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[mr singh]

Is it possible to retro fit a multifunctional steering wheel ?
Daft question I know, and one of many random thoughts that come and go.

[CrazyG]

Not a daft question at all my friend.....
I asked that very same question a long time ago....as I really really wanted to fit one.
There are so many many items that can be retro-fitted to our ForFour's, but the
multi-function steering wheel is THE one item that cannot.  So the answer is 'NO'.

It's great if you do happen to have one in your car....so long as you retain the original Smart head-unit.
However, many people have already found to their cost that no one has as yet managed to get it to
connect or operate with any of the aftermarket head-units...directly or via any of the available add-on
adapters that boldly say they will work with any steering wheel !  Any except the ForFour that is !

So now in a way I'm rather glad mine didn't have one, as it would be just show and no go with the head-unit
I have aquired. (But yet to find time to fit.)

[mr singh]

You say there are many things one can retro-fit to a ForFour... could I ask what they are ?

[CrazyG]

By retro-fit I mean items that can be added/fitted that were not specified when the car was orginally ordered....
like the centre armrest......dash pod instruments.....underseat drawer....rear side sun screens....tailgate sun screen...
lounge concept....front transmission tunnel drinks holder...transmission tunnel storage net...rear luggage cover.....
paddle shift (only if the car is semi-auto)....Radio 6 vice Radio 5....or Radio6 Navigator....rear door speakers.....
Brabus body kit.....different alloys....
All Smart orginal parts.
And then there are so many other non Smart parts that can be added/fitted that are too numerous to list.

[djames108]

Im assuming the answer to this question remains unchanged but to throw in my 10 pence worth and because I really really really want steering wheel controls for my Sony HU.

Ive seen this on ebay: link expired/does not work - CrazyG
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/400291444082?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%3A80%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dp5197.m570.l1313%26_nkw%3D400291444082%26_sacat%3DSee-All-Categories%26_fvi%3D1&_rdc=1#ht_1211wt_689

Would this be compatible with either the smart steering wheel being for a colt OR Could you fit a colt wheel on with controls and use this?
Since selling my Mazda im missing this feature soooooo much!

[Problemchild]

Well according to our friend Dieter (see "my limited-one project" in mods) you can get a multifunction wheel to be retrofitted but still I have not seen anyone get a steering wheel to work with an aftermarket HU

JJ

[djames108]

How does the wiring work for the controls?
Does it wire to the ecu anywhere or is there just a loom from wheel which goes direct to HU?
Looking at the linked item it just sits in between the iso connector in the car and the HU iso connector and the wiring from the wheel controls plug in...

[funkydoodycool]

Whilst you lose audio control when you swap out your HU, you still need the steering wheel controls to flick through the trip computer.

Current trip -> since reset -> range -> coolant temp....

And you can flick to the malfunction indicator too.

As far as I know you can't change that display any other way (including cancelling out the frost warning that pops up).

If I knew a way I might consider fitting a smaller Momo wheel....

[djames108]

Id love to get a wheel with controls, plus i find the stock wheel uncomfortable after a while as its quite thin, I'd like to get hold of a brabby one or a colt full leather one which look nice

[Problemchild]

the BRAB wheel is a lovely wheel

JJ

[djames108]

Care to swap for the cack standard one ??

[CrazyG]

As already said by Problemchild, it would be nice if limited one gave a full run down
on his retrofitted steering wheel, and exactly what it can or cannot do....and if it runs a non
Smart HU.
I investigated fitting one to my CDi, but was told quite categorically by Wellsmart (now renamed)
that although the wheel would be a direct replacement, it could not be made to operate anything
as it was a factory fit at prduction item only (to function). And so far no one has as yet been on
any forum to say they have managed to get one to operate an aftermarket HU in the same way
it does for a Smart HU.  Maybe it can be adapted to have some functionality, on one or 2 of the
buttons, but then what good is that sort of partial functionality ?
That is of course, if you could get your hands on a s/h multi-function steering wheel for
a sensible price to make it worth it.....which somehow I doubt you will.

[djames108]

Well....i have taken the plunge and am picking up a colt CZ2 multifunction wheel to have a play, i figure worst case if the controls wont work then at least i have a nice leather wheel as im not getting on with the stock one!

[CrazyG]

The one thing i did notice in limited one's post about his was that he
made sure he got the 'slip ring' that goes with it.....which he said he needed
to allow any of the buttons to work. He didn't say if he managed to get them
to work...which is a shame as so far no one has managed to do that, even with
interfaces that are supposed to work, but don't.
I've PM'd him for any help/info that he can give.....hope he can understand what
I've asked for and that he will reply. He has gone quiet recently.....   

[djames108]

Ive got a rough idea of a possible solution.....well to get this working with my sony anyway. Will require some soldering and a lot of swearing but im reasonable hopeful I can get it to work, if it does then all I'll need is an airbag for the wheel and fingers crossed its the same connector as the smart on and the ecu will recognise it!