Multi function steering wheel exchange

[manosg]

Hello. I have a 997 tt, 2007 model, thinking of exchanging the classic round airbag steering wheel to a multifunction one (triangular one). Is this a directly exchange fit? Do I need any additional parts? Do I need activation by a porsche dealer? Will all the functions such as volume etc they work, or am i throwing my money? Any fitting instructions will be very welcomed.

Thanks,

Manos

[number9ine]

Welcome.

I found this thread using the Search function in the toolbar at top right and searching "+multifunction +wheel:"

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?s...function++wheel

It seems that you'll need a few things. 1) new wheel, 2) new airbag (circular one doesn't fit), 3) control module and harness, separate parts as bought from the dealer, and 4) programming from your dealer to activate the multifunction device depending on your car's configuration. Once installed and activated properly all the functions will work as if installed from factory. If you plan on ordering the parts new use the "Porsche Parts at Dealer Cost" link to save some money.

There are a number of threads on steering wheel removal/installation here that will show the tools needed, appropriate torque, etc. The search function will point you to them.

Good luck! Post your results and steps taken so we can all learn from your experience. :)

Mark

[manosg]

Are you sure that you need the control module and harness? i am asking you because the guys from Suncoast Porsche say that these two parts are already installed in the M F steering wheel. They seem very sure about it and I think that they know about the subject quite well. The MF data is already existent in every 997, you just need to activate it through the dealer. Also from the pictures of the MFSW, you can see the harness ON the wheel itself, the only part you need changing is the airbag module, due to the shape of it.

Anybody else having any idea about this mod?

Regards,

Manos

[manosg]

Sorry I mean Sunset Porsche

[berty987]

The multi function wheel will only work in conjuction with the PCM unit. If you have a standard CDR radio/Cd player it will not work. The multi function wheel , when ordered new comes with the control module and buttons/ loom ready to fit. Some people retro fit the multi function controls to the standard triangular airbag steering wheel , in these cases a mini loom, control module and buttons, plus a recode are all thats required. The multi function buttons use the same control module as the tiptronic , so if your car is a tip with standard triangular airbag then you will only need new multi function / tip button switches and some re coding of the module and PCM. If you car was not originally supplied with tiptronic you will need the multi function buttons for a manual car and the control module and mini loom, either as a complete wheel or as spare parts. . A stated above the round and triangular airbags are different so you need a new airbag as well as the wheel. The multi function wheels come in a number of options from the dealer such as part aluminium, part carbon, or part wood rim. The wheel is also a softer padding and smooth leather compared to standard wheels. The official airbag for a multi function wheel is leather rather than vinyl faced but a vinyl one is cheaper and works without issue.

The switch plate profile is different between the triangular and round airbag wheels so the multi function control cannot be fitted to round airbag sport wheels.

Best place to pick up a muulti function wheel is e bay , if you are feeling wealthy its also possible to fit the multi function buttons to the techart custom profiled thicker padded wheel. There is also an XPA or extra padded wheel option for the multi function wheel which makes the wheel rim thicker and more weighty. Sunset have the details and prices for these too.

Edited January 22, 2010 by berty987

[Luzy V8]

........ The multi function buttons use the same control module as the tiptronic , so if your car is a tip with standard triangular airbag then you will only need new multi function / tip button switches and some re coding of the module and PCM. ......

That is fantastic news, since I have tiptronic, but no multifunction "yet". :thumbup:

I save around $200 for the control module.

[manosg]

So you are saying that for my car which is 2007 model, tiptronic, with round airbag, in order to retrofit carbon MF tiptronic SW (triangular shape), do I need also the wheel and airbag and dealer recoding, or do I also need control modules?

Thanks

Manos

[number9ine]

So you are saying that for my car which is 2007 model, tiptronic, with round airbag, in order to retrofit carbon MF tiptronic SW (triangular shape), do I need also the wheel and airbag and dealer recoding, or do I also need control modules?

Thanks

Manos

Manos,

Part numbers are quoted in another forum for the control module. You might disassemble your current wheel and check against what others have to determine if you have the correct module.

Mark

[Luzy V8]

........ The multi function buttons use the same control module as the tiptronic , so if your car is a tip with standard triangular airbag then you will only need new multi function / tip button switches and some re coding of the module and PCM. ......

That is fantastic news, since I have tiptronic, but no multifunction "yet". :thumbup:

I save around $200 for the control module.

I was that curious today if that was true, so I looked into my steering wheel ... and sadly there was NO control module. So you need to buy the multifunction control module for manual and tiptronic vehicles :(

[berty987]

If there is a module it sits behind the black metal plate that locks the airbag in place. The plug that goes into the rear of the steering wheel is the airbag and steering wheel electronics plug. On those cars fitted with the multi function controls the button modules connect into the module , then there is a mini loom that connects into the rear of the steering wheel. I'm surprised the tiptronic buttons connect directly into the rear of the wheel without the control module. looks like you will need the control module after all, though its possible the loom adapter wornt be required. Check with your parts agent to be sure.

Edited January 25, 2010 by berty987

[manosg]

If there is a module it sits behind the black metal plate that locks the airbag in place. The plug that goes into the rear of the steering wheel is the airbag and steering wheel electronics plug. On those cars fitted with the multi function controls the button modules connect into the module , then there is a mini loom that connects into the rear of the steering wheel. I'm surprised the tiptronic buttons connect directly into the rear of the wheel without the control module. looks like you will need the control module after all, though its possible the loom adapter wornt be required. Check with your parts agent to be sure.

Guys,

Today I have installed the new s/w, triangular shape, multi function and tiptronic instead of my previous one round shape airbag. Lots of rumours are heard, I can assure you that it is a DIRECTLY AND ABSOLUTELY plug and play. I have heard that control modules needed etc, I did not use nothing at all. After the installation, i went to my local Porsche dealer for a 5 minute PIWIS activation and everything works as it should, i.e., menus, volume up and down, telephone, lighting of the s/w with the lights on and of course tiptronic + and - buttons.

Regards,

Manos

[PTEC]

I'm 95% certain that the guys at sunset are correct. If you order a mulitfunction wheel, it comes with the wire harness and the control unit. After that its a matter of coding.

EDIT: Ooops I just noticed your latest post. I'm glad you got it all working! The rumors about the control unit and wiring are partly true as you do need them but since they all come with the multifunction wheels, you don't need to order then in addition. Since they are available in PET as spare parts I think people assume they need to order those as well. Anyhow, tell me you got the XPA wheel.... its amazing how different they feel. I think thats the way to go.

Edited February 24, 2010 by PTEC

[manosg]

I have bought m/f steering wheel with sand beige/carbon inserts.The feel is fantastic, the features too. To my opinion isw far more superior than any other third party s/w.

Regards,

Manos