[billaz]

Billaz, that's a great idea putting a Redline (Red Zone) edition steering wheel on the 2014 Base. Add a set of Redline floor mats and a few other accessories & you're good to go!

Would you mind sharing where your friend purchased the wheel from, cost & if there were any complications putting that wheel on the Base version.

Really appreciate the valuable contributions you make to the forum. I'm enjoying CC on my Soul thanks to you & the "billaz procedure."

Hey GeoSoul,

He bought his steering wheel from Kiapartsnow.com for about $150 plus shipping costs. However, I have found it is much cheaper using fourgreen.com. Their shipping fees are higher, but it is still cheaper to use them in the long run. It goes on the exact same way as your original wheel, so there were no complications at all. One thing though, the new wheel comes with nothing on it at all. So you will have to move over all of the accessories from your old wheel (i.e. buttons, harness, plastic bezel). It is really easy honestly. The part number for the red zone edition wheel (black leather wrapped with red stitching) is 56120-B2100FE4.

 

[GeoSoul]

Hey GeoSoul,

He bought his steering wheel from Kiapartsnow.com for about $150 plus shipping costs. However, I have found it is much cheaper using fourgreen.com. Their shipping fees are higher, but it is still cheaper to use them in the long run. It goes on the exact same way as your original wheel, so there were no complications at all. One thing though, the new wheel comes with nothing on it at all. So you will have to move over all of the accessories from your old wheel (i.e. buttons, harness, plastic bezel). It is really easy honestly. The part number for the red zone edition wheel (black leather wrapped with red stitching) is 56120-B2100FE4.

Thanks Billaz for the information on the Red Zone leather wrapped steering wheel. I agree, it should be easy to move the accessories over. Now that I've explored inside the steering wheel putting in CC, it's a brilliantly simple design (good for Kia).

Also thanks for the tip on fourgreen.com. I hadn't heard of them before but man, they have a great inventory & you're right about better prices. Do you find it frustrating most of these parts sites do not include photos of the parts (picture unavailable)? The descriptions are pretty vague, I guess assuming you know exactly what it is you need. I wouldn't have known this particular wheel is the leather wrapped Red Zone version from the "BODY-STEERING WHEEL - Hyundai/Kia - NEW SOUL" description on their website.

Same is true for trying to find the dash center speaker grille cover (I'd like to at least put the nicer looking grille cover in place of the big chunk of plastic). I've emailed fourgreen and asked for a better description, and/or at least the year of the car it fits.

You are awesome for all the advice and help you give. I think about the "billaz procedure" every time I push cruise control, and smile.

 

[bnolsen]

Went to my dealer to get parts, they were clueless as to if it was possible, so I showed them this article. They are willing to use my vehicle as the test subject to see if it is but for 2 hours worth of labor. So should I have them do it? And is there anybody in southwest or northeast Ohio that could do it for me? I've never had to pull a wheel off and I don't want to screw anything up.

2 hours of labor? That's highway robbery. They must be budgeting in case they have problems with installation, perhaps even test driving it. Who knows.

As mentioned earlier in this post there's a good chance the steering wheel will come off easily (don't pull off the nut just loosen it first!). There's also a chance you'll have to actually get a steering wheel puller like I had to which literally popped off my steering wheel. Not sure how or why mine was jammed in there. Added another 15usd or so to my costs sadly (no I didn't use it and return it).

If you have a 2014 the airbag comes out with a skinny screwdriver pushed against some pins in the 3 holes.

And thanks for the fourgreen.com link. Looks to be very useful!

 

[mikesanto70]

Cruise/Base

Hey Guys,

This is the process I went through to add cruise control to my 2014 base Soul with manual transmission. This has been a long journey but its finally paying off. One lesson learned was to never let the dealer discourage you. So below are the simple steps to follow to add cruise control in.

Step 1: Order the parts. All you need here is the physical cruise control switch and a new harness inside the steering wheel so that the cruise control switch can be plugged into the clock spring. Don't let the dealer tell you that you need anything else. The following part numbers are what I ordered. I'm not sure if these change for different colors, but if your current wheel looks like mine in the photos, these are the ones you need. It should be a little over $100. If they are charging much more than that, they may be ripping you off.

