| 07_Nimbus_EXLN |
Got a wild hair and decided to install two mods on our 2 day old Pilot. Feel free to ask questions, I'll do my best to answer, just short of taking it back apart for more pictures....
Yes, this first mod may not be legal, so try it at your own risk. I did it so our Pilot will be seen easier out on the road. Also, make sure you know your radio/nav codes, and disconnect the - battery terminal before starting. Then, do idle learn procedure and reprogram the Driver's auto-window when done.
1st, I rewired the fog lights to come on as long as the ignition switch is in the "on" position. Thay way they'll turn off with the ignition.
I used the instructions here to take the covers off the steering wheel column.
Then I figured out how the fog switch worked, 12V came in on the 16 pin turn-signal connector at the red w/grn stripe and two silver dots when the headlights were on low beams.
I cut this line, and heat shrinked off the hot side of the wire. I then attached a short section of wire to the input to the switch (red w/grn stripe wire) I then uncovered the ignition wire bundle right under the switch. I stripped off 1" inch of the new wire I added to the switch, then I used a razor, and stripped off a 1/2" of the insulation off of the black wire with yellow stripe. I wrapped the 1" of wire around the 1/2" stripped portion of the ign wire, added a little flux, and soldered the new wire on, and then covered the splice with tape. (I didn't want to cut and splice to maintain integrity of the wire) This appx. 10 ga. wire has 12V when the ignition is on. (position II)
Below is a fuzzy picture that shows the wire soldered to it:
Since I had everything apart, I decided to also install a DEI 452T I got on eBay for ~$14 shipped. The DEI 452T is a door lock pulse generator. It can be + triggered to lock/unlock the doors with that same ignition wire I tapped above, or - triggered with the ground switch from the emergency brake, which is what I did. It's pretty simple, only 5 wires to hook up.
Note: The 452T is very picky about where you get your 12V constant from, so I added a 1 amp fuse holder, which I soldered directly to the appx. 6 ga. 12V constant white wire in the ignition wire bundle. Same way as above, I stripped off 1/2" to maintain integrity, then taped it off.
Next I hooked a wire into the emergency brake by tapping into the green wire with red strips that hooks directly to the e-brake switch under the left side of the dash. I routed it up and out of the way so it wouldn't interfere with anything that moves under the dash. I then used a straightened coat hangar to fish the two wires (12V constant and e-brake - trigger) to the passenger side kick panel.
To take off the passenger side kick panel, first remove the appx. 20" step panel, then pull up the weather stripping, unscrew the appx. 1" black plastic nut the holds the inner top of the kick panel in place. Then grab the rear bottom side, and pop off the one clip that holds it to the side.
I then clipped off the 4 wires I didn't need on the 452T: green/white, blue/white, red/white, and violet. Don't cut the violet if your going to use the positive trigger. Tape off the clipped wires to prevent shorts.
Note: By using the 452T violet wire hooked up to the black/yel + ignition wire from above, the doors will lock/unlock when you turn on/off the ignition, which is what most people would probably prefer. Clip the 452T orange wire if you're going to use the 452T this way.
I then unplugged the 20 pin green connector from the top of the passenger side fuse box. (The wires I used are both in the middle.) I then attached the blue wire from the 452T to the black wire w/orn stripe. Next, I attached the green wire from the 452T to the blue wire w/orn stripe. Here's a pic:
Note: if you use the + ign trigger, your blue and green wires from the 452T may be swapped, always verify before final hookup.
Another note: The 20 pin connector is a pain to remove, I used a small screwdriver to hold up the release clip in the bottom middle, then a medium width straight screwdriver to pry it loose from the fusebox.
Then I attached the e-brake - trigger to the orange wire of the 452T.
Note: If you use the + trigger, hook it to the violet wire of the 452T.
The fused 12V constant goes to the Red wire of the 452T.
I attached the Black wire of the 452T to a 1/4" lug, and used the 10mm bolt at the bottom of the passenger fuse box for a good ground. I then simply wedged the box under the two white connectors, and taped up the wires. See pic below:
Here's a pic with the interior tore apart, which my wife didn't care for:
And put back together:
So, now the fogs can be turned on when the Pilot is running, and the doors unlock when you step on the ebrake, and lock when you release the ebrake. This has to be the 10th time I've done this mod, my wife really prefers auto-locking doors.
