2004 Sequoia Steering Wheel Audio Controls

[mmvv]

I bought a 2004 Sequoia without the Steering Wheel Audio Controls. I recently got a hold to a steering wheel with the audio control. Thinking about swapping the steering wheel. Does anyone know how to connect the wiring (or the wiring diagram) from the steering wheel control to the audio unit? I believe it is a simple task.

My Sequoia came with a JBL system with a 6-CD changer.

Any help you can offer, I would truly appreciate it.

Thank a million in advance.

[nhparrot]

Originally Posted by mmvv

I bought a 2004 Sequoia without the Steering Wheel Audio Controls. I recently got a hold to a steering wheel with the audio control. Thinking about swapping the steering wheel. Does anyone know how to connect the wiring (or the wiring diagram) from the steering wheel control to the audio unit? I believe it is a simple task.

My Sequoia came with a JBL system with a 6-CD changer.

Any help you can offer, I would truly appreciate it.

Thank a million in advance.

See INFO: 2004 Sequoia Audio System Information

[mmvv]

I can't wait to share this wonderful news with you all. Turned out that my Sequoia was "PREWIRED". So, the whole procedure was pretty much a plug-and-play. NOW THAT I HAVE STEERING WHEEL AUDIO CONTROL!!!

I bought a used steering wheel that came with the audio control and the wiring harness. I simply swapped out the airbag (purchased used separately) and the wiring harness (without having to remove the whole steering wheel), never expected the audio control would work. Common sense, there should be another wiring from the audio control unit to the stereo. Yet, I went to a Toyota dealer and was told it would be impossible to do so, since "it was custom built at the factory (yeah right)". So, with that in mind, I didn't even have the radio on when I tested it.

I was so happy to see that when I turned the light on, the control lit up as well. I thought I was lucky enough and stopped right there.

On my way taking the kids to school, they asked me to turn the stereo on (thank you, children) and I thought I should try out the volume control.... You all know the rest.

So, for those who are interested, the control (left) AND dummy(right) units cost about $60.00 at the dealer. I do not know the cost for the harness since I bought the whole steering wheel, but I can't imagine it would exceed $25-$30 since it was only about 5".

The hardess part is to find a used airbag (I bought a used 2004 Sienna one for $150). However, they are widely available nowsaday from junk yards).

So, my total cost was $150.00 (air bag) + $95.00 (steering wheel) = $245.00 and about 15 minutes to swap the things. I thought it was a great deal.

Last, Glenn, thank you so much for the quick response. Although I haven't had a chance to looke through the info you sent yet, but it will be very soon for the next project :-).

PS: Sorry, I should have taken some pics for the install, but didn't know it was so simple. So, reply to me if you have any questions.

[mmvv]

I just remember one thing: The wiring harness is already attached to the audio control unit, so you should not have to buy it separately.

[mmvv]

My latest mod

[keninsb]

I was wondering if anyone has ever tried to install the steering wheel audio controls in a Tundra? I know it would be far from "Plug & Play", but would be a really cool mod. Have read some other threads where the idea was tossed around, but to my knowledge nothing ever materialized. Just curious.

Ken

[vudo]

Originally Posted by mmvv

I can't wait to share this wonderful news with you all. Turned out that my Sequoia was "PREWIRED". So, the whole procedure was pretty much a plug-and-play. NOW THAT I HAVE STEERING WHEEL AUDIO CONTROL!!!

I bought a used steering wheel that came with the audio control and the wiring harness. I simply swapped out the airbag (purchased used separately) and the wiring harness (without having to remove the whole steering wheel), never expected the audio control would work. Common sense, there should be another wiring from the audio control unit to the stereo. Yet, I went to a Toyota dealer and was told it would be impossible to do so, since "it was custom built at the factory (yeah right)". So, with that in mind, I didn't even have the radio on when I tested it.

I was so happy to see that when I turned the light on, the control lit up as well. I thought I was lucky enough and stopped right there.

On my way taking the kids to school, they asked me to turn the stereo on (thank you, children) and I thought I should try out the volume control.... You all know the rest.

So, for those who are interested, the control (left) AND dummy(right) units cost about $60.00 at the dealer. I do not know the cost for the harness since I bought the whole steering wheel, but I can't imagine it would exceed $25-$30 since it was only about 5".

The hardess part is to find a used airbag (I bought a used 2004 Sienna one for $150). However, they are widely available nowsaday from junk yards).

