For those who lost their steering wheel controls....

[dvdchris45]

I read in a REALLY old thread (which I couldnt find thru search) that there is a cable they sell from toyota or radio shack(?) that enables you to control your volume and display functions from the steering wheel again after you install another HU (I lost my display function as well its stuck on RANGE). If anyone knows the link where to find the cable PLEASE HELP!

[dvdchris45]

I have a Valor DDA-650WT head unit.

[theprodigy79]

I use the PAC SWI-ALP (for Alpine heads)... PAC is one of the better quality remote units (they don't lose their programming when your car battery dies, they are pretty easy to install, they have a strong signal, and you can program whatever you want them to do)... I don't believe they make Valor specifics, however their universal is Model SWI-X (it works with any radio that is remote compatible). They are programmable / learning, so you can select the features you want. Check ebay, you can prolly get it for around $40... but make sure it's a PAC, not a generic. I found the best place to install the eye is in the front of the center console about a half inch under the lid, with the only issue being when you set your arm in the middle sometimes your hand will cover it... That's going to be the same with any unit though...

[dvdchris45]

Does your DISPLAY function key work now?

[theprodigy79]

You shouldn't lose your Display function with a headunit swap... check over your connections... I missed that part in your original post, I apologize.. the aftermarket steering control interfaces would give you back your radio features only (volume, skip, seek, channel, etc...) but the Display button is completely unrelated. Let me check into something and I'll get back to you with an answer of what it probably is later today (the 4th).

[dvdchris45]

I'll be looking forward to your reponse prodigy...

[theprodigy79]

Hey Chris,

I recall that the connecter plugs don't really give a satisfying "click" to let you know they're making proper contact... it's more of a guess as to whether they are tight or not... trace out the wires going from your steering display button and just make sure the plug is making good contact. I had the same problem and it was a very simple fix.. Sorry I had to think about it for a while, it's been a year since I did my install and I was trying to remember all the details. I can't remember right off the top of my head if the plug is located in the steering column or at the other end (I believe it's in the steering column). Let me know if the problem still exists after you check / secure the connections; if it does I'll pull my steering column / dash apart and see what I can find.

-James

[kgzero1]

I lost the display function when I swapped the headunit. I think it is bundled with the steering wheel mode wires which won't hook up to anything in my head unit.

[theprodigy79]

I still have my functionality... I lost it right after I swapped, but I went back in there and made sure everything was tight and got it back. I'll pull my dash apart when I get the chance to see if there was something I jimmy rigged (wire splices, etc...)... It's been too long, and I've worked on too many cars to remember specifics from each

[dvdchris45]

I"ll have to take a look after I get from Hawaii on the 16th bro, but thanks for the tip. My guess is that it could be be disconnected or loose. Same applies to the antenna cable because my radio reception is poor. So much time was put into grinding the dash kit down to make the unit fit that I lost track of the wiring. But man, wait till you guys see it once its painted...

[theprodigy79]

One tip on the radio reception for you and all our other '04 brothers and sisters out there... I had noticed that my reception dropped when I installed my aftermarket headunit (it was never spectacular to start with)... There was actually a TSB posted to correct this... I went ahead and did it myself cuz it's a simple fix (and it only took me 2 min to do rather than having to schedule a BS appt at the dealer). Check out the link below:

http://www.alldata.com/tsb/Toyota/10775 ... index.html

It turns out that on the first few production runs of the 2004 Solara they reversed the wires going into the antenna amplifier... Smart people... But yeah, just take off your rear passenger side C-pillar cover and you'll see the antenna amplifier and the suspect connecter... all you need is one small, flat blade screwdriver and you're set (no cutting, crimping, etc... needed) Make sure the wires match the diagram in the TSB, pop the C-pillar cover back on and you're done!

It doesn't matter if you have an aftermarket or factory headunit, this solves a lot of crap either way. This is only applicable to early '04 models, so those with '05s and up shouldn't even worry.

[dvdchris45]

My reception sucks but my vin # doesnt match. Does that matter?..

Oh, Is it the little relay type of thing that says "TOYOTA" on it? (im no good with the a-pillar, c-pillar terminology)

[theprodigy79]

I'd still check it out (no harm in looking, it just takes a sec). Your A-pillar trim pieces are the wide, stout plastic covers that are clipped onto the pillars next to your rear windshield. They literally just pull off (just kinda feel around the sides and pull gently). The amplifier is a small silverish box (about 2" x 2"): you don't actually need to do anything with it, you need to check the wires in the harness to make sure they aren't reversed. I printed off the page with the diagram just to have a reference.

[dvdchris45]

Heres the current wiring configuration. I have not swtiched it because I'm not too sure if they're already correct or not. I think they are.