What I mean is, the Ford Steering Wheel control was probably never designed to interface directly to a Sony Stereo. Sure, its a resistive ladder system but I doubt it was designed with aftermarket stereos in mind. Hence the resistance values.

If Tony's friend uses an aftermarket stalk adaptor, like i do. Then problem probably won't go away with a resistor as all these adaptors are designed for Sony HU's which is what the empeg tuner is supposed to support too.

My stalk problems are only prevalent when the headlights are on. I think the issue lies in the fact they are gas discharge units. They require an alternating current to strike and light. I imagine the invertor unit that chops the cars DC is causing some kind of interference.