F150 SCAB XL Steering Wheel Control Integration
 

Hi, I am a new forum member so I apologize if this should be in a different thread. I just bought a new 2016 F150 SCab XL and I am looking to upgrade the audio and steering wheel for hands-free compliance. I read the steering wheel upgrade threads but they did not answer my integration issue. The dash kit threads were helpful but did not go far enough either. My local Ford dealer service manager said I could NOT upgrade to a steering wheel with hands-free/cruise control and expect them to work with the XL version I bought. They said they could not do an upgrade either. Enough background; does anyone know if adding a steering wheel with controls can be added to a 2016 F150 SCab XL and have the controls work with an aftermarket stereo unit/steering wheel integration aftermarket unit? I am looking at the PAC RPK4-FD2201 dash kit. Thanks in advance!

In short, yes. There's members have changed steering wheels, a a couple have done xlt to lariut swaps including shifters, dash etc. Forscan thread can help as you will need to buy modules and then program them. Fun part would be driving back to ford and show them what they said couldn't be done!
Another option. I know Kenwood, and I'm guessing others have wired remotes that you can steering wheel mount as well as wireless ones. Just a thought. Not as convenient as steering buttons, but cost effective

Thanks for the response Mudder Fudder! Actually, I WILL be making my Ford dealer my FIRST stop if I get everything working. I saw some of the posts you mentioned but I am looking for someone who has done this with the XL model. I don't care if I have to buy connectors or supplement wiring between the steering console and the aftermarket stereo unit/steering wheel integration aftermarket unit. I just want to know if the factory steering wheel controls will work with the aftermarket stereo unit before buying a higher end Ford steering wheel. Especially since many aftermarket stereo units and steering wheel integration aftermarket units tout being able to retain steering wheel controls. Do you have a post reference regarding the module(s) I would need to add?

If I narrow down my question, Does anyone know of a way to program or enable the steering wheel control options for a 2016 Ford Super Cab XL base model, sold without the steering wheel controls?

I have an XL with 101a that came with the controls. I would probably first see if your pre wired for the controls. If you are then you can try to add them hopefully its plug and play and if not you can check with the forescan thread to see if you can enable.
Hope this helps

Thanks, Ray, I will be talking to a few stereo shops and a second Ford dealer this week/weekend. I should be updating the thread over the holiday weekend.

Not looking good
 

Well i talked with a good stereo shop in town and they popped the steering column cover and looked at the wires in the connector. Although he could not see everything needed for a firm diagnosis without pulling the wheel($$), he did not see enough conductors in the connectors to indicate the column wiring harness was probably NOT populated for the steering wheel controls. The alternative would be to pay my Ford dealer $130/hour, 1 hour min., to tell me there is no Ford option to enable for the steering wheel controls. I'll be getting my stereo installed over the next week or two and I may look for an old, wired hands free remote to see if I can adapt it and mount it to my console if it can work. Not a pretty solution but it beats having something clamped to the wheel or having to reach over and play with the screen for calls. If any one has other ideas or found a different way to enable the Ford steering wheel controls on a base 2016 F150 SCab XL model with an upgraded steering wheel, I would love to hear from you. Thanks!

So, I have given up for the moment trying to find an answer before I install the stereo and other initial improvements. My remaining question is has anyone out there actually done a conversion from a 2015+ F150 SCab XL without steering wheel controls to one with factory steering wheel controls? I know there are a lot of opinions and guesses out there but I am looking to see if anyone has actually done it.

I noticed this post from a 2009 XL owner.
https://www.f150forum.com/f38/2009-x...ontrol-381802/

I just upgraded my steering wheel. If your interested send me PM and I will give you a good deal on my old XL which has the integrated buttons. might be worth swapping the wheel out on your own and try activating with forescan. Curious too if you have the 4.2 screen if so I would have to imagine its pre wired for the audio controls from the steering wheel.

Hi ray318, Thanks for the post! I actually had the dealer say that cruise could be added with the steering wheel controls, and they had done it before, but still no answers about steering wheel controls for the audio/phone and no one is willing to attempt it without throwing money away. FYI, I have the 4.2 screen, until sunday, but my truck is a 2016 SCab XL base model. Thanks!