For
those wishing to hardwire their SmarTire display/control unit, here are
some instructions based on how I mounted mine. There is plenty of wire
(length) to mount the unit just about anywhere in the cabin ... I chose
to mount mine just left of the steering colomn on the wood trim. I really
wanted to locate the display in place of the ashtray, but the unit is just
too big. I selected the trim location as it is somewhat discrete, still
easily visible and within reach when driving, and very easy to wire from
here w/o tearing up the dash to find ways of hiding the wiring. Also noite:
These instructions can be used to hardwire just about any accessory, such
as a radar detector.
*
Please note that the following was performed on a '98.5 A4 2.8qMS, other
models may be different. Also, I assume absolutely no responsibility for
any damage resulting from the use of these instructions ... perform this
procedure at your own risk * Read through all of the instructions
first. If you feel uneasy about your ability to do this job, consult a
professional. On a scale of difficulty from 1 to 10 -- 1 being easiest
-- this job is a solid 1!
What you'll
need:
-
15 amp automotive fuse
(blue, aka "slotted" or "blade" fuse)
-
Fuse adapter for slotted
fuses; Female connector crimp-on wire terminal (lower right of Photo 3)
-
Fork or Ring crimp-on
wire terminal (lower left of Photo 3)
**all
of the above are available at Radio
Shack and cost less than $5 total **
-
Zip tie
-
8 mm or 5/16 socket
-
Phillips screwdriver
-
Wire crimpers
Hardwiring the
SmarTire display:
On A4 sedans (not
sure about the S4), fuse slot 27 (Photo 2) is powered and vacant,
as this is the location for the Avant's rear wiper fuse ... So, I tapped
into for it power. This allows for the unit to power on/off with
the ignition. I found it easiest to work with
the wiring *not* connected to the display unit I was ready to mount it...
1. Remove the AC
adapter from the end of the display's wiring by unscrewing the plastic
housing and removing the wires.
2. Crimp on a female
terminal to the end of the wire with the (black & white) striped sleeve
-- this is your power supply / positive lead.
3. Crimp on a fork
(or ring) wire terminal to the other wire -- this is your ground / negative
lead. NOTE: I used the fork type terminal for simplicity, since it doesn't
require you to completely remove a bolt for mounting as does a ring terminal.
4. Slip the fuse
adapter onto the left prong of your 15 amp fuse. (see Photo 3 for example)
5. Remove the fuse
box cover and insert your fuse w/fuse adapter into slot 27 It may
feel like you are "forcing" it -- just apply some pressure and it'll pop
in.
6. Determine how
much wire you're going to need at either end -- for both connections inside
the fuse box and to the display unit in the desired mounting location (Photo
1 shows where I chose to mount)
7. Secure your ground
wire using a bolt on the dash frame. I used the one at the bottom of the
fuse box. (Photo 5)
8. Fasten the power
lead to your fuse by sliding the female connector onto the fuse adapter
(Photo 4 and Photo 5)
9. Connect the power
cord to the back of the display/control unit and mount in the desired location
using the supplied velcro.
10. Once the unit
is wired (and the display mounted) bundle the excess wiring and stuff it
somewhere behind the dash. (Photo 6)
11. Now tuck the
exposed wire leading from the fuse box to the display unit into the crease
below the [wood/aluminum] trim. Since the dash is padded it has some give
and the wire should recess nice and snug between the bottom of the trim
and the knee pad of the dash. (Photo 7)
12. Replace the
fuse box cover and you're good to go! Good luck! |
Photo
1:
Photo 2:
Photo 3:
Photo 4:
Photo 5:
Photo 6:
Photo 7:
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