I have hooked up a Pioneer DEH-X5600BT head unit and am trying to get the steering wheel stalk controls to work with it.

I purchased the following two items:

Ford stalk adapter - http://www.halfords.com/sat-nav-audio/car-audio/stereo-fitting-accessories/autoleads-pc99-x50-ford-stalk-adaptor

Pioneer patch lead - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171031211276?_trksid=p2060778.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Everything fits in nicely, but the stalk controls don't work. The instructions with the Halfords adapter state that I need to tune in and store a radio station into the presets before I actually connect the patch lead into the stereo. I'm not sure the relevance of this step, but I cannot do this because for some reason I get no FM reception.

I'm wondering if anyone has experience getting the stalk controls to work with a Pioneer unit, and also why can't I get any FM reception? I don't really listen to the radio but if it's a crucial step then of course I would like to resolve that too.

Thanks!

Edit: I just came across this article: http://www.jamessimpson.co.uk/ford-focus-mk2-5-2008-stereo-removal/

It states near the bottom:

If you’re fitting a hands free kit to your MK2.5 Focus, don’t forget to
take out the stalk control and aux wires from the quad lock connector
and place them in the new Sound On Top (SOT) lead (failure to do so will
mean the owner will be unable to use their stalk controls or aux lead).

Is it possible I may have missed connecting the stalk to the quadlock? Does anyone have a pic/description of what the stalk cable looks like, if it's separate from the main cables that go into the quadlock?

Some extra info: I've had another look behind the dash and there's definitely no cables that are unplugged. Everything is plugged in how it should be. However, the stalk adapter is an Autoleads part while the patch lead for the head unit is a Connects2 part... I would imagine the cables are standard, but is there a possibility that there is some brand incompatibility going on here?

Now I'm reading that the Autoleads PC99-X50 adapter is only compatible up to Focus 2007? Anyone know if this is correct?

Sure those leads are the correct ones. I have the same head unit as you, and certain I've got the same leads as you. Two mins, and I'll find a fitting guide for you. As you have to plug the leads in order.

Here you go mate. Skip the install bits, and just use the guide for the wiring. I used this when fitting mine into my mk2.5. :)

It links to page 2 for some reason, just go to page 1.

http://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/topic/38155-guide-to-fitting-an-aftermarket-head-unit/#entry218539

Hey, thanks for your reply!

I saw that guide before, but I didn't follow it as it appears to be the pre-facelift Focus. But I just tried it out anyway, tried fitting the leads in the order as per the guide, and even in various other orders, but no luck.

I have a feeling the culprit is the Connects2 patch lead not being compatible with the Autoleads stalk adapter, so I've ordered the supposedly compatible Autoleads patch lead, hopefully I'll get it in a couple of days.

I mean what else could it be? Did you have to do anything on the head unit to set up the stalk controls or did it just plug and play? And what about the radio preset saving stuff? Did you do that?

On the bright side though, I figured out why the radio wasn't working: one of the interconnecting leads had come loose, so at least I got that working for now.

Both my leads were Autoleads from Halfords. Was just plug and play. As far as I can remember, I set the radio stations afterwards.

And I've had to reset the radio stations since because the battery has been off.

I can use my stalk controls for skipping tracks, changing radio stations, volume control etc etc

I just followed the guide, then set up the head unit.

Both my leads were Autoleads from Halfords. Was just plug and play. As far as I can remember, I set the radio stations afterwards.

And I've had to reset the radio stations since because the battery has been off.

I can use my stalk controls for skipping tracks, changing radio stations, volume control etc etc

I just followed the guide, then set up the head unit.

Okay cool, so it's gotta be the fact that my patch lead is a Connects2 one not Autoleads.

I'll report back when the correct cable arrives.

Thanks!

Fingers crossed mate.

It is recommended that you connect the radio to the patch lead first then connect the control interface as for some reason the interface doesn't always recognise that it's powered up if you do it the other way round.

It is recommended that you connect the radio to the patch lead first then connect the control interface as for some reason the interface doesn't always recognise that it's powered up if you do it the other way round.

So should I plug the 3.5 mm patch into the radio first, then power the radio up before connecting the patch into the stalk adapter?

That's worked for others before.

Hey guys just thought I'd report back saying I got ended up getting the PC99-SON (Sony, but also compatible for Pioneer, it even says so on the box) patch lead, plugged it in and it worked straight away, no faffing about with radio stations or anything!

Cool, glad you got it sorted.