Aerpro CHAD2C Steering Wheel Control Harness Suit Audi Non Amplified

Analogue steering wheel control interface for non-amplified Audi vehicles—retains factory steering controls when upgrading to aftermarket head units without cutting factory wiring.

Product Overview

The Aerpro CHAD2C is an analogue steering wheel control (SWC) interface designed for non-amplified Audi vehicles manufactured between 1995 and 2008, enabling retention of factory steering wheel controls when installing aftermarket head units. The interface connects between the vehicle's factory SWC wiring and aftermarket head units equipped with steering wheel control inputs, translating Audi's proprietary control signals into universal formats recognised by Pioneer, Kenwood, Sony, Alpine, and other SWC-compatible head units. The vehicle-specific plug design connects directly to existing Audi wiring without cutting, splicing, or permanently modifying the factory harness—critical for lease vehicles, maintaining resale value, or preserving wiring integrity in European vehicles where electrical faults are costly to diagnose. The CHAD2C is an analogue interface suitable only for non-amplified Audi models without factory navigation or CANBUS systems—vehicles with Bose amplifiers, factory navigation, or advanced CANBUS integration require different interfaces. Compatible with Audi A3 (2000-2003), A4 B5/B6/B7 (1996-2008), A6 C4/C5 (1995-2004), A8 D2 (1995-2003), TT (2000-2006), and Allroad C5 (2001-2006), the CHAD2C requires a separate SWC patch lead (sold separately) to connect to the aftermarket head unit's SWC input.

Key Specifications

• Product: Steering wheel control interface harness
• Part number: CHAD2C
• Brand: Aerpro
• Interface type: Analogue (resistive ladder)
• Vehicle compatibility: Audi non-amplified models 1995-2008 (see full list below)
• Factory system exclusions: Not compatible with OEM amplified systems, factory navigation, or CANBUS vehicles
• Vehicle connector: Audi-specific plug (no wire cutting required)
• Patch lead type: Type C (required, sold separately)
• Head unit compatibility: Aftermarket head units with SWC input capability
• Phone button compatibility: No
• Voice assistant button support: No
• Reverse trigger output: No
• Park brake output: No
• Speed pulse output: No
• Illumination output: No
• Amp remote output: No
• Weight: 0.01 kg (10 grams)

Features & Benefits

Retains Factory Steering Wheel Controls
Allows use of volume up/down, track skip, source select, and other factory steering controls with aftermarket head units—eliminates the need to reach across the cabin to adjust audio settings. Increases driver safety by keeping hands on the wheel and eyes on the road during volume adjustments, track changes, or source switching.

No Wire Cutting Installation
Vehicle-specific Audi connector plugs directly into factory wiring harness—no cutting, stripping, or splicing required. Protects factory wiring integrity and allows complete reversal to stock configuration if needed. Critical for lease vehicles where wiring modifications void agreements or for owners concerned about electrical fault diagnosis in complex European vehicles.

Analogue Interface for Non-Amplified Models
Resistive ladder technology converts Audi steering wheel button presses into voltage signals recognised by aftermarket head units—simple, reliable operation without requiring software programming or complex configuration. Specifically designed for non-amplified Audi models, ensuring compatibility with base audio systems without Bose or Bang & Olufsen amplifiers.

Wide Audi Model Compatibility
Covers multiple Audi platforms spanning 1995-2008 including A3, A4 (B5/B6/B7), A6 (C4/C5), A8 (D2), TT, and Allroad models—single part number simplifies ordering for workshops servicing various Audi vehicles. Reduces inventory requirements and eliminates confusion over model-specific part numbers.

Works with Popular Aftermarket Head Units
Compatible with SWC-capable head units from Pioneer, Kenwood, Sony, Alpine, JVC, Clarion, and other manufacturers—provides flexibility in head unit selection based on features, budget, or sound quality preferences rather than being constrained by steering wheel control compatibility.

Reversible Installation
Interface can be removed and factory head unit reinstalled without permanent wiring damage—important for maintaining vehicle originality, lease return scenarios, or situations where aftermarket equipment needs to be transferred to different vehicles.

