Steering wheel remote controls allow you to control major functions on a head unit without having to bend over to the head unit itself. This clearly reduces distractions to the driver, thus increasing road safety.

However, there are certain units that are not compatible with the steering wheel remote control. So do you give up and forget about your safety or do lose out on the fun and leave that wonderful unit?

No! You can have both with the installation of a steering wheel remote adaptor. You’ll learn how here-

Every steering wheel remote adaptor comes with full installation instructions. This covers the make and model of a car it was designed to work with.

Installation of a steering wheel remote adaptor is really simple once you have gained access to the rear of your radio. You simply connect, by push-fit, one end of the steering remote adaptor into your wiring harness connector. This should be the spare connector you are left with having used the power and speaker connectors for the radio.

The next step is that you push the small jack plug type connector, or similar (depending on which radio you are using) into the blue socket, or other (again depending on radio make and model you are using) at the rear of your radio.

Before pushing your radio back into its cage turn on your radio and check your remote works OK.

If you don’t like messing around with car audio installation, you can get a good car audio installer. All you need to do is ask your car audio shop. They will recommend competent car audio installers. You can count on them because they have something to lose if all does not go well.

I strongly recommend the following resources to help you get technical help fast. These will be useful if you need help removing or installing a radio. If you don't know how to remove the surrounding dash pieces to access the actual radio itself or you may need wiring help, these should help you get a speedy answer.

Car Forums: These can be a fantastic source of techincal help and information and i can guarantee that someone online has done what you are trying to do and will love to help.

Haynes or Technical Manuals: If you don't have one for your car, borrow one from the library, it's free. Great for showing you how to access radios and other hidden parts of the car interior and exterior.

Radio Handbook or Manual: Very useful if you are looking for the model number or name of your car radio in order to find a suitable, compatible changer or iPod car kit. In the radio manual they may also list compatible changers. However, bear in mind that the model/part numbers listed may have been superseded by newer models. Contact a car audio shop for these details.

Car Dealership Service Departments: Ring your local car dealer and ask to speak with a technician, if they won't help ring another dealer from the Yellow Pages. Since you are a potential customer, some car dealerships will want to use this opportunity to build a relationship with you.

You may have to exercise some patience as some of this service departments can be swarmed with work. If you persist, you’ll certainly get the help you need.

Sony NW-HD 1, 3, 5 & MD Walkman Adapter Installation:

Sony NW-HD adapter installation is generally far easier than you would expect. Average installation time by our customers is between 15 to 60 minutes. Any basic “DIYer” can install this product comfortably.

Sony Radios:

When installing with a Sony car radio, the NW-HD lead simply connects to the CD changer socket found at the rear of your radio by push-fit connection. The NW-HD can mount on your dash using the cradle (if selected) if you use the included plate and screws. You can place it in your glove box using the dock cable.

Factory Installed Radios:

When installing the car kit with a factory-installed car radio, the NW-HD lead simply connects to the CD changer socket found at the rear of your radio by push-fit connection via the included CD adapter. The NW-HD can mount on your dash using the cradle (if selected -- and the included plate and screws). You can also place it in your glove box using the dock cable.

Mounting the Passive Cradle:

To protect their car from drill holes, many customers choose to use vehicle-specific Dashmount Brackets or Brodit Mounting Brackets for installation flexibility, when using the Passive Cradles.

You can also go for these brackets as they give you a damage-free mounting. They don’t leave scars on your dashboard since no drilling is required.

Recommended Professional Installation Service:

If like a number of our clients, you would prefer an installation professional to help, I highly recommend you ask a car audio shop for the best car audio installers in your area. They should know. In fact, most times, they have installers that handle their customers’ audio installation needs.

Dension Ice Link adapter installation is generally far easier than you would expect. The Ice Link lead simply connects to the CD changer socket found at the rear of your radio by push-fit connection and then to your iPod using your selected connection type.

The iPod can mount on your dash using a Dashmount vehicle-specific bracket or a universal bracket if there isn't a Dashmount bracket available for your vehicle, utilizing the included plate and screws. No wiring is necessary.

If you are using a changer and your socket is taken, you will need the FM iPod car kit. Here you can have the best or both worlds and use both your changer and iPod.

Dension Dock Cable iPod Ice Link Plus Adapter Installation:

The Ice Link lead simply connects to the CD changer socket found at the rear of your radio by push-fit connection and then to your iPod using the dock cable that will be located in your glove box for easy access. No wiring is necessary.

If you are using a changer and your socket is taken, you will need the FM iPod car kit.

