Muddy Bean
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Wow, huge props to you for doing this! Another really awesome write up on this forum. Very very cool.
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Heated Steering Wheel - Installation on my 2017
- Thread starter 17LimitedExpy
- Start date
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OP
OP
17LimitedExpy
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Thanks. I’m still working on a few cleanup items to make this install/mod better.
I currently can’t ‘see’ or access the HSWM (Heated Steering Wheel Module) in FORScan. I think this is because I’m using an old (2011-2013) HSWM and it may not be accessible? I have a new 2017 Explorer HSWM on the way, so will install and see if FORScan will see it.
Some may ask why I want to access the HSW module...if you can access the module, you can change the heat settings...like temperature and time on/cycle time...make the Wheel hotter (or cooler), have it cycle on/off more or less.
I currently can’t ‘see’ or access the HSWM (Heated Steering Wheel Module) in FORScan. I think this is because I’m using an old (2011-2013) HSWM and it may not be accessible? I have a new 2017 Explorer HSWM on the way, so will install and see if FORScan will see it.
Some may ask why I want to access the HSW module...if you can access the module, you can change the heat settings...like temperature and time on/cycle time...make the Wheel hotter (or cooler), have it cycle on/off more or less.
Wow this is awesome! Thanks for sharing. I wish I had the drive to attempt this. 
star-art
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I am SO thankful you did this. This and a 360 "birds eye" camera are the two features I want most to add my truck.
Though lots of people want this option, I'm not sure anyone else has ever attempted this on an Expy. I'm aware of only one person who did it on an F150 and I'm not aware of anyone who's done it on the Explorer.
There are a couple potential solutions for the buttons, but neither is easy. One is to relabel them. They can be painted over and laser engraved with the correct markings so the buttons operate as labeled. The other option would be to modify or replace the underlying circuit board (if it's even accessible) so the buttons function correctly as they're already labeled. I realize many parts like this are designed to go together during manufacturing and then never come apart again. . .
Though lots of people want this option, I'm not sure anyone else has ever attempted this on an Expy. I'm aware of only one person who did it on an F150 and I'm not aware of anyone who's done it on the Explorer.
There are a couple potential solutions for the buttons, but neither is easy. One is to relabel them. They can be painted over and laser engraved with the correct markings so the buttons operate as labeled. The other option would be to modify or replace the underlying circuit board (if it's even accessible) so the buttons function correctly as they're already labeled. I realize many parts like this are designed to go together during manufacturing and then never come apart again. . .
OP
OP
17LimitedExpy
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Update: I'm working with the FORScan team to develop/modify the next version of FORScan so the Expedition will be able to search for and recognize a Heated Steering Wheel Module.
The current version of FORScan does not even look for the HSWM if you have the Expedition (since it's not a factory option)...the FORScan team has sent me a new version which I will try later today to scan my Expy...fingers crossed
The current version of FORScan does not even look for the HSWM if you have the Expedition (since it's not a factory option)...the FORScan team has sent me a new version which I will try later today to scan my Expy...fingers crossed
star-art
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Since the 2018+ models may have such a module, as the HSW is now available for these newer trucks, it certainly sounds like a good idea to include that option for Expy vehicles in FORScan.
OP
OP
17LimitedExpy
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Since the 2018+ models may have such a module, as the HSW is now available for these newer trucks, it certainly sounds like a good idea to include that option for Expy vehicles in FORScan.
FORScan does work/recognize the HSWM on the 2018 (since it's a factory option), but didn't work on the 2017 and older Expy models...until now. The new version the FORScan team sent me WORKS!! It searches for/recognizes the HSWM on my Expy and has allowed me full control to make changes. See the spreadsheet in the FORScan thread for the required changes:
http://www.expeditionforum.com/threads/forscan-tweaks-2015.32082/page-60
Nice! Looking forward to see what the new wheel brings you.
OP
OP
17LimitedExpy
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Here is the beginning of what is required/suggested for installing a Heated Steering Wheel (HSW) onto your 2015-2017 (other years ??) Expedition.
If anyone benefits/uses this info and would like to contribute to my beer fund (and help cover the extra costs I incurred), please PM me...thank you!