Technical Specs

• Product: Steering wheel control interface
• Part number: CHAD2C
• Manufacturer: Aerpro
• Interface technology: Analogue (resistive ladder)
• Vehicle application: Audi non-amplified models (1995-2008)
• Excluded vehicles: Audi with factory amplifiers (Bose, B&O), factory navigation, CANBUS systems
• Factory connector: Audi-specific (vehicle side)
• Patch lead requirement: Type C SWC patch lead (sold separately, e.g., Aerpro APP9)
• Head unit connection: Via patch lead to aftermarket head unit SWC input
• SWC functions supported: Volume up/down, track skip, source select (functions vary by head unit)
• Phone button: Not supported
• Voice assistant button: Not supported
• Additional outputs: None (reverse, park brake, speed, illumination, amp remote not provided)
• Programming: Not required (plug-and-play analogue operation)
• Installation: Plug-in (no wire cutting)
• Reversibility: Yes (completely reversible)
• Dimensions: Not specified
• Weight: 0.01 kg (10 grams)

Compatible With / Goes Well With

Confirmed Audi Vehicles (Non-Amplified Only):

• Audi A3: 2000-2003 (head unit dependent—verify compatibility)
• Audi A4: 1996-2000 (B5 chassis)
• Audi A4 Avant: 1998-2001 (B5 chassis)
• Audi A4: 2001-2008 (B6/B7 chassis, head unit dependent—verify compatibility)
• Audi A6: 1995-1997 (C4 chassis)
• Audi A6: 1997-2001 (C5 chassis)
• Audi A6 Facelift: 2002-2004 (C5 chassis)
• Audi A8: 1995-2003 (D2 chassis)
• Audi TT: 2000-2006
• Audi Allroad: 2001-2006 (C5 chassis, head unit dependent—verify compatibility)

Required Additional Components (Sold Separately):

• SWC patch lead Type C (e.g., Aerpro APP9 Headunit Secondary ISO Harness & SWC Patch Lead)
• Audi-to-ISO primary wiring harness (for head unit power/speaker connections)
• Audi antenna adapter (if required for specific model)
• Audi fascia kit (for professional dash installation)

Compatible Aftermarket Head Units:

• Pioneer, Kenwood, Sony, Alpine, JVC, Clarion, Boss head units with SWC input
• Must have dedicated SWC input wire or 3.5mm SWC jack
• Verify head unit specifications list steering wheel control compatibility

Note: "Head unit dependent" vehicles (A3 2000-2003, A4 2001-2008, Allroad 2001-2006) may have varying SWC wiring configurations—contact Frankies Auto Electrics to verify CHAD2C compatibility with your specific vehicle and intended head unit combination before purchasing.

Weight

0.01 kg (10 grams)

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this work with my Audi that has factory Bose speakers?

No, the CHAD2C is designed exclusively for non-amplified Audi models. Vehicles with factory Bose, Bang & Olufsen, or other OEM amplified systems require different SWC interfaces that account for amplifier integration. If your Audi has premium factory audio, contact Frankies Auto Electrics to identify the correct amplifier-compatible SWC interface for your model.

Do I need any additional parts besides this harness?

Yes, you must purchase a Type C SWC patch lead separately (such as Aerpro APP9) to connect between the CHAD2C interface and your aftermarket head unit's SWC input. You'll also need an Audi-to-ISO primary wiring harness for head unit power/speaker connections, potentially an antenna adapter, and a fascia kit for dash mounting. These items are essential for complete installation.

Will all my factory steering wheel buttons work with an aftermarket head unit?

SWC functionality varies by aftermarket head unit model. Most SWC-compatible head units support volume up/down, track skip, and source selection, but advanced functions (voice commands, phone controls) may not work. The CHAD2C does not support phone or voice assistant buttons. Consult your chosen head unit's manual to verify which steering functions are supported.

How do I know if my Audi has CANBUS or factory navigation?

Vehicles with factory colour touchscreen navigation systems or multi-function displays (MFI/MMI) typically use CANBUS and require different interfaces. The CHAD2C is designed for simpler Audi models with basic radio/cassette/CD head units. If uncertain about your vehicle's system, contact Frankies Auto Electrics with your VIN and a description of your factory head unit for compatibility verification.

Can I install this interface myself or do I need a workshop?

DIY installation is possible with moderate skill—requires removing the factory head unit to access the SWC connector, plugging in the CHAD2C, installing the patch lead, and connecting the aftermarket head unit. Dashboard trim removal and head unit extraction require plastic pry tools and patience to avoid breaking clips. If uncomfortable with electrical connections or dash disassembly, professional installation ensures proper fitment and avoids damage to expensive Audi trim components.

Complete your installation with a suitable Wiring Harnesses and Adaptors HERE or for a true 'Plug n Play' installation solution.