As a result of having to park outside, coupled with Vancouver's unusually hot summers lately, my 2013 Honda Fit LX's steering wheel rubber is desiccating and I was looking to replace it.

Before ordering another OEM 2013 steering wheel, however, I was wondering if it was possible to upgrade it to an OEM 2015+ model's steering wheel to get the additional media controls and etc. that the LX originally didn't have.
My primary concern is the airbag, followed by connectivity.

Has anyone ever attempted something like this before and can confirm if it is or isn't possible?

Thanks,
Thomas

 

Assuming the spline is the same I pretty well doubt the media controls will plug into the car's harness, especially if the car never came with controls to begin with. The Civic wheel of similar year to the Fit is a direct bolt-on and retains the airbag.

 

The 2013 Honda Fit Sport sport trim had media controls on its steering wheel, and by the accounts I've been reading, DX and LX owners have been able to swap them out for the Sport's and have it work.

I was wondering if the spline was the same, and if if the 2015's media controls would plug into the same area of the harness or if modifying the cable positions on the connector would work, in spite of the media, cruise control buttons, and etc. having a different layout configuration than the 2013 Sport's.

But above all, safety first. If someone had done such a hack before with success, I'd follow in their footsteps. But if it was impossible, or possible while jeopardizing the airbag deployment, then I'm out...

 

Is it possible to wrap yours with a leather cover?

 

I've had a vinyl/leather cover installed over the steering wheel since Day 1, and replaced it once in the 6 years I've had my car. But the inner part of the steering wheel that remained uncovered became faded from sunlight exposure and eventually cracked, spreading under the covered part as well.

I was considering Plastidipping the new wheel, whichever one I end up getting, first before installing a cover over it to ensure coverage against sunlight exposure all around.