AXSWC-2 | Acura | 13
This printable PDF contains basic Connection and Programming instructions. Return to this page for more detailed instructions, troubleshooting, and additional information.
IMPORTANT
This installation guide covers both the AXSWC and AXSWC-2 interfaces. Most information applies to both models, but some sections include details specific to each. Confirm which interface you have—AXSWC or AXSWC-2—before starting installation.
Information that applies to both models refers to the device as the Steering Wheel Controller. When instructions differ, details for the AXSWC and AXSWC-2 are clearly labeled.
Vehicle Installation Instructions
The instructions below will guide you through the installation of the Steering Wheel Controller in your vehicle.
Connections
Aftermarket Radio Harness
- Connect Pin 6 (Black wire) of the AXSWC harness to the Black ground wire of the aftermarket radio.
- Connect Pin 11 of the vehicle's radio harness to Pin 6 of the AXSWC harness and the Black ground wire of the aftermarket radio (shown below).
- Connect Pin 12 of the AXSWC to the Red accessory wire of the aftermarket radio.
Vehicle Connection(s) to Factory Harness
- Connect Pin 5 of the AXSWC (Gray/Red wire) to the wire in Pin 3 of the vehicle's radio harness (shown below).
→→ Splicing the Steering Wheel Control Wire to the Connector
Follow the steps below to splice the SWC wire into the connector wire:
- Locate the wires entering the connector at Pin 3 and Pin 11.
- Carefully strip away a half-inch section of each wire covering using a wire stripping tool.
- Twist both the Black SWC and the Black Chassis Ground wires (Pin 11) and the Gray/Red (Pin 3) SWC wire around the exposed wire sections created in Step 2.
- Secure the splice between the connector wire(s) and the SWC wire(s) with non-conductive electrical tape.
WARNING Wire color depicted does not necessarily represent the actual wire color in the vehicle.
SWC 3.5 Jack Connections
For radios with a 3.5mm port located on the rear, plug the male 3.5mm jack directly into the back of the radio.
- Connect the 3.5mm Jack to the SWC (Steering Wheel Control) input on the back of the radio. This can be achieved through one of the methods detailed in the following sections.
↳ Kenwood/JVC Radios with Single SWC wire
- Connect the Blue/Yellow wire labeled Steering Wheel Remote Input to the Brown wire of the female 3.5mm jack.
- Plug in the male 3.5mm jack into the female 3.5mm jack.
↳ Kenwood & JVC Radio Troubleshooting
If your Kenwood or JVC radio has the connector displayed below (Figure A) and you experience issues programming the SWC, please review this troubleshooting guide before contacting Technical Support.
Universal 2-Wire Radios
- Connect the steering wheel control wire, Key-A or SWC-1, to the Brown wire of the connector.
- Connect the remaining steering wheel control wire, Key-B or SWC-2, to the Brown/White wire of the connector.
- The SWC (Steering Wheel Controls) functions will need to be programmed within the radio. Refer to Radios with Built-In SWC Menus below.
Universal 3-Wire Radios
- Connect the steering wheel control wire, Key-A or SWC-1, to the Brown wire of the connector.
- Connect the remaining steering wheel control wire, Key-B or SWC-2, to the Brown/White wire of the connector.
- If your aftermarket radio has a KEY/SWC Ground wire, leave it disconnected and test your SWC controls.
- (Optional) If some SWC functions do not program or function correctly, connect the KEY/SWC Ground to the radio’s ground wire.
- The SWC (Steering Wheel Controls) functions must be programmed within the radio. Refer to Radios with Built-In SWC Menus below.
Programming the AXSWC-2
In order to effectively program the AXSWC-2, the aftermarket radio needs to be (or remain) completely wired. The AXSWC-2 harness should be wired and the (Steering Wheel Control) SWC 3.5mm Jack or SWC wiring should be connected.
NOTE
If your aftermarket radio is from the Sony XAV Series, before programming to the vehicle, you must:
1. Turn the radio On.
2. From the radio's home screen, click Settings.
3. Click System.
4. In the Steering Wheel Settings section, toggle the Custom switch to Off.
5. Return to the Main Menu.
6. Power Off the radio.
You may now proceed with programming the radio to your vehicle with the steps below.
Follow the steps below to programming the AXSWC-2 to your vehicle:
- Open the driver’s door. Keep it open during the programming process.
- Turn the vehicle’s ignition On.
- Plug in the AXSWC-2.
- The LED on the SWC begins rapid flashing Green and Red.
- (Optional) If the LED does not turn on, refer to Connections above and ensure all steps were performed precisely.
- The AXSWC-2 will enter auto-detect mode. No action is required until the LED begins flashing Green and Red.
- (Optional) If the Green and Red flashes are missed, reset the AXSWC-2 (as explained below) and restart the programming process from the beginning.
- The AXSWC-2 is being programmed into the vehicle’s steering wheel controls (SWC).
- The Red and Green LED flashes represent a different radio manufacturer for the SWC interface to detect.
- Upon successfully programming, the LED turns solid Red.
- Test all functions of the AXSWC-2 installation for proper operation.
Resetting the AXSWC-2
Radios with Built-In SWC Menus
LED Feedback
Changing Radio Type
Button Remapping
Dual Assignment Instructions
Troubleshooting
- Verify that 12-volt power and chassis ground have a solid connection.
- Verify your connections are correct and that the view of the connector was established properly when locating your connections.
- Verify the 3.5mm jack is secured in its proper location and not a secondary one.
- Remove any aftermarket T-taps or barrel connections. These will add resistance to a resistance-based system.
- If using a 2-wire or 3-wire universal-style radio, verify proper connection to the radio using the female 3.5 jack.
- (Pioneer radio users) If the radio buttons are not functioning as expected or at all, attempt the following:
- Insert and remove the 3.5mm male jack in and out of the back of the radio five to six (5-6) times.
- On the final insertion, ensure the jack is well set.
- Reset and reprogram the AXSWC-2.
- If you’ve established all connections and the AXSWC-2 won’t connect, remove any aftermarket connectors, T-taps, barrel connectors, and quick connectors. These will all add resistance.
→ Radio Troubleshooting
If you experience issues programming your Radio, the guides below can help you troubleshoot:
Manual Programming
Technical Support
TIP If you encounter any difficulties during installation please carefully review the instructions and ensure that the installation was performed exactly as instructed.
Our dedicated team is here to provide you with expert assistance and guidance. Whether you're troubleshooting an installation, seeking product information, or looking for technical advice, we're committed to ensuring your experience with Metra Electronics products is seamless and satisfying.
WARNING Before contacting Metra Technical Support, ensure the vehicle is in a ready state to perform troubleshooting steps.
Contact
Hours (EST)
On this page
- AXSWC-2 | Acura | 13
- Vehicle Installation Instructions
- Connections
- Aftermarket Radio Harness
- Vehicle Connection(s) to Factory Harness
- →→ Splicing the Steering Wheel Control Wire to the Connector
- SWC 3.5 Jack Connections
- ↳ Kenwood/JVC Radios with Single SWC wire
- ↳ Kenwood & JVC Radio Troubleshooting
- Universal 2-Wire Radios
- Universal 3-Wire Radios
- Programming the AXSWC-2
- Resetting the AXSWC-2
- Radios with Built-In SWC Menus
- LED Feedback
- Changing Radio Type
- Button Remapping
- Dual Assignment Instructions
- Troubleshooting
- → Radio Troubleshooting
- Manual Programming
- Technical Support
- Contact
- Hours (EST)