Shifting Telluride's steering wheel with Stinger's

[DrXavier]

Hello everyone,

I am seriously considering the purchase of the Telluride SX. It really is ticking all of my expectations, except for one: no shift paddles on the steering wheel.

I test driven both the Telluride and the Palisade, and I was really pleased using the paddles in the latter. The Telluride's stick is preferable than the buttons though, but manual shifting through the stick isn't as pleasing. Not a sports car however, but I got used to the paddles in my previous Audi. Keeping the engine up in the power revs is just fun for the daily commuting, especially with a naturally aspirated engine. And it's even a must for at least some miles on every drive, to prevent carbon buildup of direct injection engines.

Now the thing is: As both models in both brands share engine and most surely computers and internal wiring, perhaps chances are that their steering wheels are interchangeable. The buttons would surely work fine, they are literally identically placed. And we already know we could rebadge them.

Regarding the shift paddles, would they be active in the Telluride? And furthermore, would the Kia Stinger's steering wheel fit and work? It has the exact design as the Telluride's, plus 3-spoke design, flat bottom, and paddles.

Just launching the idea, in case anyone already owning the Telluride did try, or would be intrigued to try out with a confident dealer. It's just disconnecting the battery, removing a couple screws, disconnecting airbag and buttons, and unscrewing the steering column. 15min job to figure out.

Regards,

 

[DrXavier]

The connectors on telluride and stinger look identical, but can't find diagrams of the wires, especially the ones from steering column to the computer.

It only depends on the Telluride's internal wiring and ecu. Wouldn't be surprised if the paddles actually worked like plug&play, as the manual shifting mode is already active with the stick.

 

[alexdrums]

I don’t think the steering wheels would be interchangeable because the Palisade has the shift by wire option. A totally different setup than the mechanical Telly.
But let’s say you were somehow able to make the switch. Once you unplugged the Telluride steering wheel you would most likely get the dreaded Airbag Warning Indicator Light. Once this light turns on, you may never be able to turn it off again. This would not only drive you nuts, but severely lower the Telly’s resale value...if not kill it altogether.

I remember putting a sporty steering wheel on my ‘72 Ford Pinto...ha ha. Now that was easy!

 

[NDBlackEX]

Hello everyone,

I am seriously considering the purchase of the Telluride SX. It really is ticking all of my expectations, except for one: no shift paddles on the steering wheel.

I test driven both the Telluride and the Palisade, and I was really pleased using the paddles in the latter. The Telluride's stick is preferable than the buttons though, but manual shifting through the stick isn't as pleasing. Not a sports car however, but I got used to the paddles in my previous Audi. Keeping the engine up in the power revs is just fun for the daily commuting, especially with a naturally aspirated engine. And it's even a must for at least some miles on every drive, to prevent carbon buildup of direct injection engines.

Now the thing is: As both models in both brands share engine and most surely computers and internal wiring, perhaps chances are that their steering wheels are interchangeable. The buttons would surely work fine, they are literally identically placed. And we already know we could rebadge them.

Regarding the shift paddles, would they be active in the Telluride? And furthermore, would the Kia Stinger's steering wheel fit and work? It has the exact design as the Telluride's, plus 3-spoke design, flat bottom, and paddles.

Just launching the idea, in case anyone already owning the Telluride did try, or would be intrigued to try out with a confident dealer. It's just disconnecting the battery, removing a couple screws, disconnecting airbag and buttons, and unscrewing the steering column. 15min job to figure out.

Regards,

I would think that for all the time/money that you would put into putting paddle shifters on your 4500lb grocery getter, you could probably go out and find a nice 20 year old Mustang or something if you want to get your shift on.
Although, your automatic Telluride in drive would probably be faster than most 20 year old Mustangs...

The Telluride drives nice. A couple weeks into ownership, you won't be thinking about paddle shifters.