Part Numbers:
Steering wheel harness: 56190-B2400
Cruise Control Switch (Black): 96700-B2100ASB

Step 2:Remove the wheel. Unfortunately, to do this right the wheel needs to come off. First thing to come out is the airbag. There are 3 holes around the side of the wheel that allow access to the airbag release pins. You need a small screw drive to push on the release pins all the way around. After all the pins are released, the airbag slides out (no screws or bolts). Then you can disconnect the wiring going to the airbag. PLEASE DO THIS WITH THE BATTERY DISCONNECTED! With the airbag out of the way, unscrew the nut in the center of the wheel. Use a Sharpie to mark the wheel and steering shaft so that you can easily line the wheel back up when reinstalling (you don't want to have the wheel ****ed when you are driving straight). I was able to remove my wheel without a puller. If you are not using a puller, be very careful not to damage the threads on the shaft.

Step 3: Build the wheel. At this point, you will need to completely disassemble the back of the wheel. After removing the 6 or so screws, the black plastic cover should pop off. Remove the existing harness and install the new one plugging in the connections to all steering wheel switches. I highly recommend that you test it, at this point. All of the switches use the exact same plug. So if you mix them up your audio buttons will be setting the cruise control and Bluetooth could be changing channels. We don't want that. Install the new switch and reassemble to steering wheel.

Step 4: Reinstall the steering wheel. Be sure to line this up with the Sharpie markings you made in step 1. Tighten on the nut to the steering shaft. Make sure all plugs are fully seated into the clock spring. Reinstall the airbag. MAKE SURE THE BATTERY IS STILL DISCONNECTED. We don't want that thing going off on you. Once the airbag is plugged in and snapped into place, you are ready to enjoy your new cruise control.

I hope this helps everyone out there who really wanted this feature. I'm personally very happy. My local dealer wanted $699 for an aftermarket kit to be added. This was less than 1/5 the cost and gave me factory results.

So you just need the switch and a plug in harness????????? How does it talk to the DBW system or computer, can this be a Honda-esq type thing built into it from the factory to be made easier... I'm local here in Phoenix and would like to chat on the phone about it if you dont mind.. This was a BIG BUMMER for me to not have cruise on a base manual and has kept me from my purchase until now!!! Can you PM me your cell #, I'm new to forum so I dont know if i can pm yet or i'd send mine but ill try.. Kick Ass job doing your homework!!!!!!
Thanks,
Mike
Scottsdale, AZ

 

[Shaggy Wierdo]

So you just need the switch and a plug in harness????????? How does it talk to the DBW system or computer, can this be a Honda-esq type thing built into it from the factory to be made easier... I'm local here in Phoenix and would like to chat on the phone about it if you dont mind.. This was a BIG BUMMER for me to not have cruise on a base manual and has kept me from my purchase until now!!! Can you PM me your cell #, I'm new to forum so I dont know if i can pm yet or i'd send mine but ill try.. Kick Ass job doing your homework!!!!!!

Welcome to the forum. I think you need to have a few posts before you can PM, but not many. If you could review this thread, especially Item 1, it would be appreciated: http://www.kiasoulforums.com/4-new-...ers-guide-user-frequently-asked-question.html

As for the cruise control, it is all there in your car already for you to put in the stuff on the steering wheel to make it work. Several folks have done it on more than just this year. Good luck.

 

[bnolsen]

no reason to panic. It doesn't take that many tools to do the job, just some patience.

with airbag removal this was one piece that took me a little bit to figure out (stolen from another post):

 

[GeoSoul]

So you just need the switch and a plug in harness????????? How does it talk to the DBW system or computer, can this be a Honda-esq type thing built into it from the factory to be made easier... I'm local here in Phoenix and would like to chat on the phone about it if you dont mind.. This was a BIG BUMMER for me to not have cruise on a base manual and has kept me from my purchase until now!!! Can you PM me your cell #, I'm new to forum so I dont know if i can pm yet or i'd send mine but ill try.. Kick Ass job doing your homework!!!!!!
Thanks,
Mike
Scottsdale, AZ

Hi Mike,

The answer is "yes," it's plug & play. You don't need a new wheel either. Just purchase the wiring harness (it adds the 4th plug for the cruise switch that is missing from the one currently installed) & the wheel cc switch. It cost me $71 w/shipping.

I was apprehensive too, but have been enjoying cruise for several weeks. Even the green dash cruise lights activate, as they're installed factory. The cruise switch also lights up orange at night.

