Axxess ASWC or Pac SWI-PS Question
 

Recieved my package today with my new Pioneer Z130BT, XM Sat. radio unit, Kenwood backup camera, Metra dash kit, and the Pac steering wheel control system. I have read on Crutchfield all the reviews on both Axxess and Pac. . Both have good and bad. I would like to make sure I install the best one. I was sent the Pac kit. My husband is very good at these installs so my question is, which is the best operating kit. I would like the steering wheel controls to work like OEM? Does this also give you phone options to answer and such with the steering wheel controls? My IPhone works great with the HU so would like to have it all work right. Opinions would be greatly apprciated.

Laurie

I have used both. IMO, the Metra Axxess is the best of the two. The PAC was extremely slow, the wiring was very thin and it was a major pain in the butt to get working.
The Metra has worked flawlessly for over a year. I think it's easier to program if there is manual programming needed. It has an automatic feature, but sometimes doesn't work with newer units. Even if it doesn't work, it's not a big deal. Only took me 10-15 minutes to set it up manually and most of that time was me reading the instructions. :icon17:

Hands down metra very fact response like factory and easier to install.

I installed a PAC in my STi recently and manually programmed it. You can download easy to follow instructions from PAC's website that is specific to your vehicle and brand of HU (Pioneer in this case)...walks you through all the hardware connections needed as well as instructions to program...very easy. Once programmed, all the buttons work like OEM...no delays. In terms of wire size...they are the same as the OEM harness wires. Axxess vs. PAC...if you already have a PAC in your possession, I think it's a non issue.

There may be no delay for your sti but on the z, the pac has a big delay compared to stock and compared to the metra.

Man......where was this thread when I got my SWI-JACK installed? It does suck in terms of response. Sometimes, I can't even use the steering wheel controls because they are scrambled. Once I get back, I am going to remove it and go with the Metra unit since I have to redo my wiring anyway............

Thanks for the heads up!

Heard the same thing so I ordered my Axxess last night from Amazon. It will work with the BT controls but you have to do some wiring with the stock bluetooth unit (jump some pins I believe) but Metra has the instructions for this on their website. To me that was a selling point because I hate the idea of buttons that don't function (especially useful ones).

I am going to try and re-work my SWI-JACK, but I have the Metra unit on my wish list on Crutchfield just in case........

Link to this.....PLEASE

Must I do everything :tup:

http://contentdocs.installernet.com/...icle/12144.pdf

Here is also the doc to wire the AXXESS to our cars. I haven't verified this yet as I haven't done the install.

http://contentdocs.installernet.com/...icle/12209.pdf