Dension FM Modulator iPod Ice Link Plus Adapter Installation:

Slightly different from the above options, the Dension FM Modulator Ice Link has three connections to be made. To power the FM Modulator, you connect a switched 12V live and an earth to the unit from your car’s wiring using the two included Scotch Locks.

This eliminates the need to solder, allowing a quick installation by any competent “DIYer.” You then disconnect the aerial lead from the rear of your radio and connect this in-line with the FM unit all by push-fit connection. The iPod mounts on your dash using the cradle fitted with the included plate and screws.

Dension Auxiliary iPod Ice Link Plus Adapter Installation:

The Auxiliary Ice Link lead simply connects to the auxiliary input connection (2 x phono connections) found on your car radio. This is by push-fit connection. It connects to your iPod using your selected connection type. To power the auxiliary adapter, connect a switched 12V live and an earth to the unit from your car’s wiring using the two included Scotch Locks -- removing the need to solder. This makes it easy for any competent “DIYer” to complete the installation.

If you would like to have the installation carried out at your home or workplace, look for a mobile installer in the advert. Ask when you call them if they offer this service. You'll be surprised to find it's cheaper for someone to call to you and install it than to leave it at some Hi-tech garage.

Installing your Dension iPod Car Kit is straightforward and is slightly different depending on the kit you have ordered for your particular vehicle. Read through the options below and if you don't really want to install yourself, at the bottom of the page you'll find details of finding a professional installer in your area. Many customers prefer to leave it to someone with the experience to ensure a successful installation first time.

*Full installation instructions and user manual are supplied with all Dension iPod Ice>Link Plus versions. Average installation time by customers is between 15 and 60 minutes.

Mounting the Active Cradle:

If you have selected an option that includes the Active Cradle as opposed to the Dock Cable, then you will need a mounting bracket to position the cradle on your dash providing easy access to your iPod.

We recommend mounting the Active Cradle using the supplied screws with the addition of a Dashmount Mounting Bracket or Brodit Mounting Bracket. This ensures a neat, safe and professional installation.

Dashmount brackets are vehicle-specific damage-free mounting brackets and they are made for your particular car make and model, ensuring a perfect fit. They are easily installed in minutes without any drilling. This protects your dash from multiple ugly holes. They provide a quick, easy and secure installation option, giving an integrated look with your car dash and interior. Detailed easy installation instructions are included with each bracket.

If your vehicle is not listed, select the universal bracket option as this is compatible with any vehicle. A universal bracket has an arm that simply slides into position at one side of your radio. Choose between 10mm, 30mm & 45mm arm lengths depending on whether your radio is flush with your dash or recessed. A flush radio would use a 10mm Bracket and a radio recessed deep in the dash would use a 45mm bracket.

Because of the way car manufacturers configure their car audio systems, you can't connect an aftermarket CD changer directly to a factory-fitted radio in the majority of cases. Some Fiat, Ford, Mercedes, Peugeot, Porsche and Renault cars allow direct connection. However, I don't recommend trying to modify your CD Changer or its cable to work with the factory radio.

Now for the good news . . .

A number of car audio shops now sell a continuously growing number of CD interfaces and MP3 interfaces that allow you to connect an aftermarket CD changer or an aftermarket MP3 changer such as Alpine, Panasonic or Sony to a factory-fitted radio with CD changer controls. The interfaces are not universal and are designed to work with each individual radio or CD lead for each specific vehicle and with one specific brand of changer.

They also supply CD changer/interface packages that comprise of a CD changer or MP3 changer with a vehicle-specific interface adaptor. These packages are designed to work with factory-fitted radios and CD leads. Your car warranty will not be invalidated as NO wires need cutting.

You can replace your factory-fitted radio with an aftermarket CD changer, MD changer or MP3 changer package that includes a radio cassette or radio CD of your choice. You will spend significantly less than you would for most factory changers from car dealers.

With this option, you'll get improved FM reception, better performance, and superior overall sound quality and reliability. And if you change cars in the future, you'll be happy to learn that your aftermarket system isn't limited to just one car make.

Here are steps to follow if your in-dash CD or MP3 player will not play discs or if they skip.

1) First of all, ensure that your discs are clean and not damaged and have been inserted into the in-dash player the correct way up. Try other discs, especially original CD's, to see if they will play. This is especially necessary if you are using CD-R or CD/RW (copied discs). The problem could arise if a cheap CD-R is used. It could also arise if a disc is burned at too fast a speed or if the copier hadn't finalized the disc completely.

