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iDatalink Maestro ADS-MSW

Steering wheel control interface — connects your car's steering wheel audio controls to an aftermarket stereo

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  • iDatalink Maestro ADS-MSW

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  • iDatalink Maestro ADS-MSW
  • iDatalink Maestro ADS-MSW
  • From iDatalink: How to flash Maestro SW
  • From iDatalink: How to install Weblink 6
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Item# 794ADSMSW offer details

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iDatalink

What does a steering wheel audio control adapter do?

Many people aren't thrilled with the sound of their car's factory radio, but don't want to replace it because they'll lose those convenient audio controls on the steering wheel. For most vehicles, you can purchase an adapter that allows you to use those controls to run a new car stereo, so now you can have great sound and convenience too. Even cooler, if your new stereo has iPod controls, you can use your steering wheel controls to run your iPod.

Our take on the iDatalink Maestro ADS-MSW

Don't lose control

You're tired of your car's stock radio, but you don't want to lose the convenience of your steering wheel audio controls. iDatalink's Maestro ADS-MSW interface allows you to retain those controls when you install a new car stereo in a wide range of vehicles. It's compatible with over 1700 vehicles made after 1998, and it'll work with just about any brand of aftermarket stereo, including Alpine, Clarion, Dual, Eclipse, Jensen, JVC, Kenwood, Pioneer, Sony, Visteon, and Valor.

Program it yourself

You can install the ADS-MSW yourself if you have experience installing car audio gear — keep in mind that you'll have to splice into your vehicle's wiring and solder connections. Before installing, you'll program the interface at the iDatalink site to work with your particular vehicle and car stereo. Using the intuitive web programming interface, each factory button can be assigned a specific radio function. If your vehicle isn't covered, the Maestro is the only steering wheel interface that allows you to program your car using a simple step-by-step web procedure.

Assign each control a secondary function

And here's a great feature that's unique to this interface — you can also choose and assign a secondary "press and hold" radio function to each factory button, effectively doubling what can be controlled. For example, touch the "Volume Up" button, and it'll turn up the music. Hold down the "Volume Up" button, and you can switch on the loudness on your car stereo. Warranty: 1 year.

Wiring Advisory: You'll usually have to tap or splice into one to three wires in your vehicle to connect this interface.

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Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

What’s in the box? | In-depth notes

Product Research

Product Research
What's in the box?

Download owner's manual

  • Steering wheel control interface module
  • 24" Seven-pin harness with bare wire on other end
  • 23" Four-pin harness with a male 3.5mm connector/bare wire on other end
  • 7" mini-USB (type-B) to USB (type-A) cable

Our Product Research Team

At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box, verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

Features

Overview: The iDatalink Maestro SW Universal Steering Wheel Control Interface lets you retain your vehicle's OEM steering wheel controls when replacing the factory radio with an SWC-compatible aftermarket radio. The Maestro SW lets you retain original steering wheel functions and assign a secondary press & hold feature to the buttons of your choice. The Maestro SW also lets you instantly create firmware for vehicles that are not included in the coverage list using a simple step-by-step web procedure.

Note: You'll usually have to hardwire this adapter into your vehicle's wiring. In most vehicles, the factory radio plug does not have a wire dedicated to the steering wheel audio controls, so splicing & soldering is often required.

Compatibility: The iDatalink Maestro SW is compatible with over 1400 vehicle models with analog steering wheel inputs from 2000 to date, and with most aftermarket radios (Advent, Alpine, Blaupunkt, Clarion, Eclipse, JVC, Jensen, Kenwood, Pioneer, and Sony). The aftermarket head unit must have a SWC (Steering Wheel Control) 3.5mm input or wired remote connection.

Note: Please consult the Crutchfield Car Selector to see if your vehicle and aftermarket head unit is compatible.