My opinion on crimping tools: I used insulated Red Butt connectors for most of the splices by cutting the wire needed stripping both ends, then twisting the two together on one side of the butt connector, and I use uninsulated crimpers to crimp my insulated crimps. Insulated crimp pliers simply smash the butt connector into and oval shape, and you can then easily pull the wires out without much effort, which makes for an unreliable connection. Uninsulated crimp pliers make an oval crimp as well, but there's a big "tooth" in the middle of one side, which makes an excellent connection which can survive a good tugging on after the two wires are crimped. If your crimping into hot wires, it's best to then tape off the butt connector to prevent any unwanted shorts, but most of the time you can visually see if the metal is exposed under the outer plastic of the butt connector. I have been crimping this way for years, and have never had any intermittent problems caused by a bad crimp. See pic below: (Available at Lowes and Home Depot in the electrical tool section)
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| Luwin1026 |
| Great job on the mods as well as the detailed write-up. I'm sure members will benefit from this! |
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| 07_Nimbus_EXLN |
| Thanks!, that's the first time I've spent over an hour writing a post. I feel it should be worth college credit or something.....I'm actually planning on going back to school in October to pursue a Masters in Technical Management. |
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| Sunday Rider |
Welcome, and Congrats on your new '07 Pilot.
What a great write up and pictures too. You have courage. I wouldn't touch a 2 day Pilot, let alone a 2 month one!
How did you know which wires to tap in for the door locks?
Thanks for taking the time to write this up and post pictures. |
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| Medic721 |
Thank you fro alot of GREAT information. I think I might try to set up that module to lock the doors when I shift into drive. I have to take a look at the manual.....
-Mike. |
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| mattchalmers |
Man, these two mods are exactly what I want to do for my 06'. I will have to re-read your post and check into doing the same thing. My wife would love to have her auto door locks back and hooking into the e-brake is even better.
I may be contacting you directly to "coach" me through this one. That photo of the taken apart view was kind of scary.
Great work. Any impact to warranty with doing something like this? Any easy way to disable before taking into the dealer for "normal" maintenance? |
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| mmmmark |
When you say "it may not be legal" why not? Wouldn't they be just like DRL--or are they supposed to be at the same height as the headlamps?
Also, I also wonder what my dealer will do when he seems them on. Knowing him, he will try to troubleshoot and is likely to hose something.
I might have to figure out how to install a switch so that it can be defeated easily to avoid confusion. |
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| jay |
quote:
Originally posted by mmmmark
When you say "it may not be legal" why not? Wouldn't they be just like DRL--or are they supposed to be at the same height as the headlamps?
....
I guess it would depend on the state motor vehicle laws. It appears that having the fogs on all the time is okay under Virginia law:
§ 46.2-1020. Other permissible lights.
Any motor vehicle may be equipped with fog lights, not more than two of which can be illuminated at any time, one or two auxiliary driving lights if so equipped by the manufacturer, two daytime running lights, two side lights of not more than six candlepower, an interior light or lights of not more than 15 candlepower each, and signal lights.
The provision of this section limiting interior lights to no more than 15 candlepower shall not apply to (i) alternating, blinking, or flashing colored emergency lights mounted inside law-enforcement motor vehicles which may otherwise legally be equipped with such colored emergency lights, or (ii) flashing shielded red or red and white lights, authorized under § 46.2-1024, mounted inside vehicles owned or used by (a) members of volunteer fire companies or volunteer rescue squads, (b) professional fire fighters, or (c) police chaplains. A vehicle equipped with lighting devices as authorized in this section shall be operated by a police chaplain only if he has successfully completed a course of training in the safe operation of a motor vehicle under emergency conditions and a certificate attesting to such successful completion, signed by the course instructor, is carried at all times in the vehicle when operated by the police chaplain to whom the certificate applies.