So, my total cost was $150.00 (air bag) + $95.00 (steering wheel) = $245.00 and about 15 minutes to swap the things. I thought it was a great deal.

Last, Glenn, thank you so much for the quick response. Although I haven't had a chance to looke through the info you sent yet, but it will be very soon for the next project :-).

PS: Sorry, I should have taken some pics for the install, but didn't know it was so simple. So, reply to me if you have any questions.

Hi MMVV,

I bought a used limited Sequoia steering wheel with audio control and a 2005 Camry airbag which fits the Sequoia steering wheel perfectly. My questions to you are as follow:

1) when you replaced your Sequoia steering wheel with the new steering wheel + airbag, did you take any precautions to remove the original airbag module without tripping the on-board airbag controller module?
2) Was the vehicle battery cable disconnected during the airbag replacement process?
3) How difficult was it to remove the steering wheel from the vehicle?
4) Any special tool necessary to remove the steering wheel?
5) Was it easy to align the new steering wheel for "true center position" without having it crooked to one side or the other?

Any help would be much appreciated!

Thanks,

Vu Do

[mmvv]

Hello Vu,

About the whole thing, perhaps the hardest part was to replace the steering wheel (I replaced the plain one with the wood/leather steering wheel). Because I did not have the special tool to do it, I had to hire a mechanic to swap it for me. It took him about 5 minutes total and he left it up to me to give him any amount of money. So I gave him $20. During the process, I saw how he removed the airbag. It was a super easy job, There were two hex screws on the side of the steering wheel (you will have to pry out the plastic covers though), once he unscrew those, he carefully removed the airbag by pulling very gently about an inch upward. The battery was connected the whole time (he was lazy though. It should have been disconnected). Once the airbag came off the steering wheel, he unplugged the wire that connected to it and proceeded with the steering wheel. He then used the special tool to take out the steering wheel. However, I was not pleased when he put the new one in as he made no measurement whatsoever. To my belief, it may be one tooth off the center. However, I have not had any problem with that. So, I guess it was just my luck.

Several weeks later, I got a hold to another airbag that I liked the color better, so I repeated the procedure and was able to swap out the airbag without any problem - all by myself. I believe that I disconnected the battery before removing the airbag.

Similar to your situation, the new airbag that I got was from a Camry, not a Sequoia, so there was one slight difference in the drum/triggering device that was installed in the airbag. You can see it easily with your Camry airbag. It't the round metal piece sitting in tne center of the airbag.

The Camry airbag has 2 connectors while the Sequoia one has only one connector. While scratching my head from not knowing how to handle the situation, I thought about the idea of sawpping the drum/triggering device. So, I carefully removed all the screws that held the thing in place. Once done, it came off without any problem. I simply swapped the device from one to another. After that, I simply reinstalled the airbag and it worked immediately on the first try.

It was defintely an adventure for an amater like me. After all. it looks and works exactly like what I have always wanted. So, I am pretty happy about that.

That's pretty much all I remember. Good luck!
MMWW

[vudo]

Originally Posted by mmvv

Hello Vu,

About the whole thing, perhaps the hardest part was to replace the steering wheel (I replaced the plain one with the wood/leather steering wheel). Because I did not have the special tool to do it, I had to hire a mechanic to swap it for me. It took him about 5 minutes total and he left it up to me to give him any amount of money. So I gave him $20. During the process, I saw how he removed the airbag. It was a super easy job, There were two hex screws on the side of the steering wheel (you will have to pry out the plastic covers though), once he unscrew those, he carefully removed the airbag by pulling very gently about an inch upward. The battery was connected the whole time (he was lazy though. It should have been disconnected). Once the airbag came off the steering wheel, he unplugged the wire that connected to it and proceeded with the steering wheel. He then used the special tool to take out the steering wheel. However, I was not pleased when he put the new one in as he made no measurement whatsoever. To my belief, it may be one tooth off the center. However, I have not had any problem with that. So, I guess it was just my luck.

Several weeks later, I got a hold to another airbag that I liked the color better, so I repeated the procedure and was able to swap out the airbag without any problem - all by myself. I believe that I disconnected the battery before removing the airbag.

Similar to your situation, the new airbag that I got was from a Camry, not a Sequoia, so there was one slight difference in the drum/triggering device that was installed in the airbag. You can see it easily with your Camry airbag. It't the round metal piece sitting in tne center of the airbag.