Flashing the Module: The supplied USB cable plugs into your PC and allows you to flash (program) the Maestro SW with the appropriate vehicle's firmware to prepare it for installation. Visit iDatalink's Weblink site and follow the instructions. System Requirements for Weblink 6.0 include:

  • Windows 2000 (SP4), XP (SP2), Vista, and 7
  • Administrative rights on your PC
  • Internet Explorer 7.0 or greater (excluding 64-bit version)
  • Available USB port
 
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Product Reviews

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Reviews for the iDatalink Maestro ADS-MSW

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Showing: 1-20 of 25
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1 out of 5

iDatalink Maestro ADS-MSW

Written By Leo, Leesville, LA on Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Absolutely horrible product. Came with no directions and could not get it to work. I purchased a unit that automatically "sensed" my vehicles' controls from a local merchant and was installed in mere minutes. Stay away from this.
Pros:
NONE
Cons:
Did not work; cumbersome; could not download the proper software fro my vehicle, never did get it to work after 23 hours of messing with it. Gave up and went to a local install it shop and paid 1/2 the price.
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5 out of 5

iDatalink Maestro ADS-MSW

Written By ScottB, Cincinnati, Oh on Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Installed in a 2013 Honda Ridgeline
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Don't be intimidated by having to splice into your existing wires and "flashing" this unit. It's all very easy!! I used my existing, standard steering wheel controls so I didn't get in to special programming of the buttons but everything else went very smooth. I used a couple Velcro strips to attach this to the top of my radio. All works great!
Pros:
Works as advertised.
Cons:
None
1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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4 out of 5

iDatalink Maestro ADS-MSW

Written By Patrick S., Tacoma, WA on Monday, May 13, 2013
Installed in a 2005 Ford Explorer
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
I recently replaced the factory head unit in my Ford Explorer with my favorite car stereo ever, the Alpine CDA-117. I knew that doing this would eliminate the factory steering wheel radio controls. The Maestro unit let me regain this awesome feature. I chose this unit because of the feature that enables each button to perform 2 functions. I don't have it set up exactly the way I want it yet, but it is about 85% with no manual programming. The unit performs as stated. The instructions seem to be a little vague, actually making installation seem harder than it really is.
Pros:
Allowed me to retain the use of my steering wheel controls. Simple installation.
Cons:
Instructions are a little vague, looks like everything is translated from French. The price for this item is considerably higher than comparable units by other manufactureers.
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4 out of 5

Override of buttons

Written By jsurfers, Chandler, AZ on Thursday, May 09, 2013
Installed in a 2003 Honda Odyssey
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
The steering wheel control component was as advertised, very easy to install, and to program for my vehicle.
Pros:
I was not only able to use the buttons on my steering wheel for their original function, but I was able to override the up and down volume when held in to answer and hang up the bluetooth phone which is great.
Cons:
I tried to program the middle button on hold to mute the radio. And although I appear to have programmed right, it doesn't mute right when pressed. I haven't had a change to troubleshoot this piece more as it would require me to remove the whole radio again to get the Maestro out to debug.
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4 out of 5

iDatalink Maestro ADS-MSW

Written By Anonymous, Oklahoma City, OK on Monday, May 06, 2013
Installed in a 2013 Hyundai Sonata GLS
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Works for the most part, some functions still are hit and miss. My "hang up" button on the steering wheel now changes the modes instead. I need to tweak the programming I think. The wiring harness was good but the instructions were a little vague. Called tech support on the weekend to resolve the issue.
Pros:
Most of my buttons on the wheel are working
Cons:
instructions are a little misleading. And some functions for my car are not listed in the drop down menu on the Maestro website.
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5 out of 5

Great product

Written By KateB, Lakes region, ME on Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Installed in a 2006 Honda Ridgeline
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Great product. Easy to use, even worked on my radio which is an older model. We had to use a code for a more updated model so not all the functions worked properly.
Pros:
Easy to use and install.
Cons:
Does not contain codes to older Sony aftermarket radios.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

iDatalink Maestro ADS-MSW

Written By Anonymous, Florida on Monday, April 29, 2013
Installed in a 2010 Nissan Titan
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Easy
Pros:
Easy
Cons:
None
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5 out of 5

steering wheel

Written By reddawg, rogersville al on Sunday, April 28, 2013
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
easy hookup works great
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5 out of 5