Unless such lighting device is both covered and unlit, no motor vehicle which is equipped with any lighting device other than lights required or permitted in this article, required or approved by the Superintendent, or required by the federal Department of Transportation shall be operated on any highway in the Commonwealth. Nothing in this section shall permit any vehicle, not otherwise authorized, to be equipped with colored emergency lights, whether blinking or steady-burning.
(Code 1950, § 46-273; 1954, c. 310; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-267; 1960, cc. 156, 391; 1962, c. 512; 1966, cc. 655, 664; 1968, c. 89; 1972, c. 7; 1974, c. 537; 1976, c. 6; 1977, c. 72; 1978, cc. 311, 357; 1980, c. 337; 1981, c. 338; 1984, cc. 440, 539; 1985, cc. 248, 269, 287, 462; 1986, cc. 124, 127, 229; 1987, cc. 347, 370; 1988, cc. 339, 351; 1989, c. 727; 1991, c. 516; 1995, c. 122; 2003, c. 153; 2006, c. 122.) |
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| mmmmark |
Good grief, how'd you find that so fast? Are you a lawyer or did you just sleep at a Holiday Inn Express?:D
Or are you just a Master Googlemeister?;) |
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| john802 |
quote:
Originally posted by mmmmark
Good grief, how'd you find that so fast? Are you a lawyer or did you just sleep at a Holiday Inn Express?:D
Or are you just a Master Googlemeister?;)
He's the best information facilitator!;) |
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| mmmmark |
quote:
Originally posted by john802
He's the best information facilitator!;)
Reminds me of what my wife calls me...."the Storehouse of Useless Knowledge."
Makes for good party conversation, but I rarely know the fact that would actually help me.:rolleyes: |
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| 07_Nimbus_EXLN |
Sunday Rider: You're welcome. The Ignition and E-brake wires were easy to find, the door locks were similar to our 03 Odyssey, but I had to go www.the12volt.com and use the alarm install wiring for a 2004 Acura MDX to come up with the colors to match what I had. Since Honda's use a lot of negative switching, I was able to verify lock/unlock by using a test lead and applying a momentary ground to each of the wires, and watching the doors lock/unlock. I don't know about the courage, I was sweating my butt off from being nervous.
Medic721: If you figure it out, please share. For most, lock with the ignition on would be good enough.
mattchalmers: I had it taken apart more than what was necessary, to do the mods, you only need to remove the steering column covers, and the left kick panel. I had more apart during the "R&D" phase...
mmmmark: My disclaimer is based on what I've heard, no hard proof. I believe every car I've had the fogs only come on with low beams, although I think I've seem some GM's with them on with the parking lights. Also, they're supposed to turn off with High beams. I did this mod to our '98 Maxima which my wife drove for 5 years, and we never even got as much as a second look because of the fogs being on.
Jay: My neighbor was stationed in Norfolk, VA and failed a state inspection because his fogs would not turn off with the high beams. So, he offered to remove the fuse, but that was a hit because if you have fog lights mounted, they must work.
BONUS: I just went and checked, the fogs come on with the ignition, and stay on with parking lights and low beams, but the fogs turn off when the high beams are on, which would bring us closer to the legal department. Forgot to test that yesterday... |
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| mmmmark |
quote:
Originally posted by 07_Nimbus_EXLN
BONUS: I just went and checked, the fogs come on with the ignition, and stay on with parking lights and low beams, but the fogs turn off when the high beams are on, which would bring us closer to the legal department. Forgot to test that yesterday...
Exxxxxcellent!:cool: |
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| Medic721 |
there is a wire that comes off of the transmission selector switch (pin 10)that goes to ground when the car is in any gear (not in park or neutral) this is only available in the engine compartment. I think I might tap into it to make the doors lock when shifting into gear. not likely to have it unlock in park because I don't always want the doors to auto unlock, might not be in the best area.
-MIke. |
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| jcantanixon |
quote:
Originally posted by Medic721
there is a wire that comes off of the transmission selector switch (pin 10)that goes to ground when the car is in any gear (not in park or neutral) this is only available in the engine compartment. I think I might tap into it to make the doors lock when shifting into gear. not likely to have it unlock in park because I don't always want the doors to auto unlock, might not be in the best area.
-MIke.
