I have an idea that because Scion uses the same head-unit for the TC,XA, and XB, and those cars come with steering wheel controls. I can somehow get a Subaru Legacy steering wheel to fit our cars, and swap the clock spring over to get the steering wheel controls to work with out head unit. Fingers crossed
So far I have found out that the FRS/BRZ shares the same hub as 05/09+ Subaru Legacy. This is good because that steering wheel is easily available and goes for around $60 on ebay. It has a full range of steering wheel controls, excluding the hands free calling. It also shares the same paddle shift setup as our cars. A negative to this is that the steering wheel is a larger diameter.
Here's a picture
The hard part will be getting the clock spring and airbag. I found a set for $300 on Ebay, which is a little pricey. I think I could get it for cheaper at a junkyard.
The steering wheel controls on the headunit are a little tricky too. I got this from a car audio forum.
On the back of the H/U there is a 28 pin connector.
Looking at the connector from the back of the radio.
Bottom row, Pins 20, 21 & 22. These three go to the steering wheel controls.
20 - common
21 SW2
22 SW1
The operation performed is controlled by the amount of resistance connected across the common and one of the SW pins.
Here is what I have learned so far.
SW1
0 - preset down/ scan up (radio)
Next track (bluetooth, CD)
330 - preset up/scan down
Previous track (bluetooth, CD)
1.3k - vol up
4.7k - vol down
SW2
0 - mode/mute toggle
330- Hang up phone
1.3k - Enter phone menu and step through
4.7k - Pick up phone
These values are if multiple switches are set up in parallel to each pin with one resistor per switch.
The factory does not use that type of circuit. They build a series ladder so each level adds the previous ones to itself to create the totals listed above, so the factory circuit board has 0, 330, 1.0k, and 3.3k.
Your input and help is very appreciated