It works :)

Written By Alan, Chicago on Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Installed in a 2008 Honda Accord
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
My steering wheel controls work perfectly.
Pros:
Does what it's supposed to do ;)
Cons:
None that I've found.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Nice recommendation

Written By Dan - 2005 Lexus ES330, Houston, TX on Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Installed in a 2005 Lexus ES330
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
I appreciate Crutchfield's recommendation of this product. The setup was absolutely hassle free and it worked on the first power up.
Pros:
Ease of configuration and assignment modification, in other words...way cool.
Cons:
The organization of the instructions was created by an alien culture...but decipherable. Finding the correct connector on my OEM stereo was a tiny hurdle that was quickly overcome with daylight and not being color blind.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Utterly fantastic!

Written By Orcish L, Great Bend, KS on Saturday, April 13, 2013
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
I had lived without my controls all the time I had my Pioneer. When I replaced it I wanted to give a control adapter a try. I liked the look of the Maestro and its reviews, so I went with it even though it was a little higher. First, I should have read more closely. I went online, and went through the steps to update the firmware. Then , after I installed it, I tried to program it. BIg mistake! I was getting no where and very frustrated. So I quit for the night, and went over the online page again. Oops! When you update the firmware, the unit is programmed! Also, in reading the wiring instructions I noticed that you should connect the wire on pin one, OR the plug the mini jack into the aux port. I had done both! Next morning, after I adjusted the wiring, and re-flashed the unit it worked the first time EXACTLY as advertised! sweet and simple!
Pros:
I got my controls back! Looks like it works with a huge number os cars and stereos. Almost too simple to install.
Cons:
I would have understood this a lot faster if the web site asked you to program the unit rather than updating the firmware.
5 out of 5 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

iDatalink Maestro ADS-MSW

Written By Anonymous29, Daytona Beach, FL on Saturday, April 06, 2013
Installed in a 2007 Honda Accord SE
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Overall a excellent choice for a steering wheel control adapter. It's a little confusing first setting up, programming, & wiring, but once you get past that it's as easy as using your factory steering wheel controls. I have all my factory steering wheel settings plus fast forward & rewind (didn't have factory) which I use a lot. You can also reprogram any button with a different suggested function if you want to. It's a bit more expensive than the rest, but I think it's worth it. This or any steering wheel control adapter is worth it to me because you can use the stereo while keeping your hands on the wheel & your eyes on the road more which is a safety feature so your less likely to get in an accident.
Pros:
Retains all factory steering wheel controls/Can program any button for different functions if wanted
Cons:
A little confusing setting up/programming, but only initial setup/A little more expensive than competitors
3 out of 3 people found this helpful
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4 out of 5

Great Steering Wheel Controller

Written By Eric S., Riverside, CA on Tuesday, April 02, 2013
 
I waited for this item to come out, as it was the first that said it was programmable. I wanted to be able to have ALL of my steering wheel buttons work with my new Kenwood headunit. The website did not have a flash for my specific application, but I was successfully able to program it myself. Very trick item if you are tech savvy.
Pros:
Works as advertised, ALL of my steering wheel buttons on my 12 Kia Forte Koup SX work with my Kenwood X996 unit. Plus, the push to hold feature effectively doubles the number of functions possible.
Cons:
Website and instructions not very clear. If you need to program yourself, NOT for the faint of heart.
2 out of 2 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

perfect

Written By DIYer, Reston, VA on Saturday, March 16, 2013
Installed in a 2010 Nissan Altima
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Blows Axxess ASWC right out of the water. Very easy to program. USB connection to the PC and through web interface, you get to choose your car's make, model, steering wheel variation, and your aftermarket head unit. It flashes firmware to the unit over the web and generates a PDF that shows the wiring connection that applies to the specific car. In case you needed extra functionality, you could setup the device as a custom wheel interface, then you can program additional functions from steering wheel kep presses. You could even program long presses to do other.commands.
Pros:
Very easy to program and install. Will provide you with a complete list of commands that will apply to your head unit, then you decide which buttons on the steering wheel will do what command
Cons:
None
5 out of 5 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Great product, works as advertised

