Remove Steering Wheel Audio Controls??

[Pribilof]

Is there a steering wheel without audio controls? When I finally get my new headunit in I don't want them on the wheel since I won't be using them. I know the piece holding the controls comes off.

 

[rando]

I believe all Limited models have the leather wheel with audio controls. The Sports have leather wheels with or without audio controls. The SR5s have a plastic wheel with or without audio controls. I'm not sure if the whole wheel is different or if there are a few trim pieces that cover where there controls go. You could check the diagrams on partznet.

As far as ordering a whole new wheel? Forget about it, they are wicked expensive. You might be able to swap wheels with someone.

I have an SR5 wheel without audio controls. Want to swap?

 

[Pribilof]

I've looked at the Toyota diagrams and it looks like you can remove the airbag and then remove the plastic piece with the steering wheel controls. I'm really just looking for the corresponding piece without audio controls. I'm not going to spend $250 on a new wheel just to remove audio controls. For that price I can remove the plastic pieces from both sides and replace them with pieces of solid ebony.

 

[rando]

Can you post a picture of the area behind and to the sides of the controls? I can then find the corresponding parts on my wheel. Since many of the plastic bits have the factory part number marked on their back sides, I might be able to get the part numbers for you.

Also, I 'may' be interested in your controls. I'm building a car computer that will completely replace my head unit. It will use a touch screen interface but the wheel controls could work out nicely also. Send a PM if you want to work something out.

 

[Pribilof]

I'll post some up tonight if they turn out. I'm not going to get home until well after dark.

 

[tkr128]

The airbag cover is different for both models, so you need the one for the one without the, that is if the airbag module isn't permanently attached to the cover. The airbag cover extends over the audio controls and plastic trim piece on the opposite side, so there isn't a plastic piece where the audio controls or the corresponding piece on the right side. You will most likely need to replace the airbag module. From the looks of it, you could keep the leather wrapping, but need the airbag module.

I looked into replacing my wheel with the leather and audio controls, but decided it wasn't worth the cost.

Here's a picture of the wheel without the controls to give you an idea of where the controls are supposed to be.

 

[Mark86]

I believe all Limited models have the leather wheel with audio controls. The Sports have leather wheels with or without audio controls. The SR5s have a plastic wheel with or without audio controls. I'm not sure if the whole wheel is different or if there are a few trim pieces that cover where there controls go. You could check the diagrams on partznet.

As far as ordering a whole new wheel? Forget about it, they are wicked expensive. You might be able to swap wheels with someone.

I have an SR5 wheel without audio controls. Want to swap?

All of the Sports and Limiteds come standard with the leather wrapped steering wheels with the audio controls. If you have the audio controls on an SR5, you will have a leather wrapped steering wheel. If you do not have the audio controls, you have a plastic (not sure of the material) steering wheel. All of the steering wheels that have the audio controls has to be leather wrapped.

 

[Pribilof]

Thats very interesting. Damn, thats probably more money than I want to spend. I checked Partznet but they list the airbag module as $0.00 so I guess they don't sell it.

I think the wheel looks much cleaner without the controls.

 

[rando]

All of the Sports and Limiteds come standard with the leather wrapped steering wheels with the audio controls. If you have the audio controls on an SR5, you will have a leather wrapped steering wheel. If you do not have the audio controls, you have a plastic (not sure of the material) steering wheel. All of the steering wheels that have the audio controls has to be leather wrapped.

Yep, I just checked the 04 sales brochure. The leather wheel and audio controls go hand-in-hand.

 

[rando]

You will most likely need to replace the airbag module. From the looks of it, you could keep the leather wrapping, but need the airbag module.

I just checked the factory repair manuals. The cover, airbag, and horn button assembly are a single component. The manual even warns against any attempt to remove the airbag from the cover. That being the case, the only way to downgrade will be get get (at least) a whole new cover. $$$$$$$!!!!!!!

 

[eric-johnson]

Pribilof,

Have you found a solution to this problem yet?

Did you get rid of your steering wheel audio controls?

I want to do the same thing!!

 

[Fro-Runner]

Funny how you guys want to get rid of your steering wheels with audio controls and I would like to acquire a steering wheel with audio controls. I have the standard SR5 steering wheel without the controls.

When I first purchased this vehicle, I didn't want the steering wheel controls. After renting several vehicles and accidently hitting the controls when cruising down the highway on long trips---I hated the darn things. But now that I have this truck; the seating arrangement has one far from the radio controls.

Hmmmm....funny how things changed after awhile.

 

[ZOSO Runner]

I am very interested in trading my basic SR5 non-audio controlled steering wheel with someone with audio controls, preferrably locally (L.A. area).

 

[supraCP]

Steering wheel controls

Please reconsider doing away with your controls. There are many solutions to your situation. If you buy an eclipse brand headunit some models have a plug that allows your factory controls to plug right in. If you use another brand (it must come with an IR remote) you can buy a PAC brand SWI-X that can convert your toyota controls to control your nrw radio. Talk to your retailer.

 

[eric-johnson]

I may try to implement mine for use with hands free cell phone, however, I will likely get rid of them. My head unit (for those of you not familiar with McInotsh) has analog volume controls and no remote. It's pretty much the top of the heap when you are talking about SQ and audiophile specs. So there is no hope for these buttons to ever integrate with my car stereo.

I hate the idea of having buttons on my steering wheel that don't do anything. I want my new stereo to look just like it came this way from the factory. And I am SO CLOSE!