______________________________

 

[DrXavier]

I don’t think the steering wheels would be interchangeable because the Palisade has the shift by wire option. A totally different setup than the mechanical Telly.
But let’s say you were somehow able to make the switch. Once you unplugged the Telluride steering wheel you would most likely get the dreaded Airbag Warning Indicator Light. Once this light turns on, you may never be able to turn it off again. This would not only drive you nuts, but severely lower the Telly’s resale value...if not kill it altogether.

I remember putting a sporty steering wheel on my ‘72 Ford Pinto...ha ha. Now that was easy!

Yeah, definitely easier in the old days!

Now, regarding both brand models, it is actually the same gearbox and same interface. The only difference is the aesthetics: The Telluride features an old school stick, cable-wired into a module that converts the mechanical input into an electrical signal for the gearbox (see pictures). In the other hand, the Palisade directly presents buttons. You can see the same behavior in the latter when you are in D and press P: the buttons in between will light up in the same sequence as with the stick version. And the same in the opposite way.

Both offer the same manual/sport feature: one through the stick, and the other through the paddles. And that is the result of the automotive group's decision to give the palisade a more modern/sportier flavour (which I personally don't agree), and a more classy/confort to the Telluride.

In terms of the airbag, if it was manipulated without following the proper methodology (i.e. switching off the battery and waiting at least 60s to unplug anything), then it could show many errors after, and even pop up the airbag itself while re-switching. If the procedure was well done and there comes a warning (as it could happen when the battery dies), it will suffice to connect the obd for cleaning the airbag's ecu warning.

 

[jw_tx21]

@DrXavier ,

Although I echo @NDBlackEX sentiments above, perhaps this site would be useful to you. You seem to have a lot of knowledge about vehicles, so maybe you can gather facts on wiring from this site below.

Kia Global Information System (KGIS)

kiatechinfo.snapon.com

I think it would be incredibly silly for a member to try a swap to answer the question per stated reasons above. But, who knows. I would say either (A) buy a Telluride and attempt it, (B) get the Palisade, or (C) go get an Audi Q7. The latter will provide the best "sporty" performance and luxury that you are looking for your daily commute. Perhaps even a Ford Explorer ST - though I don't know if it has paddles.

I don't mind shifting manually with the stick in the Telluride - kind of fun. I do find the paddles on my Mazda3 engaging from time to time, so I do sympathize a bit with your plight.

 

[DrXavier]

@DrXavier ,

Although I echo @NDBlackEX sentiments above, perhaps this site would be useful to you. You seem to have a lot of knowledge about vehicles, so maybe you can gather facts on wiring from this site below.

Kia Global Information System (KGIS)

kiatechinfo.snapon.com

I think it would be incredibly silly for a member to try a swap to answer the question per stated reasons above. But, who knows. I would say either (A) buy a Telluride and attempt it, (B) get the Palisade, or (C) go get an Audi Q7. The latter will provide the best "sporty" performance and luxury that you are looking for your daily commute. Perhaps even a Ford Explorer ST - though I don't know if it has paddles.

I don't mind shifting manually with the stick in the Telluride - kind of fun. I do find the paddles on my Mazda3 engaging from time to time, so I do sympathize a bit with your plight.

Shall I understand by your both sentiments that the Telluride is a 4500lb grocery getter? Or that instead of shift paddles I'd rather use the manual stick and be pleased at being faster than 20yr old mustangs?

Of course not. I get what you're trying to say, although I don't share the acid mood.

Of course I'm not asking anyone to shift their steering wheel just to answer my question. I agree, that would be incredibly silly, but I regard people around here as intelligent humans. As I already tried to say, I have launched the idea just in case anyone gets excited to get it for themselves. Is there any wrong about this? Of course not. Anyways.

Getting used to shift paddles is no different to anything else: you'll miss it once it's gone. That doesn't mean racing downtown. Having manual control over the gears without leaving the steering wheel is pleasant, as is downshifting before getting to a roundabout, or to stay longer in each gear just to get some joy from the v6. Especially when it match-revs like you'd do in a manual gearbox. It's ok to not being interested, as my father. He doesn't give a penny for his paddles, and that's fine.

