Programming Maestro RR for Ford Transit Camper Van

The factory stereo options in the Ford Transit are quite limited and the overall sound quality leaves much to be desired. We plan to replace the head unit, speakers and adding a subwoofer to bring the whole system up to snuff. For the most seamless installation we’re using a Maestro RR unit that connects our aftermarket head unit to the factory system. By using this unit we can keep the steering wheel controls (and custom program them), use the factory backup camera, use Sync (if we want to) and many other existing factory features. Get the full list below.

It also adds in additional functionality like engine gauges in the head unit, engine code scanner and monitor individual tire pressures. We will be installing a Pioneer AVH-4200-NEX head unit but you can check the compatibility on the different head units from the iDatalink website. Our base system consists of the Radio Pack #21 (The AM/FM Stereo with SYNC® (Radio Pack #21) is optional in all Transit models. Includes single-CD player, 4″ multi-function display and message center and leather-wrapped steering wheel with controls for audio and multi-function display.)

Setup & Programming the Maestro RR

Step 1: Getting Started

After receiving your Maestro RR unit you’ll want to head over to the iDatalink Website. In the box you’ll receive a usb cable to plug your unit into your PC. Yes, I said PC. This only works with a PC with Windows XP or newer. Also, with Internet Explorer only. (What?!) Anyhow, you’ll need to do a few things before you can get started.

First, create an account on the website. Second, click the ‘Flash Your Module’ button from the top right of the home page. You’ll be prompted that you need to install some software for this to work. Once that’s taken care of you’ll need to either refresh your browser or open and close it for your unit to be recognized. I experienced an issue where it wouldn’t recognize it at first because ‘ActiveX’ was not enabled. I resolved this by going to the installed software folder and running the ‘Repair Activex’ application.

Step 2: Configuration

This is where you get into configuring your unit to your specific application.

Maestro RR Ford Transit - Vehicle Selection — 1. Select the vehicle and your factory stereo option. At the time of this article you could only select 2016 models and older. 2017 and newer should work with the 2016 option though. We have a 2018 Transit and the programming worked fine.

Maestro RR Ford Transit - Stereo Selection — 2. Select the stereo that you’re going to install. The required F02 wiring harness will be indicated. You’ll want to have this as it’s required to install the Maestro in the Ford Transit.

Maestro RR Ford Transit - Options — 3. Select the factory options that you want to maintain. We kept everything… because why not?

Maestro RR Ford Transit - Steering Wheel Controls — 4. This is the fun part. Assign what functions you want mapped to which steering wheel controls. This goes a little beyond just audio controls but also Sync or Siri and other tools like additional gauges for vehicle performance to show in your head unit. This will vary a little based on the steering wheel you actually have.

Step 3: Done

After mapping your functions the unit will be updated with your selected settings. When it’s done you can unplug the Maestro RR and move on to wiring it into the stereo and factory car harness. That’s a whole other piece that we’ll document in the near future.

My Personal Experience

It seems pretty intuitive but it’s easy to have problems. First off after temporarily installing the Maestro and Pioneer into the Transit everything worked but then I accidentally plugged in the remote switch cable from the Maestro to the Pioneer. Then the steering wheel controls stopped working. A call to iDatalink support did not resolve the problem. What I ultimately determined was during the programming on the website you should enter the Device Number of the Pioneer unit found in the settings menu and not the actual serial number on the radio’s casing. This resolved my steering wheel issues. If you have and arrow pad on the left of the wheel and audio controls on the right wheel then the left controls are not usable with the radio. Even though Maestro will let you program it like it will work. They won’t. Just leave them set to ‘None’ in the configuration.

When installing the Maestro you’ll see a single green light flash every time you hit the steering wheel buttons. This means the Maestro is receiving the steering wheel commands. If you see red flashing lights then you either have it wired incorrectly or the programming is incorrect. I’ll cover the full installation into the van in another article.

Features Retained

[toggles class=”accordion-class”]
[toggle title=”STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS” class=”in” active=”active”]Two Functions on Each Button
Standard and Expanded Radio Functions
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”NAVIGATION OUTPUTS” active=”active”]Accessory Power Output (15A)
Parking Brake Output
Reverse Light Output
Illumination Output
Foot Brake Output[/toggle]
[toggle title=”REVERSE CAMERA” active=”active”]Camera Retained
Parking Guide Lines Retained[/toggle]
[toggle title=”SYNC” active=”active”]Voice Commands
Meta Data Display
Track Controls
Shuffle Control
Repeat Control
Browse Media Library
Direct Dialing
Phonebook Display
Call History Display
Ringer Selection
Sync Menu Access
Add/Delete Phones
Multi-Language Support[/toggle]
[toggle title=”GAUGES” active=”active”]Selectable Performance Gauges
“Track Pack” Gauges
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”PARK ASSIST” active=”active”]Distance Display on Screen
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”VEHICLE INFO” active=”active”]Tire Pressure Display
Battery Voltage Display
Read/Reset Check Engine Codes
Door Open Status and Warning
[/toggle][/toggles]

Is it any good?

Time will tell. I haven’t installed mine yet. Stay tuned for our feedback.

Resources

Maestro Installation Guide and Firmware Info

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Nick

Nick is an avid outdoorsman, cyclist and mountain biker with a background in graphic design, marketing and web development. He is the co-founder of Outdoor Wanderlust.

Audio Vanlife

2 COMMENTS

Dana Wyse
April 21, 2019 at 2:49 pm

I have a 2018 Ford Transit cargo with the base radio and no steering controls. I have backup camera that I see through the rear view mirror. Do I still need the Maestro RR unit?

Nick Simon
April 22, 2019 at 10:28 am

The maestro is primarily needed for getting factory steering wheel controls to work. I’m not sure if it’s needed for the rear view camera or not. You could search the Ford Transit USA forums on this topic. You may be able to find your answer there.

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