SwedeSpeed - Volvo Performance Forum banner

SPA XC90 Heated Steering Wheel Retrofit DIY - SUCCESS

31K views 117 replies 38 participants last post by  brunopbarbosa 
#1 · (Edited)
We screwed up and never ordered the heating steering wheel option when we did OSD (never dawned on us until I got an Audi that has one... what a difference). Anyways, I did a good bit of research on how to retrofit our XC90 without paying ~$1,000 for the official Volvo accessory (Part Number: Kit057), and here's what I found out

---

For reference, the Volvo Accessory Kit includes:

  • 32204779 - Steering Wheel (charcoal)
  • 32266026 - Steering wheel module
  • 31428189 - Software

---

My DIY Kit:

  • Steering Wheel - I was able to find a used heated steering wheel on eBay from a totaled 2018 XC90 (rear impact / no airbag deployed) with ~10K miles for $150. Part Number: 31407817. Most salvage companies list the part description incorrectly, but it's really easy to tell if a steering wheel has the heater element by looking at the wire harnesses. Steering wheels without the heater element only have one wiring harness that plugs into the module at the 1 o'clock position (for the steering wheel controls). The heated steering wheels have a second wiring harness at the 6 o'clock position. These steering wheels are also universal with other SPA vehicles (e.g. S90, V90, XC60, etc.), so search those models as well. You can type the part number into Volvo's parts website to see if it will fit your vehicle. I've included some reference codes below to help you decipher the descriptions
  • Module - I thought I could get away with using the module that was already in my car (Part Number: 31443883) as it has a connector for the heater element, but that is NOT the case. If the car came from the factory with a heated steering wheel, it would be programmed to use this module. However, the required retrofit software can only "communicate" to the module listed in the kit (Part Number: 32266026). This set me back $135
  • Software - Dealer had to program the software (Part Number: 31428189). Software $35 / Labor (1 hr) $ 115
  • Labor - I installed the module and steering wheel myself using these instructions. Really straight forward. I was concerned that you wouldn't be able to turn the steering wheel without the car on, but I had no problem

Total Price: $435

I ended up spending a little more than originally planned, but it's worth it.

---

Volvo Steering Wheel Description Codes:

  • RT02 - Heated Steering Wheel
  • FL01 - Charcoal base color interior
  • RU02 - Steering wheel, 3 spoke, leather with unideco inlays


 
See less See more
2
#4 · (Edited)
@satrya Correct, and I did the labor myself

I decided to do a little write up to share my experience as I couldn't find any good information when I was researching... I originally thought I could use the existing Module (aka gear lever carrier) since it had the connection for the heater element, but as it turns out, it isn't compatible with the retrofit software. But, I did find out that any SPA steering wheel with the heater element will work... it doesn't have to be from an XC90. Just trying to save the next person some time and money

P.S. My original steering wheel is for sale in the Classifieds (HERE) if anyone wants to start a fun project (wrap it in alcantara or perforated leather)
 
#5 ·
Aside from having to remove the airbag, was anything else in the SRS system impacted? For instance, I am looking to retrofit a heated steering wheel on my 2019 Suburban, but it requires replacement of the clock spring. Because there is not a specific accessory kit for the upgrade, the GM dealers will no sell the individual parts or make the installation. Additionally, unless sanctioned by GM, I do not want to make the upgrade in case it causes a problem that would prevent the airbag from deploying.
 
#9 ·
Good build. I'd imagine most folks would rather just pay the $1000 at this point, but good to now it's not too crazy to do. If you had been able to find the module in a junk yard too that probably would have been less and got you under $400. I'll probably use this info to help folks visualize the value of us doing it for a grand. I hate getting used cars in without heated steering wheel, we order every car with it and when I get a custom order request without it I try very hard to talk them into it. Resale value alone, plus like you, once you have it, it's so very nice.
 
#11 · (Edited)
You can definitely do it, I'm just not sure if anyone's figured out how to get the paddles to work on a vehicle that wasn't originally delivered with them.

If you look at the picture I posted above, the steering wheels that have paddles have additional wires that go into the green connector at the 1:00 position. So the hardware is there, it just all comes down to the software.
 
