I'm an electrical engineer at Eglin AFB in the panhandle. Recently, I have completed an M113K swap into an R170 (Chrysler Crossfire). Always looking for more, I am now working on an electrical project, and part of that involves swapping in a steering wheel from a W205/W216/W256. The R170 is a bit old school, and does not possess the same types of interior networking busses that the later cars have. The W205 type wheel 'talks' to the steering column controller via something called LIN Bus. At the column, these signals are translated to CAN, and put on the interior CAN-B bus. R170 does not have either of these. So, what I'd like to do is to gain information about the way the steering column controller 'talks' on LIN bus to the steering wheel itself.

I own all of the electrical engineering type equipment to tap into these signals, and read the messages. My intention is to gain access to a vehicle with all of these devices, and record the messages. That's all. I do not need to drive the car, take it anywhere, do anything else. To accomplish this, I will need to temporarily remove the driver's side airbag, connect some electrical probes, turn on the ignition, and press each of the buttons on the steering wheel multiple times, record the messages. After that, replace the airbag, and with SDS/Xentry/DAS, I will clear any possible resulting codes. I will also be glad to perform a diagnostics routine on the vehicle.

So what am I asking for? If you are in or near the Ft Walton Beach/Pensacola area, and would be willing to either let me come to you, or (better) come to my shop along I-10, I will perform this work that I anticipate will take 2-3 hours, and return everything to the original state. As I mentioned, the car will not need to be driven anywhere. It will not be put on a dyno. There will be no re-programming, no wires cut, or any damage to your vehicle. Once complete, I will compile all of the information gained, format it, and it will be published on this forum for the greater good of the community. BTW, I am making no money on this. This is for my own personal project, on my own car, but I am also hoping it will help other people develop other neat things down the road.

It's a big ask, but if you are willing to assist, I will be most grateful! Let me know if you might be able to help. Thanks!