Replacing radio with steering controls, advice?

Hello Everyone,

I would really appreciate any advice/insight into changing the factor stereo of my ’99 Intrigue. I don’t have the Bose system, but it is the stereo with CD, Cassette, and steering wheel controls “volume up/down”, and “preset/search” (I think?). The current factory stereo has a broken cassette player, and I want to upgrade for iPod capabilities. I’ve bought a replacement JVC model from Crutchfield. Along with a PacSwi-X IR (infra-red) controller gizmo that is suppose to attach to the steering wheel controls, and be able to send an IR beam to the front of the stereo to control the various functions. The stereo does have a remote control allowing it to receive IR signals.

My questions:
How do I know which wires are from the steering wheel buttons?
How does one get to those wires from the steering wheel buttons?
Has anybody else done this successfully?

I do have a full set of manuals from GM (3 volumes).

Thanks in advance,
Steve

Never done it, but they'll be connected to the head unit and easily accessible when it's removed. Not sure which is which, but the manual that came with your IR interface should give you some idea...

Hmm.. You're right! didn't even think that the wires would be at the radio. I was thinking I had to tear into the steering wheel.

thanks,