#17 ·
While its not directly relevant, I added paddle shifters to my 2001 BMW 740i. In that case it involved adding the paddles and swapping the clock-spring to get two additional contacts (they were originally intended for heated steering wheel in that replacement clock-spring). The rest was just adding wires from the clocks-spring down to the shifter - which was effectively a simple switch. The paddles just mimicked the contacts made by the shifter. So if the additional contacts on the steering wheel are then than it might be possible without too much difficulty. As was noted, the only question would be if the software would get in the way but using the principle of the paddles mimicking the make/break of the switch just as the shifter does then it might be seamless.

I'm don't have to worry - my V90 R already has paddles which I enjoy..
 
#12 ·
I’m tempted to do this but all the Volvo wheel part numbers I’ve found say “except for T8”


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#15 ·
The steering wheel module would be different (the one listed above has the rear windshield wiper settings at the end of the stalk, that aren't relevant to the S60/S90). See THIS link for the parts you would need. Note that the steering wheels are all interchangeable, but the module and software are different.
 
#16 ·
Thanks so much for sharing! I too didn't value a heated steering wheel from OSD but with our T8, avoiding turning on the main heater means more electric mileage. This is on my to-do list - if the T8 difference is ever sorted out!
 
#18 ·
I did the swap..

Does anybody know, whether steering wheel replacement, requires wheel allignment afterwards?
Can the steering wheel, be installed off-center?
I ve been told that it can only be installed in one certain position.
I replaced mine and the steering wheel feels, its not centered when the car drives straight..
 
#19 ·
No alignment is necessary. The connection between the steering wheel and the spindle is a hexagon (see photo below). It is possible to install the steering wheel off center, but you'd be 60 degrees off center.

 
  • Like
Reactions: xc90mb
#20 ·
Are you sure about it?
Seems logical but is it the same for the sports steering wheel?
60 degrees is a lot, i feel my steering looks at 12:30 instead of 12:00..

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
#30 ·
The steering wheel pictured is the standard/original one that came with my car (non-heated)... I just happened to have a better picture of that from the classified post I made [still available if anyone wants it!!!]

The replacement (heated) steering wheel has a different leather pattern, but had the same internals. I do not recall there being that much of an air gap / play when putting it on the hex shaft... I didn't need a hammer, but it was pretty snug. I made sure that the car was dead straight when I started the process and when I tightened the bolt, everything remained straight. I do not see Volvo having different shafts... I'm pretty sure they're leveraged across nearly all SPA vehicles, and definitely those of the same model (e.g. XC90).
 
#31 ·
Did you look for the wheels to be dead straight or the steering wheel?
It was hard for me to do this, the second time, because the first installation of the replacement steering wheel, was not dead center initially for reference...
That should be done during the first replacement attempt ...

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
#35 ·
Careful cause you are entering into dangerous grounds here. Steering wheel change and wheel alignment I am wondering what type of calibration the Pilot Assist and the Lane Keeping system will require next?
 
#36 ·
Steering wheel change is just a component, steering wheel for steering wheel, nothing changes.
Wheel alignment should be pretty basic if performed at a specialised wheel installer, and should not interfere with the rest.
After all, wheel alignment should be performed after X km's or after braking disc replacement or wheel fitting.
So, either way, we will all pass down that road..
 
  • Like
Reactions: xc90mb
#38 ·
I just had a heated wheel installed in my 2017 T8 Inscription. 32266026 is the part number my dealer advised me to order, which I did, and all is working fine. Not sure why you'd need a different column switch for the PHEV? But you seem to be right... the 32 part number does show Twin Engine in the details. :confused:
 
#40 ·
Considering trying this in our 2019 XC60. What's the difference between the steering wheel referenced in the kit (kit057) and the steering wheel mentioned in your first DIY paragraph?

32204779 vs 31407817

Thank you
From my research, nothing. Both are heated, three-spoke, charcoal steering wheels and per Volvo Parts US, both fit the 2019 XC60.
 
#49 ·
Hi again,

there was still time for some bad news for 2020!
After a few attempts I finally got a heated replacement wheel delivered for my 2019 XC60 R-Design T8.
It had come off a totaled 2019 XC60 R-Design T8, and it looked identical, but it had the 2 wiring harnesses (one for the buttons, another for the heater). All good so far.. was getting excited.

Took the car to the dealership today, who initially had said that they will perform the swap, which also includes a replacement of the column module (to accommodate the 2 wires) + update the software.
They performed the steps, after which the car did not start anymore.