Of course I'm also looking for a q7, and an x5m, and a gle, but the fully loaded units as the telluride with adaptive cruise+lane assist+heads up display are above $100k, and don't exist in second hand market as per UAE. And I can tell you the lane keeping in the Telluride is as good as the Tesla's, while Audis keep you boncing side to side, and bmw just vibrating.

To me it's now first safety, and after if it could still be enjoyed, then perfect. And the bright smile of my wife when she stepped into the telluride was priceless, worth even to ride on a kia badged car. And I'm pretty sure many people here can relate to this, with special mention to the ones getting rid of such badge.

So if anyone is interested, let them have a look, it's easy. Just an ebay used steering wheel and 30min dealer job; if doesn't work, send it back on time.

That's what I would do if back home, but currently here is another story. And thanks for the link, I'll definitely have a look.

Regards,

 

[MarcinTexas]

Shall I understand by your both sentiments that the Telluride is a 4500lb grocery getter? Or that instead of shift paddles I'd rather use the manual stick and be pleased at being faster than 20yr old mustangs?

Of course not. I get what you're trying to say, although I don't share the acid mood.

Of course I'm not asking anyone to shift their steering wheel just to answer my question. I agree, that would be incredibly silly, but I regard people around here as intelligent humans. As I already tried to say, I have launched the idea just in case anyone gets excited to get it for themselves. Is there any wrong about this? Of course not. Anyways.

Getting used to shift paddles is no different to anything else: you'll miss it once it's gone. That doesn't mean racing downtown. Having manual control over the gears without leaving the steering wheel is pleasant, as is downshifting before getting to a roundabout, or to stay longer in each gear just to get some joy from the v6. Especially when it match-revs like you'd do in a manual gearbox. It's ok to not being interested, as my father. He doesn't give a penny for his paddles, and that's fine.

Of course I'm also looking for a q7, and an x5m, and a gle, but the fully loaded units as the telluride with adaptive cruise+lane assist+heads up display are above $100k, and don't exist in second hand market as per UAE. And I can tell you the lane keeping in the Telluride is as good as the Tesla's, while Audis keep you boncing side to side, and bmw just vibrating.

To me it's now first safety, and after if it could still be enjoyed, then perfect. And the bright smile of my wife when she stepped into the telluride was priceless, worth even to ride on a kia badged car. And I'm pretty sure many people here can relate to this, with special mention to the ones getting rid of such badge.

So if anyone is interested, let them have a look, it's easy. Just an ebay used steering wheel and 30min dealer job; if doesn't work, send it back on time.

That's what I would do if back home, but currently here is another story. And thanks for the link, I'll definitely have a look.

Regards,

https://tellurideforum.org/attachments/img_20200607_113024-jpg.7860/

Wow...really like the color of the leather in the middle east version of the Palisade. Like it better than the brown options in the Telluride. Wish it was available on the SXP

______________________________

 

[MarcinTexas]

Hello everyone,

I am seriously considering the purchase of the Telluride SX. It really is ticking all of my expectations, except for one: no shift paddles on the steering wheel.

I test driven both the Telluride and the Palisade, and I was really pleased using the paddles in the latter. The Telluride's stick is preferable than the buttons though, but manual shifting through the stick isn't as pleasing. Not a sports car however, but I got used to the paddles in my previous Audi. Keeping the engine up in the power revs is just fun for the daily commuting, especially with a naturally aspirated engine. And it's even a must for at least some miles on every drive, to prevent carbon buildup of direct injection engines.

Now the thing is: As both models in both brands share engine and most surely computers and internal wiring, perhaps chances are that their steering wheels are interchangeable. The buttons would surely work fine, they are literally identically placed. And we already know we could rebadge them.

Regarding the shift paddles, would they be active in the Telluride? And furthermore, would the Kia Stinger's steering wheel fit and work? It has the exact design as the Telluride's, plus 3-spoke design, flat bottom, and paddles.

Just launching the idea, in case anyone already owning the Telluride did try, or would be intrigued to try out with a confident dealer. It's just disconnecting the battery, removing a couple screws, disconnecting airbag and buttons, and unscrewing the steering column. 15min job to figure out.

