On my 06 multi function steering wheel; there are several buttons... On the right is the cruise control, left is stereo control, and middle(left-ish) is what looks like the hands free button, and some other button that apparently isn't used in the US.
Has anyone ever changed/modified this button to do anything? (garage door for example, or anything really?)

(image is sample image I found online)

 

NewMinistuff has a couple of products that can change the behavior of these two buttons.

MFSW Mute - http://www.newministuff.com/new/shop...uctshow&id=262
MFSW GDO - http://www.newministuff.com/new/shop...uctshow&id=261

A friend and I are also tinkering with a circuit to give a few options to these buttons. We are still a few weeks out from hanving an in car working prototype. - http://www.iniw.net/2006/08/29/mod-ibx-circuit/

I am sure others will report what they have come up with for the Two Useless buttons in the US .

-Randy

 

I am using the MFSW GDO kit from NewMiniStuff. Here are some notes:

1. Although it is listed as a garage door opener, it is simply a relay and could be used for any on-off switch application. I am using it as an on-demand viewing switch for my OEM rear view camera.
2. The relay can be set to latching or non-latching. In latching, each press of the button toggles the switch on/off. In non-latching the relay is closed only while the button is pressed.
3. It has been implemented only for the lower button (phone icon).
4. An interesting suggestion I've seen is to use the button for easily turning off the AC when you want to accelerate. The NewMiniStuff kit can't do this without extra work; perhaps the IBX circuit will be able to handle it.
5. Someone suggested using the button for nitrous.

 

I'd love to be able to use one button for the garage door opener and the other for the Mode?