They reached out to their own support channels, who informed them that the heated wheel had to be ordered from the factory and cannot be retrofitted!!?? I'm guessing this could be T8 related, but I'm still extremely disappointed and surprised! I will try to obtain more information as to where this limitation comes from..

As a last question; anyone here did a swap on the T8 successfully? Just to rule out that the dealer is not doing something wrong..

Happy New Year,
Sebastian
 
#52 ·
When I ordered OSD for my 2018 XC90 R-Design, the OSD order form didn't have the Heated Steering Wheel available as an option even though I learned after the fact that the Heated Steering Wheel was indeed added to R-Design for the 2018 model year as a $300 option. (In other words, the OSD ordering criteria in the system wasn't updated properly at the time). Anyway, when my OSD delivery finally took place, some of the other 2018 XC90 R-Designs on the lot were fitted with Heated Steering Wheel, but obviously mine wasn't one of those. When I subsequently asked my dealer about retrofitting a Heated Steering Wheel, I was told that it cannot be done for R-Design model. No detail technical explanation was given to me, so I don't know why it couldn't be done for R-Design models. But what interesting to me is that, on the Volvo accessories catalog, the retrofit heated steering wheel available as an accessory (in two different leather colors) are only non-R-Design wheels. So there must be a reason why the heated R-Design wheel isn't included as an accessory and not easily retrofitted. I'm thinking your issue with the salvaged R-Design wheel on your car isn't because of your car being a T8, but more so because your car is a R-Design. At any rate, please share your experience, if it can be resolved I will also like to retrofit a R-Design Heated Steering Wheel on my car too. Good luck.
 
#53 ·
Thanks for your comments!
I'm currently awaiting feedback from the dealer (who is checking with Tech support) if the not-so-great-looking Heated Accessory wheel (without paddles) would install successfully on an R-Design that came with the paddle shifters from the factory. I was earlier told it showed up in the system when they did a search on my VIN.

I still have a small amount of hope that it would work (if there is some conflict between the heating and paddles as speculated, when not factory configured..), in which case I probably would go for this wheel: 39838210
Seems to me like the real R-Design wheel with heating, but without paddles (think it was an option in Europe, not sure about the US).
I have still never used the wheel shifters.. and not sure when I would.. they are more esthetics for me :)
115195


Cheers!
 
#55 ·
We screwed up and never ordered the heating steering wheel option when we did OSD (never dawned on us until I got an Audi that has one... what a difference). Anyways, I did a good bit of research on how to retrofit our XC90 without paying ~$1,000 for the official Volvo accessory (Part Number: Kit057), and here's what I found out

---

For reference, the Volvo Accessory Kit includes:

  • 32204779 - Steering Wheel (charcoal)
  • 32266026 - Steering wheel module
  • 31428189 - Software

---

My DIY Kit:

  • Steering Wheel - I was able to find a used heated steering wheel on eBay from a totaled 2018 XC90 (rear impact / no airbag deployed) with ~10K miles for $150. Part Number: 31407817. Most salvage companies list the part description incorrectly, but it's really easy to tell if a steering wheel has the heater element by looking at the wire harnesses. Steering wheels without the heater element only have one wiring harness that plugs into the module at the 1 o'clock position (for the steering wheel controls). The heated steering wheels have a second wiring harness at the 6 o'clock position. These steering wheels are also universal with other SPA vehicles (e.g. S90, V90, XC60, etc.), so search those models as well. You can type the part number into Volvo's parts website to see if it will fit your vehicle. I've included some reference codes below to help you decipher the descriptions
  • Module - I thought I could get away with using the module that was already in my car (Part Number: 31443883) as it has a connector for the heater element, but that is NOT the case. If the car came from the factory with a heated steering wheel, it would be programmed to use this module. However, the required retrofit software can only "communicate" to the module listed in the kit (Part Number: 32266026). This set me back $135
  • Software - Dealer had to program the software (Part Number: 31428189). Software $35 / Labor (1 hr) $ 115
  • Labor - I installed the module and steering wheel myself using these instructions. Really straight forward. I was concerned that you wouldn't be able to turn the steering wheel without the car on, but I had no problem

Total Price: $435

I ended up spending a little more than originally planned, but it's worth it.

---

Volvo Steering Wheel Description Codes:

  • RT02 - Heated Steering Wheel
  • FL01 - Charcoal base color interior
  • RU02 - Steering wheel, 3 spoke, leather with unideco inlays


Well played!
 
Top