Check this video out. This guy installs cc in a Kia Rio. The 2014 Soul install is easier. Use the same socket/wrench that fits the wheel lugs. I didn't need a wheel puller, not even close. Use a flashlight to find the 3 push-release pins for the airbag. They are located at 9, 3 and 6 o'clock. I actually used a dull ended shish kabab poker. Push 9 o'clock first and you should clearly hear and see that corner pop out about a quarter inch. Do 3 o'clock second and 6 last. Then the airbag/horn unit lifts out. I had to cajole mine a bit. Once you have the airbag out enough to work behind it, look for the 3 connected wires that must be unfastened from the back of the airbag (2 fasteners with orange lift up tabs & 1 white clip), I left the other end of these wires connected to the yellow clockspring (don't mess with the clockspring or remove it) before you can fully lift out the airbag. I placed 4 photos in a post or two below this one from my install to help clarify.

Then just follow the "billaz procedure." It truly works. Take your time and double check all the connectors are securely fastened and in place as you reassemble and install the wheel and airbag. I didn't get the single white connector (ground wire, I think) securely re-plugged in & got a dashboard warning light for airbag. Took only a minute to re-pop the airbag and plug it in securely. Light went away. As my dad always told me "take your time and do it right the first time, then you won't have to do it a second time.....duh!)

This all sounds harder than it is. It's totally worth the time & effort.

 

[tunes12]

I finally got my parts in last week and tackled this yesterday. My only issue was that my airbag connectors, either on the airbag side or the other end of the yellow wire that connects at the clock spring (or whatever thats called) wouldn't come apart (as seen in the above pic with the knife). Instead of breaking anything, I replaced the harness while holding the airbag and the wheel with one hand and replacing the harness with the other. Still only took 45 minutes or so and worked like a champ! It's truly plug and play. The lights work on the dash and there's no additional work needed other than what has been stated. Its 100% functional as it would be in a non base model car.

$58 plus shipping ended up at $71. They didn't want to sell it to me based on my VIN number (since my VIN verifies I don't have cruise). I told them send it to me anyway.

 

[GeoSoul]

I finally got my parts in last week and tackled this yesterday. My only issue was that my airbag connectors, either on the airbag side or the other end of the yellow wire that connects at the clock spring (or whatever thats called) wouldn't come apart (as seen in the above pic with the knife). Instead of breaking anything, I replaced the harness while holding the airbag and the wheel with one hand and replacing the harness with the other. Still only took 45 minutes or so and worked like a champ! It's truly plug and play. The lights work on the dash and there's no additional work needed other than what has been stated. Its 100% functional as it would be in a non base model car.

$58 plus shipping ended up at $71. They didn't want to sell it to me based on my VIN number (since my VIN verifies I don't have cruise). I told them send it to me anyway.

Congratulations tunes12! Awesome job and work-a-around on the airbag issue.

Just in case anyone is having trouble or anxiety over the airbag connectors or what the clockspring looks like, I'm posting some shots I took during my CC install. The 2 connectors on the airbags have small orange pop-up release tabs. You should be able to lift them with a fingernail or small flat headed screwdriver if necessary. Hope this helps??

 

[billaz]

Hey Guys,

Yep, it is just how GeoSoul mentioned. Just pop out the orange tabs on the airbag plugs, then they should just pull right out. You can also disconnect the harness directly from the clock spring, but you may find it difficult to remove with the steering wheel connected. I agree though, you want to be careful not to break the clips to the airbag. Otherwise you'll be on the hunt for a new airbag harness.

-Billaz

 

[quayfour]

easy cruise add

Hello, Thanx for this information, starting with "Billaz". Took about 75 minutes, followed those instructions and, if I had been more familiar with the all of the parts, could have done this in about 45 minutes. Parts appear to be on back order everywhere. My dealer didn't say it couldn't be done; just "we don't do that". Kiapartsnow.com was about $71 with shipping.
I'm new to Kia, but, at 58, not to driving! My first car was a 1978 VW Rabbit. The contrast in technology is actually startling, despite similarity in engine size and utility. Since a "stick" is still essential, so was this cruise control add!
Now about that keyless entry...

 

[kcalk55]

Wow wow wow!

I got my parts yesterday ($71) and was going to wait until my RedZone steering wheel arrived to do the job. This evening I got impatient and decided to give it a go. About an hour later I was cruising at 50 mph on a country road!!! Yeah, I know I am going to have to spend another hour or so when my wheel gets here, but what a great deal!!! I have no idea why Kia didn't just include this feature and raise the MSRP a couple hundred dollars.

 

[GeoSoul]

I got my parts yesterday ($71) and was going to wait until my RedZone steering wheel arrived to do the job. This evening I got impatient and decided to give it a go. About an hour later I was cruising at 50 mph on a country road!!! Yeah, I know I am going to have to spend another hour or so when my wheel gets here, but what a great deal!!! I have no idea why Kia didn't just include this feature and raise the MSRP a couple hundred dollars.

