Thread: Fitting stereo controls to steering wheel that didn't have them

I've been stalking around on Ebay to find a set of stereo controls to fit to the steering wheel on my SE.
It has cruise control fitted, but no radio controls on the steering wheel.
Finally snared the right part for the steering wheel from Romania and then ordered the new loom assembly from the UK.
total cost was about $80, so if it all went pear shaped, it would not be a huge loss.
Studied the video here: How to upgrade / change the steering wheel on Land Rover Discovery 3 LR3 - YouTube and ordered the appropriate "bent tool" to remove the airbag assembly.
Checked fridge to make sure plenty of beer on hand.
It was a piece of cake!!!!!!
Disconnected all the batteries and let it sit for 30 mins to make sure there were no volts still running around.
Had first can of beer.
Used a T20 at the back of the steering wheel to remove the 4 screws (2 each side) from the steering wheel. NOTE - the wheel DOES NOT have to come off for this.
Then took a very deep breath and inserted the bent airbag release tool to pop the 2 clips of the airbag and lift it out and sit it on top of steering wheel.
Finished second can of beer!
Removed the 2 assemblies from the steering wheel, unplugged the existing loom from them, and the airbag (just an earth here but took another deep breath just in case!!)
Fitted new loom to existing cruise control module, and to replacement stereo module, and to airbag.
Popped both assemblies back into place in steering wheel, and pushed airbag back into clips in steering wheel - note, did not take deep breather here as it was getting easy.
Fitted 4 screws to back of steering wheel to hold both switch packs in place.
Reconnected all batteries and waited 10 mins while I had another beer.
Inserted key and started the bus - no warning lights or errors to be seen.
Turned on radio and the volume goes up and down, and the stations scan from one to another. It also cycles through CD and radio, and non existent AUX.
Had final beer and ready for lunch now.
All in all, it took about an hour from start to finish.
tool.jpgback of wheel.jpgb4.jpgloom.jpgfinished.jpg

After completing all this, I suspect the small loom did not need to be changed over - I think I only had to unplug the right module, and plug in the new one with the switches.
I'm not going to pull it all apart to find out, but if anyone wants to do this, I suggest you find the switch module, and drop me a PM and you can have my loom for free.
If it works - great. If it doesn't, then its a matter of buying one.
Alan