Steering Wheel Controller | Mercedes ML | 701

Download Basic Installation PDF

This printable PDF contains basic Connection and Programming instructions. Return to this page for more detailed instructions, troubleshooting, and additional information.

Steering Wheel Controller-Mercedes ML-701.pdf2.1 MB

Vehicle Installation Instructions

The instructions below will guide you through the installation of the Steering Wheel Controller in your vehicle.

NOTE Though Metra has done extensive research, testing, and verification that the Steering Wheel Control (SWC) wires for the listed vehicles are accurate, it is the installer’s responsibility to verify that the Steering Wheel Control wires are installed correctly. If a discrepancy is found after following all instructions, please notify Technical Support.

Connections

Aftermarket Radio Harness

1. Connect Pin 6 of the Steering Wheel Controller harness to the Black ground wire of the aftermarket radio.
2. Connect Pin 12 of the Steering Wheel Controller to the Red accessory wire of the aftermarket radio (shown below).

Vehicle Connection(s) to Factory Harness  

1. Connect Pin 1 of the Steering Wheel Controller (Pink wire) to the wire in Pin 11 of the vehicle's radio harness (shown below).
2. Connect Pin 7 of the Steering Wheel Controller (Blue/Pink wire) to the wire in Pin 9 of the vehicle’s radio harness (shown below).

TIP The connection to this wire will commonly need to be made on the factory harness side of the connector.

→→ Splicing the Steering Wheel Control Wire to the Connector

TIP At minimum, the connection point must be protected with a non-conductive tape (such as electrical tape).

Follow the steps below to splice the SWC wire into the connector wire:

1. Locate the wires entering the connector at Pin 9 and Pin 11.

2. Carefully strip away a half-inch section of each wire covering using a wire stripping tool.

3. Twist the following SWC wires around the exposed wire sections created in Step 2.
1. Pin 9: the Blue/Pink SWC wire
2. Pin 11: the Pink SWC wire

NOTE Ensure the SWC wire is secured to the connector wire.

4. Secure the splice between the connector wire(s) and the SWC wire(s) with non-conductive electrical tape.

WARNING Wire color depicted does not necessarily represent the actual wire color in the vehicle.

SWC 3.5 Jack Connections

For radios with a 3.5mm port located on the rear, plug the male 3.5mm jack directly into the back of the radio.

1. Connect the 3.5mm Jack to the SWC (Steering Wheel Control) input on the back of the radio. This can be achieved through one of the methods detailed in the following sections.

Kenwood/JVC Radios with Single SWC wire

1. Connect the Blue/Yellow wire labeled  Steering Wheel Remote Input to the Brown wire of the female 3.5mm jack.
2. Plug in the male 3.5mm jack into the female 3.5mm jack.

NOTE Kenwood & JVC radios may list their SWC wire as a Marine Remote. Refer to your radio manual if you are unsure. Radios will typically auto-detect as a Kenwood, or need to be force-programmed to a Kenwood radio type (refer to Changing Radio Type below). Contact Technical Support for situations in which the above note isn’t the case.

→ Kenwood & JVC Radio Troubleshooting

If your Kenwood or JVC radio has the connector displayed below (Figure A) and you experience issues programming the SWC, please review this troubleshooting guide before contacting Technical Support.

Universal 2-Wire Radios

1. Connect the steering wheel control wire, Key-A or SWC-1, to the Brown wire of the connector.
2. Connect the remaining steering wheel control wire, Key-B or SWC-2, to the Brown/White wire of the connector.
3. The SWC (Steering Wheel Controls) functions will need to be programmed within the radio. Refer to Radios with Built-In SWC Menus below.

Universal 3-Wire Radios

1. Connect the steering wheel control wire, Key-A or SWC-1, to the Brown wire of the connector.
2. Connect the remaining steering wheel control wire, Key-B or SWC-2, to the Brown/White wire of the connector.
3. If your aftermarket radio has a KEY/SWC Ground wire, leave it disconnected and test your SWC controls.
4. (Optional) If some SWC functions do not program or function correctly, connect the KEY/SWC Ground to the radio’s ground wire.
5. The SWC (Steering Wheel Controls) functions must be programmed within the radio. Refer to Radios with Built-In SWC Menus below.

On this page

• Steering Wheel Controller | Mercedes ML | 701
• Vehicle Installation Instructions
• Connections
• Aftermarket Radio Harness
• Vehicle Connection(s) to Factory Harness
• →→ Splicing the Steering Wheel Control Wire to the Connector
• SWC 3.5 Jack Connections
• Kenwood/JVC Radios with Single SWC wire
• → Kenwood & JVC Radio Troubleshooting
• Universal 2-Wire Radios
• Universal 3-Wire Radios