Nice work kcalk55! It's a great feeling to add the "missing link" to the Base Soul. I agree with you, Kia should have made this an option. I think most people would have been willing to pay upwards of $500 (guess?) for a dealer install, I know I would have. The profit margin would be huge for them. They left millions on the table by not offering CC. But then, they needed to prove somehow this is a "base" model, so they left something out for marketing purposes. I'm guessing the same is true with the other missing link: center armrest. With CC added, my Soul has more features and is quieter & rides as well as the Acura I traded in for it. Hardly what I would call "base."

If you can, post a picture when you get the Red Line steering wheel in.

Again, good job!

 

[kcalk55]

I will most definitely post pics of the new wheel! If I took pics now, they would look just like Billaz's pics

 

[jdmartin]

Nice work kcalk55! It's a great feeling to add the "missing link" to the Base Soul. I agree with you, Kia should have made this an option. I think most people would have been willing to pay upwards of $500 (guess?) for a dealer install, I know I would have. The profit margin would be huge for them. They left millions on the table by not offering CC. But then, they needed to prove somehow this is a "base" model, so they left something out for marketing purposes. I'm guessing the same is true with the other missing link: center armrest. With CC added, my Soul has more features and is quieter & rides as well as the Acura I traded in for it. Hardly what I would call "base."

If you can, post a picture when you get the Red Line steering wheel in.

Again, good job!

Because they want to move automatic Souls. You might be willing to pay another 500 bucks for cruise control, but were you willing to pay another 2 grand for automatic and cruise?

 

[kcalk55]

Heck no! One of the main reasons I bought the Soul is because I wanted a manual. But your explanation makes sense.

 

[GeoSoul]

I agree with you 100% jdmartin, spot on analysis. Moving buyers to the automatic & adding some extra features gets the price up really fast (and profits for Kia). It's not even just Kia, seems like the few new cars that come with stick shifts are all sold as "base" models. I truly believe most of the people on this board who bought stick shifts bought them because they love to drive manual transmissions, not to get the "cheapest" model they can. Imagine an Exclaim Whole Shebang with a manual.....sweet! But I guess there wouldn't be enough buyers for it???

I was sad to see the Sportage succumbed to this trend, no more manual transmission starting this year.

Lets hope, like vinyl records, for a come back of the manual tranny. I was glad to see Honda offer the new Accord in a stick.

 

[Shaggy Wierdo]

...Imagine an Exclaim Whole Shebang with a manual.....sweet! But I guess there wouldn't be enough buyers for it??? I was sad to see the Sportage succumbed to this trend, no more manual transmission starting this year. Lets hope, like vinyl records, for a come back of the manual tranny. I was glad to see Honda offer the new Accord in a stick.

I like a manual also but unfortunately a 2.5 ton truck decided my fate in that regard. But I am afraid that the days of a manual transmission on most anything are going to be numbered. As cars move toward auto driving, the transmission is going to have to be some kind of automatic for that to work. Making a computer controlled manual transmission, while possible, would be prohibitively expensive.

 

[jdmartin]

I agree with you 100% jdmartin, spot on analysis. Moving buyers to the automatic & adding some extra features gets the price up really fast (and profits for Kia). It's not even just Kia, seems like the few new cars that come with stick shifts are all sold as "base" models. I truly believe most of the people on this board who bought stick shifts bought them because they love to drive manual transmissions, not to get the "cheapest" model they can. Imagine an Exclaim Whole Shebang with a manual.....sweet! But I guess there wouldn't be enough buyers for it???

I was sad to see the Sportage succumbed to this trend, no more manual transmission starting this year.

Lets hope, like vinyl records, for a come back of the manual tranny. I was glad to see Honda offer the new Accord in a stick.

Thanks . I'm in both camps. I bought the base because it was the cheapest thing I could buy - I use the Soul as a economy commuter - and I love driving a manual, so getting it cheapest is a bonus. Most every car I've owned in my life was a manual, but I agree with Shaggy that manuals are an endangered species. There will still be manuals in sports cars but eventually they won't be cheaper to build than a CVT or similar and that will be the end. Right now you can get manuals in small cars and in foreign cars because manuals by and far rule the rest of the world outside of Canada and the US. So for a car made in Japan, Korea, or Europe, they're already making manuals in abundance and really cheap, so there's no real cost to add them as an option for US bound cars. For cars made here, or only for this market, I'd be surprised if there were any manuals available other than a few sports cars. Americans like automatics and I would guess less than 25% of the population can even drive a stick.

 

[ann54246]

Can you tell me exactly where to order these parts from?