2) Use a CD laser cleaner disc. These are available from any music store. When these are played in your CD player, they will clean the laser. This will take care of problems related to a dirty CD laser: Discs not playing or playing but skipping.

3) Ensure that the fascia contacts/connections aren't worn and that the fascia is making good, solid contact. Because the fascia is removable, over time, the contacts can become dirty or worn. To find out how to clean your contacts, consult your radio handbook.

4) Press the 'Reset' button if your radio has one, and then check for correct operation. Consult your radio hand book for details.

5) If your radio doesn't have a ‘Reset’ button, release your radio from your dash and physically disconnect the power connector and then reconnect and test for correct operation.

WARNING: Before installing your CD changer and CD lead always ensure that the CD lead connection matches the connection at the rear of your radio. Thereafter test for correct operation. Actually, place them on your passenger seat, connect them together and test them. This will prevent any frustration if there are any incompatibility issues.

You’ve bought your CD changer package, but can 'You' install it? Installation seems to be a big mystery with many customers, but understandably if you’ve never fitted a CD Changer before then you won’t know what to expect.

Who can install my CD Package?

1. Install yourself with the aid of some basic tools. 2. Find a local ‘Auto Electrician’ or ‘Car Audio fitter’ to install it.

When installing CD Changers we often get asked:

How do I remove my radio?

Do I have to disconnect my radio?

How do I run the CD lead from my radio to the CD changer mounting location?

Where and how do I mount the CD changer?

How do I install the CD interface?

Is any extra wiring necessary other than the CD BUS lead?

How do I install an FM Modulator CD Changer?

Radio Removal

To remove your radio you will need radio removal keys. Radio release keys are also freely available at car accessory outlets. Alternatively, some Japanese radios are held in with screws that are hidden behind the dash fascia that is held on with press clips and/or screws.

The radio removal keys are inserted into the holes (round or rectangular) provided on the radio fascia until they lock in position. You then ease out your radio. If you are NOT sure of how to remove your radio, your best option is to seek advice from your local car dealership’s service department. Ask to speak to a technician.

Alternatively, run your car to your local car dealer and ask a technician to release your radio for you as they will definitely have the correct radio release keys. With most vehicles, it will take seconds to release your radio and they will not charge you for this.

Is it OK to disconnect my car Battery?

It is not essential to disconnect your battery, but if you do, (disconnect your negative terminal and not your positive terminal). The product manufacturers tell you to disconnect your battery before carrying out any installation work in order to cover themselves for safety reasons. As a recommendation, you should become familiar with how to disconnect your battery just in case you need to for whatever reason.

If you are 'very' safety conscious, you can attach a 10-amp blade type fuse in-line with a short piece of wire using two red female spade connectors pushed onto the fuse blades (these are available from any car accessory shop). Connect this wire in between your battery negative terminal and the negative battery post. This is a quick way of ensuring your full safety from any electrical problem.

Radio Code

If your radio has a security code, ensure that you have it recorded as your radio will need this code entering after reconnecting your battery. If you have a record of your security code, follow the instructions in your radio handbook on how to input this or, alternatively, consult your local car dealer.

If you do lose your radio code and don’t have any record of it, you will need to get it “decoded.” This basically means you will have to locate a company who can decode radios (take a look in the Yellow Pages) under ‘Car Audio’ or ‘Car Electrics’.

Is it OK to disconnect my factory fitted radio connectors?

As above, on most occasions you will not have to disconnect your radio from the wiring loom connectors. But if you have to, ensure that you know your radio security code (if it has one) before disconnecting or you will lose this code.

Here are steps to follow if your in-dash CD or MP3 player will not play discs or if they skip.

1) First of all, ensure that your discs are clean and not damaged and have been inserted into the in-dash player the correct way up. Try other discs, especially original CD's, to see if they will play. This is especially necessary if you are using CD-R or CD/RW (copied discs). The problem could arise if a cheap CD-R is used. It could also arise if a disc is burned at too fast a speed or if the copier hadn't finalized the disc completely.

2) Use a CD laser cleaner disc. These are available from any music store. When these are played in your CD player, they will clean the laser. This will take care of problems related to a dirty CD laser: Discs not playing or playing but skipping.

3) Ensure that the fascia contacts/connections aren't worn and that the fascia is making good, solid contact. Because the fascia is removable, over time, the contacts can become dirty or worn. To find out how to clean your contacts, consult your radio handbook.

4) Press the 'Reset' button if your radio has one, and then check for correct operation. Consult your radio hand book for details.

5) If your radio doesn't have a ‘Reset’ button, release your radio from your dash and physically disconnect the power connector and then reconnect and test for correct operation.