Upgrading your car’s infotainment system can significantly enhance your driving experience. For owners of 2015 car models looking to integrate advanced control features, installing a modern head unit like the Kenwood DDX9702S is a popular choice. This guide will walk you through the process of achieving what we’ll refer to as “infinity control”—seamless integration and programming of your new head unit with your car’s existing controls, focusing particularly on steering wheel controls and reverse camera functionality in a 2015 vehicle. While “infinity control” isn’t a standard industry term, we’ll use it to represent comprehensive, customizable control over your car’s upgraded systems.
Understanding the Components for Infinity Control
To achieve enhanced control over your 2015 car after installing a new head unit, you’ll need several key components. Our example build includes:
- Kenwood DDX9702S Head Unit: A well-regarded unit known for its CarPlay compatibility and features.
- HYBL-04 Integration Harness: This harness is crucial for bridging the connection between your car’s factory wiring and the aftermarket head unit. It often includes features for retaining steering wheel controls and other factory functionalities.
- ASWC-1 Steering Wheel Control Adapter: This adapter is specifically designed to program your car’s steering wheel buttons to work with the new head unit, providing “infinity control” at your fingertips.
- AX-CAM6V Backup Camera: A component to enhance safety and visibility, integrating with the head unit to display the rear view when reversing.
- DDIN Faceplate and Climate Control Panel: Necessary for physically installing the double DIN head unit and ensuring climate controls are retained and functional.
Step-by-Step Installation and Programming for Infinity Control
This section details the installation process, emphasizing the steps to program and achieve “infinity control” over your car’s new infotainment system.
1. Preparing the Wiring and Climate Control
The first step involves adapting the car’s wiring to be compatible with the new head unit and climate control panel. It’s important to note that variations can exist even within the same car model year, as seen with the climate control panel wiring.
- Climate Control Panel Wiring: Be prepared for potential differences between your original panel and a replacement. In our example, an extra teal ground wire was present in the replacement panel and simply tied into an existing ground. Conversely, the original panel had gray/black and brown/black wires (M-CAN high and low) that were not present in the replacement and were safely taped off.
- Matching and Splicing Wires: Carefully compare the wiring diagrams for your car and the harnesses. Splice the wires one at a time to ensure correct connections. While the wire colors may match, their order in the plug can differ.
2. Integrating the Reverse Camera for Enhanced Control
Having a functioning reverse camera is a key aspect of modern car control and safety. Here’s how to ensure its integration:
- Reverse Wire Connection: The HYBL-04 harness instructions might suggest connecting the green/purple wire to the head unit’s reverse wire. However, in some 2015 models, this wire may not provide voltage when in reverse.
- Alternative 12V Reverse Source: Identify a wire that reliably provides 12V when the car is in reverse. In this case, pin #9 on connector A (18 pin) was found to be a suitable alternative, successfully triggering the camera when reversing.
- AX-CAM6V Connection: Connect the AX-CAM6V camera according to its instructions. This typically involves connecting the blue/white wire to a 12V source (red wire), grounding to pin #4 on connector A, and splicing the blue-red wire into pin #11 on connector A.
- RCA Cable for Video Signal: Use an RCA cable to transmit the video signal from the camera to the head unit. Splice the RCA cable to pins #2 (+) and #3 (-) on connector A for video input.
3. Programming Steering Wheel Controls for Infinity Access
Steering wheel controls are essential for safe and convenient operation. Programming them correctly is crucial for achieving “infinity control.”
- Using the Correct ASWC-1 Wire: Ensure you use the wire provided with the HYBL-04 harness for the ASWC-1 adapter, not the one that comes with the ASWC-1 itself.
- Bluetooth Steering Wheel Control Programming: A common challenge is getting Bluetooth call/hang up buttons to work. For the ASWC-1 to recognize these, you may need to cut the green/orange wire between the factory harness and the HYBL-04 unit and tape off the factory harness side. Crucially, do not cut directly at the harness; cut slightly away to allow for future reconnection if needed.
- Auto-Programming the ASWC-1: After the wire modification, use the ASWC-1’s auto-program feature. Refer to the ASWC-1 manual for the specific steps, which may include an extra step for Bluetooth buttons. This should allow the adapter to learn and program all your steering wheel controls, including call/hang up functions.
4. Integrating the Factory Microphone for Hands-Free Control
Maintaining the factory microphone ensures clear hands-free calling, further enhancing your “infinity control” setup.
- Splicing the Microphone Wires: Cut the 3.5mm cable of the microphone that came with the new head unit. Splice the wires to pins #10 (+) and #22 (-) on connector A in your car’s harness.
- Removing Wire Coating: A critical step often overlooked is removing the invisible coating from the individual copper strands inside the microphone wire. Carefully burn off this coating using a lighter. This ensures a proper electrical connection and prevents signal issues.
Final Checks and Potential Adjustments
After completing the installation and programming, thoroughly test all functions: audio, steering wheel controls, reverse camera, and microphone.
- Audio Levels: Initial audio volume might be lower than expected. The HYBL-04 harness may have adjustable output levels. If needed, you might need to partially disassemble the installation to adjust these settings for optimal volume.
- Further Customization: While GPS, USB, and SiriusXM cable integration were not covered in the original example, these can be further areas to explore for expanding your “infinity control,” depending on your car and head unit’s capabilities.
Conclusion: Achieving Enhanced Car Control
By following these steps, you can effectively install and program a new head unit in your 2015 car, achieving a high level of “infinity control” over your vehicle’s infotainment system. This includes seamless steering wheel control integration, reverse camera functionality, and hands-free microphone use. While specific steps may vary based on your car model and chosen components, this guide provides a solid foundation for upgrading and customizing your car’s technology for a more enjoyable and controlled driving experience. Remember to consult your vehicle’s service manual and component instructions for detailed wiring diagrams and programming procedures.
