→ Header Synced Blocks
→→ Simple Grounding
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 of the Steering Wheel Controller harness to the Black ground wire of the aftermarket radio.
- Connect Pin 12 of the Steering Wheel Controller to the Red accessory wire of the aftermarket radio (shown below).
Vehicle Connection(s) to Factory Harness
→→ Complex Grounding
Revision Shortcuts
Wire Colors
(Gray/Blue wire)
(Green/Orange wire)
(Black/Green wire)
(Yellow/Green wire)
(White/Green wire)
(Gray/Red wire)
(Orange/Black wire)
(Pink/White wire)
(Pink wire)
(Blue/Pink wire)
(Violet/Black wire)
(Brown/Black wire)
(Red)
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
→ Vehicle Specific Connection Information
The information in this section (text and graphics) will vary from guide to guide.
→ Vehicle Specific Splicing Information/Graphics
The information in this section (text and graphics) will vary from guide to guide.
→ Connections Synced Block
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 Synced Blocks
→→ Tap Method Synced Block USEABLE VERSION
Programming the Steering Wheel Controller
In order to effectively program the Steering Wheel Controller, the aftermarket radio needs to be (or remain) completely wired. The Steering Wheel Controller 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 Steering Wheel Controller to your vehicle:
- Open the driver’s door. Keep it open during the programming process.
- Turn the vehicle’s ignition On.
- Plug in the Steering Wheel Controller.
- 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.
- Tap the Volume Up button on the steering wheel at a steady heartbeat pace (1, rest, 2, rest, 3, rest, etc.) until the rapid flash stops (3-5 seconds).
- (Optional) If the Green and Red flashes are missed, reset the Steering Wheel Controller (as explained below) and restart the programming process from the beginning.
- Stop tapping the Volume Up button. The Steering Wheel Controller is being programmed into the vehicle’s steering wheel controls (SWC).
- The LED begins flashing Red while the interface programs itself to the aftermarket radio. A series of up to twenty-four (24) Red LED flashes identifies the detected Radio Type.
- Upon successfully programming, the LED turns solid Red.
- Test all functions of the Steering Wheel Controller installation for proper operation.
TAP NON-USEABLE VERSION
Programming the AXSWC
In order to effectively program the AXSWC, the aftermarket radio needs to be (or remain) completely wired. The AXSWC harness should be wired and the (Steering Wheel Control) SWC 3.5mm Jack or SWC wiring should be connected.
Follow the steps below to programming the AXSWC 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.
- 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.
- Tap the Volume Up button on the steering wheel at a steady heartbeat pace (1, rest, 2, rest, 3, rest, etc.) until the rapid flash stops (3-5 seconds).
- (Optional) If the Green and Red flashes are missed, reset the AXSWC (as explained below) and restart the programming process from the beginning.
- Stop tapping the Volume Up button. The AXSWC is being programmed into the vehicle’s steering wheel controls (SWC).
- The LED begins flashing Red while the interface programs itself to the aftermarket radio. A series of up to twenty-four (24) Red LED flashes identifies the detected Radio Type.
- Upon successfully programming, the LED turns solid Red.
- Test all functions of the AXSWC installation for proper operation.
→→ Hold Method Synced Block
Programming the Steering Wheel Controller
In order to effectively program the Steering Wheel Controller, the aftermarket radio needs to be (or remain) completely wired. The Steering Wheel Controller 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 Steering Wheel Controller 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.
- 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.
- Hold the Volume Up button on the steering wheel.
- (Optional) If the Green and Red flashes are missed, reset the Steering Wheel Controller (as explained below) and restart the programming process from the beginning.
- Stop holding the Volume Up button. The Steering Wheel Controller is being programmed into the vehicle’s steering wheel controls (SWC).
- The LED begins flashing Red while the interface programs itself to the aftermarket radio. A series of up to twenty-four (24) Red LED flashes identifies the detected Radio Type.
- Upon successfully programming, the LED turns solid Red.
- Test all functions of the AXSWC installation for proper operation.
→→ Auto Detect Method Synced Block
Programming the Steering Wheel Controller
In order to effectively program the Steering Wheel Controller, the aftermarket radio needs to be (or remain) completely wired. The Steering Wheel Controller 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 Steering Wheel Controller to your vehicle:
- Open the driver’s door. Keep it open during the programming process.
- Turn the vehicle’s ignition On.
- Plug in the Steering Wheel Controller.
- 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 Steering Wheel Controller 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 Steering Wheel Controller (as explained below) and restart the programming process from the beginning.
- The Steering Wheel Controller is being programmed into the vehicle’s steering wheel controls (SWC).
- The LED begins flashing Red while the interface programs itself to the aftermarket radio. A series of up to twenty-four (24) Red LED flashes identifies the detected Radio Type.
- Upon successfully programming, the LED turns solid Red.
- Test all functions of the Steering Wheel Controller installation for proper operation.
→→ Return Method Synced Block
Programming the AXSWC
In order to effectively program the Steering Wheel Controller, the aftermarket radio needs to be (or remain) completely wired. The Steering Wheel Controller 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 Steering Wheel Controller to your vehicle:
- Open the driver’s door. Keep it open during the programming process.
- Turn the vehicle’s ignition On.
- Plug in the Steering Wheel Controller.
- 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 is in Auto-Detect mode.
- (Optional) If a Return button is present on the steering wheel:
- Hold the Return button until the LED rapid flashing stops
- Release the Return button and wait until the LED turns solid
- If the LED does not turn solid, see LED Feedback below for information about how to proceed.
- Test the steering wheel buttons
- (Optional) If the Green and Red flashes are missed, reset the AXSWC (as explained below) and restart the programming process from the beginning.
- The AXSWC is being programmed into the vehicle’s steering wheel controls (SWC).
- The LED begins flashing Red while the interface programs itself to the aftermarket radio. A series of up to twenty-four (24) Red LED flashes identifies the detected Radio Type.
- Upon successfully programming, the LED turns solid Red.
- Test all functions of the AXSWC installation for proper operation.
→ Additional Settings/Details/Troubleshooting Synced Block
Resetting the Steering Wheel Controller
Additional Instructions, Feedback, & Troubleshooting
IMPORTANT Select your Product Version (AXSWC or AXSWC-2) below for additional instructions, feedback information, and troubleshooting specific to your SWC interface version.
The original AXXESS brand steering wheel controller interface.
Click the ⮞ symbol to expand the sections.
🚨 AXSWC Specific
The latest version of the AXXESS brand steering wheel controller interface.
Click the ⮞ symbol to expand the sections.
🚨 AXSWC-2 Specific
CONTENTS
- → Header Synced Blocks
- →→ Simple Grounding
- Vehicle Installation Instructions
- Connections
- Aftermarket Radio Harness
- Vehicle Connection(s) to Factory Harness
- →→ Complex Grounding
- Revision Shortcuts
- Vehicle Installation Instructions
- Connections
- → Vehicle Specific Connection Information
- → Vehicle Specific Splicing Information/Graphics
- → Connections Synced Block
- 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 Synced Blocks
- →→ Tap Method Synced Block USEABLE VERSION
- Programming the Steering Wheel Controller
- TAP NON-USEABLE VERSION
- Programming the AXSWC
- →→ Hold Method Synced Block
- Programming the Steering Wheel Controller
- →→ Auto Detect Method Synced Block
- Programming the Steering Wheel Controller
- →→ Return Method Synced Block
- Programming the AXSWC
- → Additional Settings/Details/Troubleshooting Synced Block
- Resetting the Steering Wheel Controller
- Additional Instructions, Feedback, & Troubleshooting
- !! Original All Document Sync Block Contents!!
- Resetting the Steering Wheel Controller
- Radios with Built-In SWC Menus
- LED Feedback
- Changing Radio Type
- Button Remapping
- Dual Assignment Instructions
- Troubleshooting
- ↳ Radio Troubleshooting
- Manual Programming
!! Original All Document Sync Block Contents!!
Resetting the Steering Wheel Controller
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 Steering Wheel Controller.
- If you’ve established all connections and the Steering Wheel Controller 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