Regards,

Agree with your thoughts on the steering wheel. It is my least favorite aspect of the Telluride. Really wish it had the new wheel from the 2021 Sorento.

 

[NDBlackEX]

Shall I understand by your both sentiments that the Telluride is a 4500lb grocery getter? Or that instead of shift paddles I'd rather use the manual stick and be pleased at being faster than 20yr old mustangs?

Of course not. I get what you're trying to say, although I don't share the acid mood.

I'm just saying, it is what it is. If one feature is a dealbreaker, move on. No car is perfect and you may find things you dislike about every vehicle after a few weeks of ownership.

Maybe I shouldn't have commented. Changing the steering wheel, messing with the airbags and wiring on a modern vehicle to change where you manually shift gears on an automatic transmission tuned with different driving modes sounds like a project for the more money than brains club, of which I'm not a member.

Carry on, good luck with your search.

 

[jw_tx21]

Shall I understand by your both sentiments that the Telluride is a 4500lb grocery getter? Or that instead of shift paddles I'd rather use the manual stick and be pleased at being faster than 20yr old mustangs?

Of course not. I get what you're trying to say, although I don't share the acid mood.

Of course I'm not asking anyone to shift their steering wheel just to answer my question. I agree, that would be incredibly silly, but I regard people around here as intelligent humans. As I already tried to say, I have launched the idea just in case anyone gets excited to get it for themselves. Is there any wrong about this? Of course not. Anyways.

Getting used to shift paddles is no different to anything else: you'll miss it once it's gone. That doesn't mean racing downtown. Having manual control over the gears without leaving the steering wheel is pleasant, as is downshifting before getting to a roundabout, or to stay longer in each gear just to get some joy from the v6. Especially when it match-revs like you'd do in a manual gearbox. It's ok to not being interested, as my father. He doesn't give a penny for his paddles, and that's fine.

Of course I'm also looking for a q7, and an x5m, and a gle, but the fully loaded units as the telluride with adaptive cruise+lane assist+heads up display are above $100k, and don't exist in second hand market as per UAE. And I can tell you the lane keeping in the Telluride is as good as the Tesla's, while Audis keep you boncing side to side, and bmw just vibrating.

To me it's now first safety, and after if it could still be enjoyed, then perfect. And the bright smile of my wife when she stepped into the telluride was priceless, worth even to ride on a kia badged car. And I'm pretty sure many people here can relate to this, with special mention to the ones getting rid of such badge.

So if anyone is interested, let them have a look, it's easy. Just an ebay used steering wheel and 30min dealer job; if doesn't work, send it back on time.

That's what I would do if back home, but currently here is another story. And thanks for the link, I'll definitely have a look.

Regards,

I don't disagree. Yes, it's an interesting idea that if anyone should want to attempt, I too would be curious to know the outcome. But, I can't encourage it. Yes, those other vehicles you mentioned are in another class of luxury and sport - and fully loaded are more than twice the price of the Telluride. I had a BMW once - I prefer not to have German luxury again due to my driving needs / habits and the expense. The Telluride is an incredible value. As I said, I sympathize with your plight. Paddles are fun. I probably should have clarified which parts of other posters I echoed, and don't intend any acid tone. Anyway, I'm no expert on vehicle mechanics, so that's why I linked to that other site. Some members have used it to get technical details on the Telluride and you mentioned that you didn't have a wiring diagram. Are you an expat? I think it would be fascinating to visit Dubai one day.

 

[blitt]

For many years I was a "Corvette fanatic" ...had two with manual trannys and loved playing the "sports car games" with them....last one was an auto with paddle shifters....I would put it into manual mode and off I went shifting via the paddles. All that being said.....as far as my Telly goes, I put it into manual mode and use the shift lever when I NEED to ( snow and ice conditions) and it works great......the Telly was never meant to be a "sport vehicle" so I'm not sure paddles are necessary...just dial in "sport" mode and it will probably give you al the "sport" satisfaction you really need in this type of vehicle.......JMO

______________________________

 

[DrXavier]

https://tellurideforum.org/attachments/img_20200607_113024-jpg.7860/

Wow...really like the color of the leather in the middle east version of the Palisade. Like it better than the brown options in the Telluride. Wish it was available on the SXP

Yes! Really nice, and they offer the nappa in both 7 and 8 seater, opposite to the telly (of which I seek the 8seater). But the trade-off in uae for the Palisade is: no virtual cockpit, no ambient light, no ac port, no electric 3rd row, and only the mid trim rims. That's why I currently prefer the Telluride.