First - this modification is not cheap...it could cost anywhere from $600 to $1,000 for the parts...it just depends on your patience and 'luck' in finding the parts.
I searched and watched ebay for several weeks before I finally had all the parts I needed for the install. These are the parts you will need along with the range of reasonable costs I've seen on ebay...you may be able to find a local connection that can beat these prices, so be patient and resourceful.
Heated Steering Wheel: $40-$150
Airbag for HSW: $230-$350
HSW Module: $25-$100
HSW Clockspring: $100-$150
Wiring Harness: $200-$250
Wiring Splice Connectors: $5 (or less)
Second - there are a couple of drawbacks with this modification...see my previous post on the steering wheel button functions (2 buttons work backwards, see posts #17 & 18)...not a perfect swap, but this minor (to me) difference is easy to live with and use.
In each of my next several posts I'll focus on the different parts so you'll understand which part worked for me and what parts may/may not work for your application/modification...and hopefully you'll avoid my mistakes/extra costs.
If anyone benefits/uses this info and would like to contribute to my beer fund (and help cover the extra costs I incurred), please PM me...thank you!
First - this modification is not cheap...it could cost anywhere from $600 to $1,000 for the parts...it just depends on your patience and 'luck' in finding the parts.
I searched and watched ebay for several weeks before I finally had all the parts I needed for the install. These are the parts you will need along with the range of reasonable costs I've seen on ebay...you may be able to find a local connection that can beat these prices, so be patient and resourceful.
Heated Steering Wheel: $40-$150
Airbag for HSW: $230-$350
HSW Module: $25-$100
HSW Clockspring: $100-$150
Wiring Harness: $200-$250
Wiring Splice Connectors: $5 (or less)
Second - there are a couple of drawbacks with this modification...see my previous post on the steering wheel button functions (2 buttons work backwards, see posts #17 & 18)...not a perfect swap, but this minor (to me) difference is easy to live with and use.
In each of my next several posts I'll focus on the different parts so you'll understand which part worked for me and what parts may/may not work for your application/modification...and hopefully you'll avoid my mistakes/extra costs.
OP
OP
17LimitedExpy
Full Access Members
Here are 3 parts you will need regardless of which HSW you decide on:
Wiring harness - you could build your own (and maybe save a few $), or contact Luke ([email protected]) and he will build you a professional wire harness for around $200...ensure you mention this harness is for the Expedition (it saves you money and makes it easier to connect). (My next post will explain more on the wire harness.)
Heated Steering Wheel Module - Ford made it easy (for a change) to select a HSWM...they are all the same. If the HSWM looks like the one below, then you should be fine. (You DO NOT need the mounting bracket that comes with some HSWM...we do not have the mounting holes, so you can just tuck the HSWM under the dash and zip-tie it in place.) A good used HSWM costs as low as $20, and a new module from Tasca Ford is around $40...choose your preference. The only difference between using a new or used is the FORScan programming required...if new, you will need to program the module (easy to do-I'll post instruction later when I discuss FORScan settings) and the old will already be programmed, you just change the settings you want.
Splice connectors - pick up at an auto parts store for around $3-$4...makes the 3 splices you will need very easy and secure.
Wiring harness - you could build your own (and maybe save a few $), or contact Luke ([email protected]) and he will build you a professional wire harness for around $200...ensure you mention this harness is for the Expedition (it saves you money and makes it easier to connect). (My next post will explain more on the wire harness.)
Heated Steering Wheel Module - Ford made it easy (for a change) to select a HSWM...they are all the same. If the HSWM looks like the one below, then you should be fine. (You DO NOT need the mounting bracket that comes with some HSWM...we do not have the mounting holes, so you can just tuck the HSWM under the dash and zip-tie it in place.) A good used HSWM costs as low as $20, and a new module from Tasca Ford is around $40...choose your preference. The only difference between using a new or used is the FORScan programming required...if new, you will need to program the module (easy to do-I'll post instruction later when I discuss FORScan settings) and the old will already be programmed, you just change the settings you want.
Splice connectors - pick up at an auto parts store for around $3-$4...makes the 3 splices you will need very easy and secure.
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