Standard vs Multi-function Steering Wheel

[Mediastinia]

The multi-function steering wheel seems like a nice option. I was thinking of salvaging one and replacing a standard one. Am I off my nut?

What parts would I need to salvage if I go through with this?

 

[Lug_Nut]

And I dislike it. I'd prefer having the cruise control all operated from one location. As it is the on/off are on the stalk and the set/resume are on the wheel.
My 'solution' is easier than yours: I just need the cruise stalk from a GL trim car. I'd leave the redundant switches in the wheel alone.

 

[Zambee500]

Oilhammer posted quite awhile back that you could swap out the standard steering wheel for a multi-function, but that it was a lot of work and a bit of PITA. But I think that thread may have even included part numbers. It may've been a couple years ago, but perhaps you could find it with the search function. My recollection of it though was that it didn't sound like a worthwhile endeavor, at least how I was reading it.

 

[vw4life]

I also inquired here about this swap. You need the wheel, airbag, clockspring, wiring, and control box. Quite a few parts, and quite and expense and labour.

I ended up getting a $6.99 RF ipod remote control which just so happened to control volume to. I use the ipod 80% of the time and put the little remote control in arms reach which is better than the radio controls.

 

[eyeguy]

Its nice to have, but I think that you'll find that after you put in all that work, you'll find its nothing you had to have. I haven't installed one, but I have one in my wagon. My Golf didn't have one & I did fine without it & if the wagon didn't have one, I'd be fine without it too.

 

[leicaman]

Lets put it like this. I have the multi-function wheel on my Passat. It is a wonderful thing. I do personally like the cruise control function on the wheel. I never ever shut the cruise switch to off so frankly the point is rather moot for me about different locations. I really like the CD changing buttons on the wheel. However, if I had bought a car without it, I would not really mind not having it, because I would just adjust.

 

[Mediastinia]

After a fair amount of reading, it seems the job is not too tricky, and an experienced person, simple and fast. The cost of a new airbag would be the deal killer.

Is there a source for trustworthy "used" airbags?

Preparing myself for humor. Let it out.

 

[vw4life]

Well, when you do it, please, please post all the details, suppliers of parts, prices and how to during the installation.

I would really like the MF wheel, but I have lived w/o it.

 

[1854sailor]

After a fair amount of reading, it seems the job is not too tricky, and an experienced person, simple and fast. The cost of a new airbag would be the deal killer.

Is there a source for trustworthy "used" airbags?

Preparing myself for humor. Let it out.

My initial thought was Washington, D.C., but the "trustworthy" part wipes that one out.

 

[vw4life]

My initial thought was Washington, D.C., but the "trustworthy" part wipes that one out.

 

[SeaBlood]

And I dislike it. I'd prefer having the cruise control all operated from one location. As it is the on/off are on the stalk and the set/resume are on the wheel.
My 'solution' is easier than yours: I just need the cruise stalk from a GL trim car. I'd leave the redundant switches in the wheel alone.

I assume the multi-function wheel means the column allows for telescoping and variable height lock, which I have. With that my cruise control is all on the stalk with the set/resume rocker switch on the end. No buttons on the wheel at all. Very convenient.

 

[vw4life]

no, multifunction refers to buttons for radio and cruise control on the steering wheel.

 

[Michael Slade]

My '01 has the fancy wheel. My '05 does not. The fancy wheel feels nicer in your hands, but my '05 has a leather wrap that also feels pretty good.

Other than that, I think doing a swap would incur a lot of cost and hassle to get not much gain. There have got to be better things to spend your $ and time on your Passat with. I think you'd be farther ahead getting the aluminum skid-plate. That is next on my list.

I can take pics of each if anyone wants them.

Lets put it like this. I have the multi-function wheel on my Passat. It is a wonderful thing. I do personally like the cruise control function on the wheel. I never ever shut the cruise switch to off so frankly the point is rather moot for me about different locations. I really like the CD changing buttons on the wheel. However, if I had bought a car without it, I would not really mind not having it, because I would just adjust.

 

[Mediastinia]

Still thinking about doing the swap, getting a new airbag still the real pain.

If someone has a wiring diagram for both the standard and the multi-function steering wheels, can you tell me how far back into the harnass you need to go to have them match?

 

[traubenberg]

My two cents, just because no one requested it ...

My first '05 was a GL-trim gasser (sedan, 1.8t, 5MT) with no multi-function steering wheel (MFSW). Didn't know what I was missing.

My second '05 was a GL-trim gasser (wagon, 1.8t, Tip) with no MFSW. Didn't know what I was missing.

My third '05 is a GLS-trim TDI with the MFSW. I know what I was missing. And ...it really wasn't that big of a deal. Unless you're doing it to be able to say that you did it, it's nothing revelatory.

And yes, I've owned three 2005 Passats in a row.

 

[Lug_Nut]

Three?!?! What a masochist!
1.8 manual... Nah, I need something else bad.
1.8 automatic... Nah, I said "I need something BAD".
2.0 BHW automatic... Oh, Yeah, that's it! Oww. Ouch. Oh yeah! Owww!

 

[traubenberg]

Three?!?! What a masochist!

Tsk, tsk ...your jealousy is showing!

 

[Mediastinia]

Is the wiring the same for a 2001 and a 2004?

I have a schematic for a 2001.

 

[Mediastinia]

This might be stopping before it gets started. The salvage yard is a closed one, so I can't pull what is needed and tracking wires is not their thing.

 

[Radman]

In case anyone is interested I have one for sale...
http://montreal.kijiji.ca/c-cars-ve...essories-VW-Steering-wheel-W0QQAdIdZ251039792

 

[afarfalla]

gas to diesel

I'm swapping engines, a 1.8T GLS 05 passat with an 05 GLS passat TDI, diesel egnine is in all the rotors have been cut, new pads, tires balanced, gas tanks changed, the dash harness is out of the TDI and I'm about to attacked the 1.8T dash harness it has the controls on the steering wheel the TDI didn't, also will add momentary flashers for lane changing and auto lights, will let you know how it goes

 

[Lug_Nut]

'convenience' or temporary directional flashers, another solution in search of a problem.
see also: Un-useless

 

[afarfalla]

'convenience' or temporary directional flashers, another solution in search of a problem.
see also: Un-useless

but I can do it, curcuit is in my head ready to be put on paper, while the harnesss is out I will incorporate it, I'll have the only 05 with momentaries and auto lights, with all this I can delay alzheimers a couple more years

 

[vw4life]

You don't have to build it in your head and in the flesh- Its a $45 plug in relay harness. Save yourself the trouble.

 

[afarfalla]

You don't have to build it in your head and in the flesh- Its a $45 plug in relay harness. Save yourself the trouble.

no fun that way, no trouble

 

[Conan]

Is there a source for trustworthy "used" airbags?

I've gotten some fairly decent Chinese remanufactured ones on Ebay. Quality control is not the best though. Shake them thoroughly over a large sheet of white paper. If you see ANY gunpowder, that's a sure sign of improper re-sealing. A little duct tape will take of it-- it's a cheap fix.