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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Heated Steering Wheel - Installation on my 2017
- Thread starter East-TN
- Start date
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OP
OP
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.
ExpeditionAndy
Full Access Members
Wow this is awesome! Thanks for sharing. I wish I had the drive to attempt this. 
star-art
Full Access Members
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
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
Full Access Members
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
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
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
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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OP
OP
Here is a pic of the wiring harness you will need and that Luke ([email protected]) does a great job building:
The Brown Arrow (bottom left of pic) shows you where the harness plugs into the HSWM (which you'll tuck/zip-tie under the dash just above the OBD port).
The Blue Circle shows you a connector that isn't required for our Expy's...this wiring harness is for an F-150 and this connector goes to an OBD Test Port, which we don't have (or I can't find) on our Expy's. Mention to Luke this wire harness is for an Expedition and he'll leave this connector off and will mark which wire goes to the MS CAN + or - connections. I spliced into the OBD Port (under dash-just above driver's right knee/leg) wire harness to access the MS CAN connections.
The Yellow Box shows the connections that go up the steering column to back side of the clockspring...the connector plugs into the clockspring, and the 2 wires are marked (pins 2 & 3) for where to insert the pins into the back of the other connector on the clockspring.
The Red Polygon is for connecting to a 12v source that is on in the Run mode...you should only tap into a source that is powered when the ignition is to the On position. I tapped into a connector on the BCM using a quick splice connector.
This may sound confusing now, but I will post pics for each step of where to connect the wiring harness...easy to do.
The entire process of me disconnecting the battery (then waiting 15 minutes), removing the old AirBag, old steering wheel, and old clockspring, then installing the harness, HSW clockspring, HSW, HSWM, and new AirBag, then connecting the battery, took less than 3 hours...and that's with me taking my time and photos to document the process...a reasonable person should be able to accomplish the HSW install in 2 hours or so.
The Brown Arrow (bottom left of pic) shows you where the harness plugs into the HSWM (which you'll tuck/zip-tie under the dash just above the OBD port).
The Blue Circle shows you a connector that isn't required for our Expy's...this wiring harness is for an F-150 and this connector goes to an OBD Test Port, which we don't have (or I can't find) on our Expy's. Mention to Luke this wire harness is for an Expedition and he'll leave this connector off and will mark which wire goes to the MS CAN + or - connections. I spliced into the OBD Port (under dash-just above driver's right knee/leg) wire harness to access the MS CAN connections.
The Yellow Box shows the connections that go up the steering column to back side of the clockspring...the connector plugs into the clockspring, and the 2 wires are marked (pins 2 & 3) for where to insert the pins into the back of the other connector on the clockspring.
The Red Polygon is for connecting to a 12v source that is on in the Run mode...you should only tap into a source that is powered when the ignition is to the On position. I tapped into a connector on the BCM using a quick splice connector.
This may sound confusing now, but I will post pics for each step of where to connect the wiring harness...easy to do.
The entire process of me disconnecting the battery (then waiting 15 minutes), removing the old AirBag, old steering wheel, and old clockspring, then installing the harness, HSW clockspring, HSW, HSWM, and new AirBag, then connecting the battery, took less than 3 hours...and that's with me taking my time and photos to document the process...a reasonable person should be able to accomplish the HSW install in 2 hours or so.
OP
OP
Pic of the wiring diagram for the install:
Ignore the connection of where the power comes from at the BCM...our Expy BCM connections are slightly different so I tapped into a different source at the BCM and it's easy to access/tap into.
Ignore the connection of where the power comes from at the BCM...our Expy BCM connections are slightly different so I tapped into a different source at the BCM and it's easy to access/tap into.
Wow, seems like it was quite the undertaking to get a heated wheel in the Expedition (I still have NO CLUE how Ford could believe it to be a viable option in the Explorer, but not in the Expedition). Bravo for all your efforts, and for sharing..
I'm very impressed with the depth of skill and determination to make this happen, so please don't take this the wrong way when I ask. It seems like there was maybe a heated steering wheel option for Expeditions in other markets (Canada maybe?!?) based on Owners manual references. Wondering if this wheel can be sourced, and if the same wiring would apply. The main reason I ask is that the expedition is a different size vehicle than the Explorer, and a different dash/cabin design obviously. I have to wonder if the Air Bag is not sized (and possibly shaped) differently as result, and if so if this affects its ability to protect you in an accident..
I'm very impressed with the depth of skill and determination to make this happen, so please don't take this the wrong way when I ask. It seems like there was maybe a heated steering wheel option for Expeditions in other markets (Canada maybe?!?) based on Owners manual references. Wondering if this wheel can be sourced, and if the same wiring would apply. The main reason I ask is that the expedition is a different size vehicle than the Explorer, and a different dash/cabin design obviously. I have to wonder if the Air Bag is not sized (and possibly shaped) differently as result, and if so if this affects its ability to protect you in an accident..
OP
OP
Distance you sit (after adjusting your seat) from the steering wheel is the same in either the Explorer or Expy...airbag doesn’t know which vehicle it’s in and will inflate to protect you.
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17LimitedExpy, thank you SO much for sharing your experience here. Two questions: (1) about the parts list above, can you share the PN and source for the pins you had to add at clock spring connection? (2) You mention as one of the drawbacks that cruise now works like old version where one click does both resume and cancel. Would you mind clarifying - what I was used to in my 08 Nav was that cancel on the steering wheel would completely disable my cruise "session" and I would have to set speed again to re-enable. The only way to suspend/ "cancel" was to tap the brake pedal. With your new set-up, if you hit the resume/ cancel button to suspend cruise, does it pick back up again at your previous set point if you hit it again to resume? Thanks again for your contributions here.
OP
OP
Here ya go, I hope this helps answer your questions:
1. I do no have the part numbers, but if you go to the F-150 Forum and do a search, a thread on there has the part numbers listed. I used the mentioned wiring harness which already had the two pins ready to plug into the back of the clockspring connector...made it very easy.
2. On the original 17 Expy steering wheel, the button for cruise control 'Resume/Cancel' is one button...when the cruise is engaged/on, if you push the 'Resume/Cancel' button - then cruise is cancelled, push the button again and cruise will resume. No need to 'set' cruise again, the resume button picks up the speed you last set. It sounds like on your 08 your cancel button was actually an 'off' function. Does this help clarify?
star-art
Full Access Members
I'm really looking forward to hearing the rest of the story about this install, particularly on the programming side of things. Thanks again for sharing!!!
Ahh, k thanks about the pins - I didn't realize that if I sourced the wiring harness it would take care of the pins as well. And for 2. yes, that does help clarify - thank you. I would hate to lose the Cancel function that the 17 has - no issue if this upgrade turns the Explorer wheel into a toggle button between cancel and resume.
OP
OP
Heated Steering Wheel - Here again you have several years and a couple of Ford vehicles you can look for to obtain:
13-16 Ford Taurus
11-17 Ford Explorer
The HSW for these cars will work on our Expy's. I picked the 16 Explorer wheel for a couple of reasons; I like the black look of the wheel and it was really cheap ($40)...hard to beat.
Here's a pic of the steering wheel...16/17 Explorer wheel on the left, 13-15 Taurus/Explorer wheel on the right.
The Explorer wheel has a slightly smaller diameter (maybe 3/8") than our original Expy steering wheel, the grip on the Explorer HSW is slightly bigger/better feel.
13-16 Ford Taurus
11-17 Ford Explorer
The HSW for these cars will work on our Expy's. I picked the 16 Explorer wheel for a couple of reasons; I like the black look of the wheel and it was really cheap ($40)...hard to beat.
Here's a pic of the steering wheel...16/17 Explorer wheel on the left, 13-15 Taurus/Explorer wheel on the right.
The Explorer wheel has a slightly smaller diameter (maybe 3/8") than our original Expy steering wheel, the grip on the Explorer HSW is slightly bigger/better feel.
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OP
OP
If you want the steering wheel buttons to function more closely to our current Expy functions you will need to make one simple change. (see posts 17 & 18 for steering wheel button differences)
On the HSW, you will need to swap pins 6 & 7 on the plug for the right switch. Easy to do, takes maybe 3 minutes...here is what you need to do:
Disconnect the plug that goes to the right switch on the new HSW...easy to reach in and push the lock tab, then pull the plug out.
Use a small screwdriver to pry up the red locking cover at the end of the plug connector.
The plug should look like this after you pry up the red locking cover. Remove/pull out the red locking cover. NOTE: this cover needs to be removed so that you may remove pins 6 & 7 and swap them.
On the HSW, you will need to swap pins 6 & 7 on the plug for the right switch. Easy to do, takes maybe 3 minutes...here is what you need to do:
Disconnect the plug that goes to the right switch on the new HSW...easy to reach in and push the lock tab, then pull the plug out.
Use a small screwdriver to pry up the red locking cover at the end of the plug connector.
The plug should look like this after you pry up the red locking cover. Remove/pull out the red locking cover. NOTE: this cover needs to be removed so that you may remove pins 6 & 7 and swap them.
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