Can you be more specific? If you can tell me which wire to tap, I'll be all over this. :4: |
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| Medic721 |
I will take a look at the manual when I get home this evening and let you know. Unfortunately it does not go inside the car just fromt he selector to the PCM. But that just means you have to bring the wire in the car.
-Mike. |
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| jcantanixon |
| No big deal, I've got several wires running through the firewall already. Thanks in advance! |
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| Medic721 |
The 2006 Service manual has it as the Blue Wire with the Yellow Stripe on the transmission selector (on the transmission)and that is pin 9 not 10 (looked at it wrong before) this will be grounded when the car is in D, D3 or D2.
FYI Pin 5 is the ground, and Pin 10 is grounded when in N or P
-Mike. |
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| 07_Nimbus_EXLN |
Interesting site
http://www.kptechnologies.com/
They have a module that will lock the doors at a certain speed, and a Navi "OK" screen bypass...enjoy. |
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| mattchalmers |
Nimbus,
Any last minute advice on this install? I am planning to complete the 452 install tomorrow. Lock when disengaging e-brake, unlock when engaging the e-brake. |
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| mattchalmers |
quote:
Originally posted by mattchalmers
Nimbus,
Any last minute advice on this install? I am planning to complete the 452 install tomorrow. Lock when disengaging e-brake, unlock when engaging the e-brake.
Well, I am off to complete this install. Wish me luck. I will be taking photos along the way, and post them once I am done. |
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| tim.s |
Good luck. I hope you have somewhere to work out of the rain, it's been drizzling all day here.
If you camera has a macro mode, be sure to use it for the close up - it will make it easier to see the wire colors, connectors, etc... |
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| mattchalmers |
Well, I got through the easy part and then lost my nerve. Here are the step by step photos (these may be available elsewhere).
Starting Point: |
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| mattchalmers |
| Sill Removed: |
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| mattchalmers |
| Kick Plate Removed |
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| mattchalmers |
| Close up behind the kick panel |
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| mattchalmers |
| Lower Panel on column removed |
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| mattchalmers |
| Column Covers Removed |
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| mattchalmers |
| Would be install |
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| mattchalmers |
| Everything went together fine, but I couldn't find a good constant and just lost my nerve. I will probably wait until I get a shop manual. I just don't want to start cutting on wires until I am more certain. |
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| 07_Nimbus_EXLN |
It looks like you pulled the drivers side kick panel, you need to pull the passengers side.
In the picture with the steering cover removed, the wire you need to tap is in the large bundle.
I would recommend not cutting, but gently stripping the constant 12V wire, and soldering to it.
I'm pretty sure 12V constant is available at the passenger fuse box area, so that step could probably be skipped, but you'd need to have someone scan a schematic of the passenger fuse box and post it here...
Glad to see someone was brave enough to attempt it. |
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| mattchalmers |
quote:
Originally posted by 07_Nimbus_EXLN
It looks like you pulled the drivers side kick panel, you need to pull the passengers side.
In the picture with the steering cover removed, the wire you need to tap is in the large bundle.
I would recommend not cutting, but gently stripping the constant 12V wire, and soldering to it.
I'm pretty sure 12V constant is available at the passenger fuse box area, so that step could probably be skipped, but you'd need to have someone scan a schematic of the passenger fuse box and post it here...
Glad to see someone was brave enough to attempt it.
I did not realize that it was the passenger side! Man, that is helpful. I need to pay more attention.
I will look for the schematic. I will try this one again when I install the amp. |
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| dj5 |
| Anyone else install the door lock/unlock module? We live in a flat area, so we don't use the e-brake much. I would be interested in autolocking when the engine starts or is put into D. |
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| ASAGA |
| just wondering..... anyway to turn on the fogs with just the parking lights on?????? |
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| 07_Nimbus_EXLN |
| Yes, the fogs could easily be turned on with the parking lights, it would only take one relay. A stereo shop would probably do it for less than $50. |
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| ASAGA |
quote:
Originally posted by 07_Nimbus_EXLN
Yes, the fogs could easily be turned on with the parking lights, it would only take one relay. A stereo shop would probably do it for less than $50.
forget the stereo shop.... how do u do it?????:D :D |
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| imolas54 |
| excellent write up ! |
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