{"id":1582,"date":"2018-09-24T12:39:05","date_gmt":"2018-09-24T10:39:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.autopartspro.co.uk\/tips-advice\/?p=1582"},"modified":"2018-09-24T12:41:34","modified_gmt":"2018-09-24T10:41:34","slug":"multifunctional-steering-wheel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.autopartspro.co.uk\/tips-advice\/multifunctional-steering-wheel-1582","title":{"rendered":"Add comfort and safety with a multifunctional steering wheel!"},"content":{"rendered":"

A multifunctional steering wheel is a convenient feature in every car, enabling comfortable operation of several functions without having to take the hands off the steering wheel. With both hands on the wheel and the eyes on the road, optimal driving safety is guaranteed \u2013 a multifunctional steering wheel is therefore an effective contribution to enhanced security in the car.<\/strong><\/h4>\n

As several switches are within reach of the thumb, the steering wheel is held firmly in both hands. The positions of the separate switches is memorised easily enough. No need to lower the eyes, but keeping them steadily on the road instead.<\/p>\n

Possibilities of a multifunctional steering wheel<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"PossibilitiesA multifunctional steering wheel is equipped with buttons and switches<\/strong><\/em> for control of the available and additional functions of the car. The usual functions are:<\/strong><\/p>\n

– radio<\/a> volume<\/em>
\n– channel search<\/em>
\n– source selection (CD\/MP3\/radio)<\/em>
\n– cruise control<\/em>
\n– menu control for multifunctional display (Navigation, communication, entertainment)<\/em>
\n– and many more<\/em><\/p>\n

Ideally, the car is ordered including a multifunctional steering wheel ex works<\/strong>. However, this is quite expensive and therefore not done as a rule. Buyers of used cars<\/a> generally do not look at these features first and therefore a lacking multifunctional steering wheel is initially taken for granted. If it is available, it enhances the value of the car<\/em>. For those who do not wish to forego on this comfort & safety feature, the industry offers retrofitting sets.<\/p>\n

Is every car suitable?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"howWhen retrofitting a car with a multifunctional steering wheel, everything depends on what you want to accomplish<\/strong><\/em>. If it concerns only the safe and comfortable control of dashboard functions, the retrofit is relatively simple. Not until you wish to retrofit a multifunctional steering wheel including cruise control, the project requires careful assessment.<\/p>\n

\"howRetrofitting a car with cruise control<\/a> ideally requires an electronic accelerator<\/em><\/strong>. If the car is equipped with a cable-controlled mechanical accelerator, the retrofit is still possible, although it implies installation of additional servomotors<\/strong><\/em>, which complicates the project and makes it expensive.<\/p>\n

\"onlyTherefore we particularly recommend motivated DIY’ers with limited budget and experience to stick to cars with an electronic accelerator<\/strong>.
\nThis retrofitting project will always be a real challenge.
\nChances are, the motivated DIY’er will overplay his hand when attempting to install cruise control in combination with a mechanical accelerator<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Can anybody do it?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"multifunctionalEven though manufacturers say the opposite, this project requires a great deal of skill and experience<\/strong><\/em>.
\nRetrofitting a multifunctional steering wheel cannot be compared to replacing a car radio or retrofitting LED lighting.
\n 
\n 
\n 
\n\"RemoveReplacing and retrofitting a steering wheel implies the disassembly and correct assembly of the airbag<\/strong><\/em>. If you make an error here, you run the risk of serious injury or in case of damage<\/a> a malfunction of this safety feature. We therefore recommend to correctly assess one’s competences and in case of doubt, employ a professional for the installation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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We therefore accept no liability for errors occurring as a result of imitating this description. The actions and steps described here are general guidelines and do not represent an actual installation manual<\/em><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Procedure of modification<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"howWhen installing a multifunctional steering wheel, proceed according to the following steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n

1. Disconnect the battery<\/a>.<\/strong>
\n2. Modify the cable harness.<\/strong>
\n3. Modify the control unit.<\/strong>
\n4. Remove the trim of the steering wheel.<\/strong>
\n5. Disassemble the airbag.<\/strong>
\n6. If necessary, disassemble the steering wheel.<\/strong>
\n7. Install the retrofitting kit.<\/strong>
\n8. Assemble everything.<\/strong>
\n9. Re-program the control unit.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n