Hi fellow members,

I have several mods that I have been stockpiling and decided to tackle the isimple this weekend. I went through just about every thread talking about the isimple and decided it was a relative simple install that only takes 20minutes...

I am attempting to use the method where I just peek behind the right side of the driver. But I cannot find the cable that I am supposed to disconnect from the Radio unit and plug into the isimple. Please help!

Here are the main threads that I used as reference.
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...=590889&page=3 - Jaymd123's thread
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-audio-bluetooth-electronics-navigation-94/i-058-just-installed-peripheral-electronics-isimple-ipod-adapter-review-install-tips-697728/ - PeterUbers thread

Here are some pictures that I took of the area where I "think" I should be working around.

So once I got the side cover off, I found a "white" cable that PeterUbers said should be the only visible cable, but this cable is closer to the stering wheel than the audio unit, I don't want to meddle with anything except for the XM cable.

Is this the place where the XM wire should be?! I found a "white" wire right behind where I drew the giant red circle. This is a picture from the right side of the driver seat.


This is a picture of the wire that I "think" is the XM cable from underneath. However, I think I may be tampering with something that is not the XM cable...






Please help if you have experience with the isimple installation.

 

nope, that doesnt look like it. compare it to the harness that came with the isimple, the connector simply isnt that wide.

Put your head towards your gas pedal and look behind the radio/center stack, You'll see it there. it's no where near the underside of the steering wheel. I tried the hook method and it didnt work for me.

 

Thanks ez12a, how far is it from the opening?

is the opening that I created big enough to access this cable?

I took a peak under there and I can't see much. (yes i am using a flashlight)

 

That's enough if you want to try using the coat hanger method. its pretty narrow, not even big enough to squeeze your hand in.

I suggest disassemblng the left portion of the center console. there's a walkthrough somewhere on here.

see that small wire on the right of that opening in your first picture? you need to be looking up into that area to see the radio harness. It's pretty high up in there.

 

What may help is to look at your audio deck and visualize where it would poke out from the back. Similar to a CD drive, the harness is plugged in the back of the deck. Once you look into your opening, it should then be obvious what harness you are trying to get out. Good luck, it took me HOURS trying to get the harness out (due to the lack of creativity in making an angled tool..haha)

 

so what i am gathering is that you can't really even see this XM harness clearly? When I peak behind there, i see a lot of stuff in my way from accessing the back of the radio from that angle (e.g. a metal plate). I can see how only a long tool would work but I can't even properly find the XM harness which I should be unplugging :-/

 

Yes, you have to rest the back of your head near the gas pedal and peek up through the gap. (Only one eye will be able to see up there) Use a mini flashlight and you should be able to see the rear lower corner of the radio.

 

so i found the XM harness...you really have to get in there, far enough that the brakes push against my head giving me a slight head pain... since the XM harness is on the bottom portion of the radio unit.

it appears that the latch to release the harness is located on the top of the harness making it that much harder. i'm out to look for a 45 degree angled tool that i can use to press down on it...

this is a lot more painful than it sounds on the forums :-/

 

If you know you have the right plug you can use a wire hanger that you would get from the laundry. I just cut it at the bend where it would give me the angle I needed. Worked great for me. It took several tries to get the right spot on the plug where it would release then fished it out. I used the same wire to run it back and plug it in. Be careful where to wedge the hanger when you put it back. Mine had a release where I put it the first time and had to pull it back out.

 

i had some 90 degree angled metal hook sort of thing (there's a technical term for it but i can't remember it) and i held that with a pair of pliers taped up. here's a pic of what i used. worked a lot better than the stupid wire hanger

 

The method you are using seems to be more work and a bigger headache than just disassembling the console to get to where you want to be. When I installed my Isimple took me maybe 1 1/2 hours to disassmble everything, install unit, route ipod cable through center arm rest and re-assemble. Plus you wont worry about causing any unnessasary damage and get a good view of exactly what you are looking for. just something to think about...Oh and just a tip you should put the gateway somewhere easily accessable for when there are updates for it you dont have to strip everything appart again...

 

how are you guys doing it so quickly?!
i created some type of tool to try to reach back there, but it's not quite doing the trick...

i'm thinking of just bringing it to the dealer and seeing if i can pay for 1 hour of a technician's time to disassemble the center console...this is driving me nuts!

i've spent 2 hours already

 

just try not to get frustrated. i just kept at it with the tool i posted earlier and eventually it just clicked and popped right out.

 

I agree with devildon. Being a mobile electronics installer for over 10years I find taking the vehicle apart the correct way is usually easier and a hell of alot less frustrating then trying to fish out plugs. There is a few DIY posts that show how to take the radio out. Really shouldn't take but an hour maybe 2 for less experienced installers. When I did my isimple it took me longer to figure out how to use the damn thing then it did to install it.

 

Looks like an allen wrench wrench

 

Yea, just take the center console apart. It's really not that hard if you read a DIY on here.
Here's one
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/those-who-have-service-manual-i-need-help-3g-garage-f-052-a-557238/
Post number 5

 

I used the "hook" method as well. I used a tool that is used to open up gallon paint cans. If you google "gallon paint can openers", you will find pictures of a metal tool with a small hook on the end. You usually can get it free from Home Depot or Lowes. Not only will it depress the connector, but also pull it for you without slipping. It worked perfectly, and I got it pulled out on the first try. Note: there is a harness that slightly obstructs the connector so you have to nudge that out of the way a little to allow the connector to clear. Hope this info helps, patience is the key.

 

ooo thanks kntanb, i will try that out as my last attempt... patience is hard when your head is hurting from being pressed up in that small space :-/

and i echo the people that suggest taking apart the center console the proper way, in fact i already tried but, but i got stuck at the last two plugs at the very top of the silver trim which aren't coming off...

looks like i'm not cut out for being a mechanic haha, although i did perform a self-oil change+ tranny fluid :-D

 

what two plugs at the very top? the only thing at the top i can think of is the little speaker/clock and then the actual screen. the speaker pops right out and the screen is screwed in. unless you didnt pull off the two side strips (usually silver or CF that runs all the way up armrest) then your going to have issues taking things appart. you also have to pretty much take apart the glove box, lower steering wheel cover, and a few other parts. i remember seeing a DIY on all of it listing everything that needs to be taken off. i also think theres a youtube video on it. best bet to take out the clips are use a butter knife. hope it works. try and give more advice if i can, but because my car is 8,000 miles away im working off of my memory. makes me miss my baby more and more every day....

 

just completed my install today with my method described above. #1 killer of installation: frustration. just keep a cool head about it and that wire will come out/go in. as far as a review: i love it. the sound quality is great and the text/interface is pretty cool!

 

Guys - just take the trims apart. It's really (i mean really) simple. Much more space, less aggravation, confidence (after it's done), and learn how to do it so you can take it apart in the future for whatever.

It also allows you to sound-proof the hardness (rather rattle proof) and run the wires neatly. GL with the hang method.

Hope you have a strong neck, flexible, small fingers, stamina on your knees and have the patience of a life-term convict. I don't have any of those so I went the easy route.

 

100% agree

Good work on the install.

Edit: I tried the "simple" way of looking near the gas pedal. I'm 18 years old, and I played 3 varsity sports all 4 years in high school. It still was quite painful.

 

i'm pretty much in the same age bracket as you and was able to do it . honestly, give it a shot before you start ripping off panels. i know i saved myself a lot of time by using the quick method.