The Camry airbag has 2 connectors while the Sequoia one has only one connector. While scratching my head from not knowing how to handle the situation, I thought about the idea of sawpping the drum/triggering device. So, I carefully removed all the screws that held the thing in place. Once done, it came off without any problem. I simply swapped the device from one to another. After that, I simply reinstalled the airbag and it worked immediately on the first try.

It was defintely an adventure for an amater like me. After all. it looks and works exactly like what I have always wanted. So, I am pretty happy about that.

That's pretty much all I remember. Good luck!
MMWW

Hi MMWW,

Thank you very much for your thourough reply and detail instructions. You are a very skillful amateur for attempted the impossible thing that the manufacture would have advised otherwise. I was impressed that you were able to reinstall the second steering wheel without a hitch, and even swapped out the airbag deployment chamber. I would have just used it as-is.

I bought a steering removal tool on ebay for $15 including shipping. Now arm with the knowledge passed on from you, I will perform the swap this weekend.

Thanks again.

Vu

[bdosko]

I have an 2006 Tundra with the ployurethane steering wheel w/o the stereo controls and want to replace it with a leather steering wheel witht he audio conbtrols. I have looked everywhere and cannot find the steering wheel. Does anyone no where to get this. I called the deakership and they said that they are unable to order one. Please help!

[mmvv]

The dealers DO carry the steering wheel audio control. It costs about $70 for both sides (the right side is only a dummy plastic cover). They were probably lazy to look at the microfilm when you called. You might need to go to the dealership, be nice with them while patienly walking them through the microfilms until they reach the parts you need. I don't remember the part number anymore. But I KNOW for sure that they sell it.

[texaslegend]

i'm a new owner so please forgive me if i ask stupid questions.


1. I'd like to add stereo controls to my steering wheel as well. I'm not quite sure I understand what all is needed. Do I need a completely new sterring wheel or is it just a piece that fits on the existing wheel?
2. I had leather and heated seats included in the negotiated price. However, I really miss memory recall seat position. I had a 2007 Tahoe and your seat position was recalled depending on what remote unlocked the doors. Is this something that can be added? Do i just need to order the wiring harness and switches from Toyota?
3. Can anyone recommend a junk yard where I might be able to pull these parts off a totaled sequoia?
4. I'd also like to add HID to the truck....anyone currently using HID and can you recommend a good set?

Thanks.

[mmvv]

Hello Texaslegend,

In my opinion, the only stupid question is the one that is not asked. So, not to worry about posting your questions. Below is my responses, directly to each of your questions.

1. You do not need a new steering wheel. I wanted to have a woodtrim steering wheel, that was why I needed a new one. The SR5 model comes with a cheap plastic/rubber-covered material, while the Limited model comes with a nice leather-wrapped steering wheel (I would still have to replace it since I really wanted to have wood-trimmed). However, please take into consideration a fact that you will have to replace the airbag if you choose to install the audio controls.

2. I read somewhere in the forum and I believe the answer is no. In addition, I personally have not seen a Sequoia with a memory seat. Although that can be done, I bet Toyota simply save those convenient features for the next model :-(

3. Don't know.

4. Don't have one, and pissed as hell because Toyota didn't make one in my model year (2004). I am hesitated to use after market HID. All I care is a set of headlight mods that come with projector beams; unfortunately, the market does not seem to care much about that as none is available anywhere.

[dibble9012]

I agree with everything the previous poster said.

Heres what I have to add:

4: Don't buy an HID conversion kit, if you want real HID's, go all the way and to a retrofit with HID projectors. Halogen reflectors are not made for the brightness of HID and they produce a LOT of glare and hotspots. HID Retrofit is the only way in my opinion. Also less noticable to cops. Any HID not originally on the vehicle is illegal for on road illumination. The HID kits are easy to spot, while the HID retrofits are less noticable.


Also, where would one find a OEM leather steering wheel in the Taupe color (2005 Tundra DC FL11 interior code). I'm willing to trade someone, if your interested in buying a wood wheel, just trade the leather with me, then trade the SR5 rubber wheel for the wood one.

[texaslegend]

i'm pretty sure memory seats are available. whether or not they are recalled by the key fob is a different story.

i agree with your comments on HID. i have these on my chevy silverado and they are PERFECT! i just wish they had more applications.
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