Written By jza80, Orange County, CA on Monday, January 21, 2013
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Purchased this product to operate an AVIC X940BT. Prior to installing it, I updated the firmware to the latest version on the iDatalink website - and I am glad I thought to do that because I was able to perform all the programming automatically with the firmware update just by entering my vehicle info into the website configuration utility. This made the installation very easy, everything worked perfectly at initial start-up with no extra effort needed by me to get it to work. IDatalink also had exact wiring info for my vehicle on their website, which also made the installation ALOT easier. Also, this product offers full A2DP function including track skip which apparently not all SW controllers do with my head unit. Finally, no detectable time lag between SW button pres and radio response. Just like the OEM system. This system also has a dual-function capability for press and hold versus momentary press and release. This can also be programmed at the mfg. website, with several options. So far I have not used these functions but it is nice to know the capability exists.
Pros:
Does everything well. Great mfg. support. Superior unit.
Cons:
None that I can see. It does cost more than the others but that small expense is well justified by the great mfg. support, web programming, great function overall, etc.
9 out of 9 people found this helpful
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3 out of 5

Maestro SW

Written By Dave, Boston, MA on Monday, January 21, 2013
Installed in a 2006 Honda Ridgeline
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Device works well, but website does not! It took me 30 minutes to find the correct download and setup the device driver on my computer.
2 out of 6 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Works Like A Charm!

Written By Charlie T, Central NJ on Thursday, January 17, 2013
Installed in a 2007 Honda Odyssey
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Installed this in a 2007 Honda Odyssey coupling with Pioneer's new AVH-X3500BHS. I had initially tried the Axxess ASWC, but for some reason, I could never get it to work with my car/stereo combination even after flashing to the latest software. But the iDataLink Maestro worked like a charm. I flashed the module to the correct firmware with the supplied USB cable and an easy, intuitive PC interface. I downloaded the instruction sheet based on my car and stereo model from iDatalink's website and had to splice/connect 4 wires (simpler than it sounds). And that was it. In addition to the standard functions I used to have, I now have Bluetooth and additional audio functions added, including Mute. Highly impressed with this product.
Pros:
As close to a plug 'n play as you can get with these products. Easy, simple instructions (downloaded). Weblink application on the iDataLink website is pretty neat.
Cons:
Cannot use the Preset/Seek function with iPhone or Pandora (but I was told it may be a limitation of the stereo, not the module).
8 out of 8 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Easy installation and works great

Written By mghubb, Lubbock, TX on Monday, January 07, 2013
Installed in a 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
This product was easy to install along with my other wiring kit ordered from Crutchfield.
Pros:
Easy programming and installation.
Cons:
None.
7 out of 7 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

iDatalink Maestro ADS-MSW

Written By rob, San Jose on Thursday, December 27, 2012
Installed in a 2004 Honda Odyssey
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
This was a breeze to use. Programmed it on my computer and then connected it. Worked the first time with no issues. Allows second functions to be assigned to factory buttons which is a great feature.
Pros:
Easy to program, allows 2nd function for buttons, simple to use.
Cons:
None
9 out of 9 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Best ever

Written By James, New York on Thursday, December 20, 2012
 
I have used pac and metra in the past and have always had problems. The Maestro SW works perfect the first time. Programming on the computer was so easy and the instructions were very clear and there is no learning in the car. And you can set each button to do two things. Dear Pac and Metra and Pac, Goodbye
Pros:
Easy to program, easy to install, works like it should, let you program each button for 2 functions.
Cons:
None
9 out of 9 people found this helpful
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1-20 of 25 >>

For a more in-depth review and enhanced detailed information on the iDatalink Maestro ADS-MSW, please visit the Crutchfield website product page (/S-EFwsCW7Nqbl/p_794ADSMSW/iDatalink-Maestro-ADS-MSW.html ).

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