other Metra parts (dash trim, radio harness, antenna cable, and backup camera retention cable) to replace a factory stereo with a new CarPlay head unit in a 2018 Sentra (base model, no Bose speakers). The overall installation process for all of these parts was lengthy but fairly straightforward... though I haven't used my soldering skills since high school, I was able to wire up the various harnesses, insulate everything with shrink and tesa tape, open the dash, and get everything hooked up and working. The teenager who drives the car is very happy with her new radio.The most difficult part of the entire operation was installation of this component. First, Metra's website didn't cover the model year of our Sentra (2018). Eventually, I learned that the 2017 instructions worked and that Metra simply hadn't yet tested enough 2018 models to feel comfortable putting it on their website--fair enough. Even when I found working instructions, they were poorly written and laid out, almost to the point of being impenetrable. Metra should really consider hiring a professional to improve their documentation.Fortunately, a couple of calls to Metra's tech support--even available on weekends!!--answered all of my questions. They were patient, helpful, and encouraging, giving me the confidence to take on and complete the install. Metra's tech support is genuinely excellent. I only wish their documentation was half as good.One thing Metra recommended which I did NOT do was splice directly into the car's radio harness behind the plug. That would have required peeling back insulation to splice in-line to the bare wire without cutting, and then soldering the new connections *inside the dash*. As I said, my soldering skills are pretty rudimentary and I was not confident that I could easily solder such small connections inside the dash cavity without damaging something else. Instead I used Posi-Taps to tap the two cables behind the plug without cutting or soldering. While Metra warned me that taps wouldn't work, I had seen other installers use them on YouTube. Even Crutchfield's tutorial video used them! In the end, they worked perfectly and I spared myself the tricky soldering and possibly damaging the factory radio harness.Overall, though it was a bit of a challenge I'm glad I took it on.

I was afraid because I was not sure if it will work with the wheel controls of my MX-5 2008, but worked like a charm.

This steering wheel control adapter can be a pain to install but it is simple once you understand how to connect wires to your steering wheel harness. Do your research before hand, keep your wires nice and tidy with zip ties and most importantly MAKE SURE YOU HAVE GOOD METAL TO METAL CONTACT. If the connection between wires is even a little loose, it can make the product not work.

I used this aswc-1 to retain steering wheel controls in my 2005 dodge durango with the Infinity sound system. Install is pretty basic, 1 wire and plug jack in( I also was using the harness for retaining stock amp in vehicle). I would have gave this 5 stars, but I had a issue detecting my Kenwood ddx-896, which is a pretty common issue since Kenwood and JVC are same company and when I connected this adaptor, it was supposed to come with a resistor to use when this issue occurs(but one wasnt in box). Even that's not so bad since you can manually select stereo type, but took me about 15 attempts to get it to finally work right. So that is reason for 4 stars, but steering wheel controls are working great now and no issues once I selected manually the correct brand type, I even disconnected battery in the SUV and the aswc-1 retained it's functions. I'm happy, just wish the resistor was in box, would have saved me some headaches. I did have to call customer service and it was very smooth, man who helped me was friendly and had the controls working after a couple attempts, I would give customer service a 10/10, maybe I got lucky. Update 8/2016, after customer service support help my Durango's steering wheel controls worked flawless for past 3 months. Then last week I decided to buy a new Pioneer 3800bhs, since it has so many more features my old 2010 kenwood lacked. Again I followed instructions, changed type of radio(btw, I am using the axxess steering wheel harness and can amp turn on harness) so it all is pre wired, so very little chance of error on my part. As the ASWC-1 tried to detect the Durango's controls the volume bar pops up on the Pioneer, so it is seeing something. But after, it blinks 7 times then 6. So I tried to manually program it, as it goes into program mode I should have to hold down, then select 6 times for Pioneer, but when I tap each time to set brand, the volume goes Up on radio. Then after, nothing works, I tried different ground point, manually wiring harness separate, still same issue. I have never tried a axxess update on PC, will try that and if still issues, will contact customer service. Update 8/25/2016, I downloaded the axxess updater on my phone, plugged in OTG adaptor, used a micro usb I use to charge my phone and plugged it into OTG usb and micro usb into the aswc-1, went the app on my phone(axxess app), turned key on the Durango, hit update on my phone screen and about 10 seconds later, update said complete. Turned off key, unplugged the usb cable, turned key back on(tapped volume up button fast until programming finished, now I have all controls on my steering wheel working! The Dodge Durango uses a odd data system, so to get steering wheel controls to auto detect, you need to quick tap the volume up over and over until aswc-1 stops blinking and goes solid. Works great now, I advise everyone to do the simple update, I bought my aswc-1 in about June 2016 and my firmware are was 3 behind the latest, so update to solve many hours of headache or on hold with customer service.