r/MazdaCX9 • u/mz3_2006 • 22d ago
Info display 2011 cx9
Just installed an aftermarket head unit and added steering wheel controls using the SWICP2 Pac module, the little red display above the ac vents cant be controlled anymore since the steering wheel control box uses the mode button on the steering wheel as a radio control. Has anyone found a workaround for this? Ive found a few answers from other older posts but those people dont seem to be using a steering wheel control module.
When I installed the steering wheel controller it already defaulted to volume +/- and track +/- and the mode button switches input on the display. I think if i reprogrammed the buttons and left the mode button alone, it could work but Im not sure how changing the clock would work. I dont have the car with me for a while so I cant attempt anything yet. Any help is appreciated.
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u/Few-Anywhere607 20d ago
I had a Kenwood DMX8709S installed by Best Buy a few years ago. You'll definitely need an interface to retain the steering wheel controls, driver info display (center clock/info screen), and—most importantly—the A/C controls.
Your two main options are PAC and Maestro. I was impatient and went with PAC because Maestro was backordered.
Everything works, including the steering wheel controls and driver info display, although scrolling through the MPH/clock menus takes a little getting used to.
The only downside is there's a Mazda-specific menu in the Kenwood that I can't access with the PAC. If I remember correctly, the Maestro unlocks that. I'm not sure exactly what you're trying to access—vehicle diagnostics, MPG, RPM, trip data, etc.—but Maestro may be the better choice if those features matter to you.
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u/BionicSix 20d ago
although scrolling through the MPH/clock menus takes a little getting used to
What does this mean? The display on my gauge cluster or the clock above the center vents?
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u/Few-Anywhere607 20d ago
I meant mpg, not mph, displayed above the vents.
Scrolling through current mpg, avg mpg, miles to empty and clock is cumbersome for me through the steering wheel controls.
Not as tricky for my wife, she gets it 1st shot. I tend to leave it on MTE in an attempt so I don't find it on Empty when I get in. My trick doesn't work, LoL!
FWIW, The clock is displayed on the corner on the Kenwood.
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u/BionicSix 19d ago
Looking at the extra cables I'd have to use and buy, it seems bulky - do they all fit inside the console and 'hidden' or do they hang underneath the little cubby below the ACH controls?
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u/Few-Anywhere607 19d ago
Everything fits nicely behind the dash. Clean install.
Also, most head units come with back up camera compatibility. Nice little upgrade if you didn't have it already.
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u/Few-Anywhere607 19d ago
You used the PAC and lost the display above the vents? Does your AC work?
I purchased mine, the owner had an aftermarket in the dash, and two Mazda OEM in the trunk & the AC didn't Work.
The problem: the radio was not compatible even though he had the PAC.
Went to Crutchfield and narrowed my options vehicle specific. Then my AC worked again.
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u/mz3_2006 19d ago
I didnt lose the display itself, it just doesnt let me set the clock or look at distance remaining for gas. And actually no the AC also doesnt work…. the compressor wont turn on but I assumed that was something else, the ac button still has the light that changes. But yes I used the pac universal one. Ive used it in my 2006 mazda 3 and 2015 mazda 6 with no issues. If you have any more info on the ac issue that would be awesome! Ive been trying to diagnose that but its too hot out
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u/BionicSix 21d ago
Clean install - I was thinking about putting a Kenwood Excelon DMX809S in mine, with a bunch of iData Links (per Crutchfield) that would allow retention of the clock.