The other option is to buy a North American directly imported. The price is substantially lower but there's no warranty, no recalls.. Dilemma!

 

[DrXavier]

Agree with your thoughts on the steering wheel. It is my least favorite aspect of the Telluride. Really wish it had the new wheel from the 2021 Sorento.

Wow that made me realize that the 2020 Sorento features the same as the Telluride, though some online pictures show the 3-spoke on the same Sorento. Perhaps a top trim with paddles?

Mostly expect next year a 2022 Telluride announcement with that steering wheel, virtual cockpit, the turbo v6 with quad-exhaust, and so forth. It's being the main demand all around, although the electrification and downsizing trend could change everything like 4 in-line turbo or mild hybrid

 

[DrXavier]

I'm just saying, it is what it is. If one feature is a dealbreaker, move on. No car is perfect and you may find things you dislike about every vehicle after a few weeks of ownership.

Maybe I shouldn't have commented. Changing the steering wheel, messing with the airbags and wiring on a modern vehicle to change where you manually shift gears on an automatic transmission tuned with different driving modes sounds like a project for the more money than brains club, of which I'm not a member.

Carry on, good luck with your search.

No issues, just appreciating and thanking any precaution advice. The same modification in a premium brand would mean some thousand bucks, but in Kia everything moves around some hundreds, which is encouraging and enjoyable in my opinion.

 

[DrXavier]

I don't disagree. Yes, it's an interesting idea that if anyone should want to attempt, I too would be curious to know the outcome. But, I can't encourage it. Yes, those other vehicles you mentioned are in another class of luxury and sport - and fully loaded are more than twice the price of the Telluride. I had a BMW once - I prefer not to have German luxury again due to my driving needs / habits and the expense. The Telluride is an incredible value. As I said, I sympathize with your plight. Paddles are fun. I probably should have clarified which parts of other posters I echoed, and don't intend any acid tone. Anyway, I'm no expert on vehicle mechanics, so that's why I linked to that other site. Some members have used it to get technical details on the Telluride and you mentioned that you didn't have a wiring diagram. Are you an expat? I think it would be fascinating to visit Dubai one day.

Agree and thanks once more, got the good intended message of course. Yes expat, it's been great so far besides the recent corona. Expo is finally set for next year, maybe perfect occasion for visiting! Although I'm craving for hills, and grenery, and snow, and family, and..........

______________________________

 

[DrXavier]

For many years I was a "Corvette fanatic" ...had two with manual trannys and loved playing the "sports car games" with them....last one was an auto with paddle shifters....I would put it into manual mode and off I went shifting via the paddles. All that being said.....as far as my Telly goes, I put it into manual mode and use the shift lever when I NEED to ( snow and ice conditions) and it works great......the Telly was never meant to be a "sport vehicle" so I'm not sure paddles are necessary...just dial in "sport" mode and it will probably give you al the "sport" satisfaction you really need in this type of vehicle.......JMO

I see it's the generalized linking paddles to "sports car games". I had before manuals until an A1 supercharged with paddles, and used to be this way. They force you to have fun at every single corner, not just bearing the stiff ride. But in a more family oriented car the paddles are still greatly useful. The fact that the Palisade features them while sharing everything with the telly is a clear evidence.

Anyways what you suggest is what anyone would do over a rural region. Perhaps I'm influenced by many all around driving like there's no tomorrow. But definitely anticipating a downshift before getting stuck in a roundabout improves safety, as preventing the vehicle to go into 8th gear for the next 300 meters would preserve the gearbox and prevent carbon buildup.

Regards,