Saab 9-3 MK2 Phone Button Steering Wheel Interface Installation

Before doing anything, turn on the ignition and wind one of the front windows down (or both).

To install the steering wheel interface you must first disconnect the negative terminal on the car battery.

The cover is released by turning the 2 locking tabs at the front of the cover (use a 5p piece). After doing this, simply remove the cover.

After removing the negative battery terminal (10mm bolt) push the battery lead out of the way to prevent it making a re-connection.

Wait a couple of minutes before releasing the steering wheel harness.

To gain access to the steering wheel harness release the locking bar underneath the steering wheel. Then pull the steering wheel towards the driver and lock back in place.

Unclip the fabric shroud where the steering wheel joins the dash – it can be pulled in the direction of the driver. With this undone push the cover back over the steering wheel to reveal the steering wheel harness connector.

The steering wheel connector is dis-engaged by sliding up the red locking bar. To do this, hold the steering wheel harness whilst pushing the red bar upwards. At the same time gently wiggle the wiring harness as this will make it easier to dis-engage.

It is not easy to see where the locking bar is located and it is better to do this by “feel”.

With the steering wheel connector released the next task is to separate the yellow connector bar from the main housing. It is a bit tricky.

There are 2 locking tabs that need to be pushed down whilst withdrawing the yellow connector block from the housing cover. Use a small screwdriver whilst pulling the wiring harness.

When the tabs have been pushed down the yellow connector block will now slide out.

With the yellow connector block now separated, undo some of the wire insulation to expose the wires in the harness. The outer insulation is stuck together and can be gently separated.

The connector block is numbered. The green steering interface wire needs to be connected to pin 19. This is also a green wire on the Saab wiring. Locate pin 17 (it is numbered) and count 2 up from this pin on the same row.

Connection to the green wire on pin 19 must either be crimped or soldered. Do not be tempted to use a  “tap-on” connector as these are unreliable.

Once the connection is made, re-insulate the wiring and run the green wire back to the steering wheel interface. Take care to avoid the adjustment mechanism underneath the steering wheel when routing the wire.

Now re-attach the steering wheel connector. Before attaching the connector pull the red locking bar fully out.

Guide the connector to the socket on rear of steering wheel and push down. The locking bar will engage and then push the locking bar fully down to lock the connector in place.

When you have confirmed that the connector is in place, re-connect the car battery.

Lock and then unlock the car and insert the key and turn ignition on. You may need to remove and re-insert the key if the immobiliser does not dis-engage.

You will now need to configure the steering wheel interface – see notes below.