Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

How-to add steering wheel controls

Ricodattoli

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Jan 2, 2022
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FL
I am in the process of upgrading my son’s 97 TJ to a double din stereo. The new Alpine head unit is compatible with steering wheel controls. I read some threads where others have changed out the steering wheel, but I found some Bluetooth controls on Amazon for 30 bucks. I also needed to buy an interface controller to make it all work. They look good.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08X2SK5TD/?tag=wranglerorg-20

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That install looks great. I just bought the same stereo for my 05, but I have the cruise controls in my steering wheel so I just bought the Joying controller that straps to the wheel. We'll see how it goes. I may sacrifice the cruise control for the stereo controls and copy your setup.
 
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Ahhhh, okay. So the little wiring box goes behind the radio and the remotes are just battery powered. I get it now. Interesting. I'm going to on the back side of the steering wheel to see if they could fit there (cleaner and I have cruise control anyways).
 
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Ahhhh, okay. So the little wiring box goes behind the radio and the remotes are just battery powered. I get it now. Interesting. I'm going to on the back side of the steering wheel to see if they could fit there (cleaner and I have cruise control anyways).

they fit on the back. scroll up :ROFLMAO:
 
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nice work! I put mine on the back

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Did you use the kind with a receiver that wires in to the back of the stereo too? I see there are several types that just interface directly via Bluetooth with the stereo or phone. I'm only interested in volume, pause, and maybe skip track. If wired adapter, did you need an interface adapter?
 
Did you use the kind with a receiver that wires in to the back of the stereo too? I see there are several types that just interface directly via Bluetooth with the stereo or phone. I'm only interested in volume, pause, and maybe skip track. If wired adapter, did you need an interface adapter?

I use the one with the receiver since I didn’t want to chance the remote not being to be simultaneously used via Bluetooth while streaming from the iPad. Wired it into the remote control wires for the head unit.

I didn’t install the phone remote, only the one pictured since I don’t answer phone calls while driving.
 
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I am in the process of upgrading my son’s 97 TJ to a double din stereo. The new Alpine head unit is compatible with steering wheel controls. I read some threads where others have changed out the steering wheel, but I found some Bluetooth controls on Amazon for 30 bucks. I also needed to buy an interface controller to make it all work. They look good.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08X2SK5TD/?tag=wranglerorg-20

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Hate to be that guy and revise a 2 year old thread, but do you happen to remember what sized hole saw you used? I like the controls on the front and think it will be easier to get them out to recharge if they arent behind the steering wheel.

Edit: disregard my question. I figured it out. Note for others: a 1.5 inch diameter hole saw. I only had 1 3/8 so i used a dremel to sand along inside to enlarge the hole.

Note 2: The link posted is dead but I used the same kit. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08X2T1YQ8?tag=wranglerorg-20

Thanks RicoDattoli for this write up.

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Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts