MorePwr18

Hi folks,

I am installing a new Kenwood DNX996XR head unit in my 2013 C6 60th 427 convertible and cannot get the Steering Wheel Controls to work. I am using the PAC RP5-GM11 wiring interface kit and have everything working including front and rear cameras except the SWC functions.

I have the blue/yellow wire from the PAC unit connected to the Kenwood light blue/yellow wire as per the PAC instructions. I can see the red LED illuminate when I press a steering wheel button and the OnStar button works as well. I tried a reset of the SWC function on the PAC device by pressing the program button and waiting for it to flash three times (without touching any buttons) but no change. i also tried unplugging all connections on the PAC unit but still no controls. The only thing I can think of is the PAC box itself is faulty.

Does anyone have any ideas of why the SWC won't function (ie increase/decrease volume)?

I didn't think I needed the iDatalink Maestro SW Steering Wheel Control Adapter for SWC to work but is this a better module for SWC as it has more button functions anyway? Would the iDatalink SW module work with the PAC unit?

Thanks!!

Dano523

https://content.abt.com/documents/58...ion_manual.pdf

TorchRedFred

Is the little dial on the Pac set to 3 for Kenwood?

MorePwr18

Yes. I followed the PAC PDF.

MorePwr18

Thanks. Yes that came with the PAC kit and what I am using.

thebert

did your steering wheel controls work on oem head unit?

puterami

When I got my strereo setup from Crutchfield a few months ago, I had the same issue.
Called Crutchfield to get them to help me troubleshoot.
They agreed all was wired as it should and I also saw the LED light flash when I pressed the SWC buttons.
Swapped out the PAC and it works fine now.
Noticed that the original PAC version was one rev lower than what I got the second time.

MorePwr18

Yes they worked perfectly prior to Kenwood install.

MorePwr18

I am thinking this is also the issue with mine......wonky PAC unit. I bought the HU from Crutchfield but unfortunately bought the PAC on eBay months before I pulled the trigger on the HU as I was originally going to get the Pioneer. The PAC unit was a sealed box new unit but guess some are flakey.

Riveroger

My car came with a Kenwood but I changed steering wheel and wanted the SWC to work. I installed the iDatalink Maestro SW Steering Wheel Control Adapter for SWC and all the buttons work. The interface that came with the car did not support SWC.

puterami

Look on the side of the box it came in or the PAC itself and find the "Rev".
The one that now works for me is Rev 3.2.6.13
The one that did not work was Rev 2.something (I had to send it back for an exchange).
Make sure the next one that you get is of a high Rev.

TorchRedFred

You can also try some other numbers. See if any of them do the trick. Maybe the dial is not lined up correctly with the appropriate number.

jet8300

Didn't I see on the packaging that it was updatable?

I closed everything up with the SWC not working. I'll tear into it again once it's to cold to drive.

CrystalRedTed

I just replaced my failing Pioneer AVIC-8200NEX with a Kenwood DMX957XR. The Pioneer was frequently crashing, disconnecting from the phone, and sometimes losing settings :-(

I ran into the problem discussed in the thread - steering wheel controls are not working with the unit. I tried two different PAC units both at revision 1.2.6.8. Both PACs are receiving the input from the SWC and blink the red LED. The PAC worked on the Pioneer, but not the Kenwood. Spent some time with Crutchfield tech and I seem to have everything installed and configured right. I ordered another PAC hoping that a higher revision will set things right as it did for others in this thread. Cruchfield is sending a second head unit that I'll try if the PAC update doesn't work.

I've been putting this off for while and wrestling with the flakey Pioneer. This is why.

madsonp

Check the connector for the steering wheel control cables where it plugs into the PAC and make sure there's no bent pins in it, and that the connector is fully seated in the PAC.

CrystalRedTed

I tried two different PACs and two different SWC cables. Unfortunately that's not it. I am hoping that the new PAC version fixes the problem - will post back.

I have to say that I am pretty shocked and pleasantly surprised at how much better this Kenwood sounds.

madsonp

Yep, the stock head units are so de-tuned that most people don't realize how much a good aftermarket system can improve the sound quality, even the stock speakers.

madsonp

One other thing you might try is to disconnect the battery for a few minutes then reconnect it, could be there's a glitch with the canbus and doing this might reset things with it.

CrystalRedTed

I'm even comparing to my prior Pioneer unit.

CrystalRedTed

hmmm. I'll try that if the new PAC doesn't work. The PAC is responding to the steering wheel buttons. It's just not controlling the head unit.