Automotive Equipment Installation Instructions
General Instructions
When working on modern vehicles, always apply the following rules:
- Never disconnect any connectors or modules when the vehicle you're working on is on Accessory, Ignition or while running. Remove the key from the ignition switch or if the ignition system is equipped with Push-to-start (PTS) shut it off and place the key outside of the vehicle. Wait 5-30 min for the vehicle to go in Sleep mode, while leaving the doors you may need to go in and out from open, and do not close them or open other doors, as this will wake up the car. Look when the dome lights turn off on their own to determine the sleep mode is entered. Even then, some vehicles as Cadillac Escalade manufactured after 2015 are sensitive to disconnecting modules and switches, especially those around the instrument cluster and will become inoperable if disconnected.
- Do not probe any twisted pairs of wires, as those are DATA line or AIRBAG!
- Do not probe any wires coming from an yellow connector or pairs separated in an yellow sleeve as those are likely AIRBAG wires!!!
- IF YOU'RE NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE THE AIRBAG WIRES DO NOT PROBE ANY WIRES IN THE HARNESSES ROUTED TO THE DOORS, SEATS, A-, B- AND C-PILLARS, STEERING COLUMN, GLOVE BOX OR ANYWHERE ELSE THEY MAY BE!!!
- When trying to find constant power +12V to connect to, always wait for the vehicle to go in sleep mode, since many of the wires powering up accessories in the vehicles are being disconnected from power after a timeout in order to preserve the car battery.
- When performing an installation of any aftermarket equipment, first connect the Ground wire, next connect the 12V constant power and after that any other inputs or outputs. Failing to follow this rule may permanently damage the equipment you're installing, the vehicle you're working on, or both!
- Safe locations for connecting to permanent 12V power in most vehicles are: OBD connector (pin 4 for ground, pin 16 for +12V), ignition switch for +12V only, immobilizer amplifier module next to ignition switch key barrel (not all has +12V), instrument cluster (except Aston Martin and Volvo vehicles), fuse box, Body Control Module.
- Safe locations for Ignition signal are: ignition switch, instrument cluster (excluding European vehicles, Ford/Lincoln, most GM and Chrysler), fuse box, AC temperature sensor fan (for Chrysler, GM, Ford/Lincoln, Maserati, Alfa Romeo), immobilizer amplifier module (on Ford/Lincoln, Honda, Nissan)