Rollin' Down Rodeo
Some of you may remember me asking about installing a hardwired Escort Smartcord. I found plenty of threads regarding hard-wiring a radar detector into the moon roof power but nothing in the form of a DIY using the Smartcord. For those that don't know, the smart cord gives you the power/alert/mute functions on a remote button. It's the same as what comes on the end of the cigarette lighter cord but instead of a barrel plug, it's just got raw wires coming out of it.
I have included pictures for you guys to gawk at, poke fun of, ridicule, etc.
The very first thing I did was cut the RJ11 connector off of the end of the cord. This makes it possible to fish it through small and/or tight openings (shaddup).
Factory RJ11 connector:
No factory RJ11 connector:
Now, remove the overhead map lights, homelink controller, overhead panel.
Remove the driver's side A-Pillar molding - no need to mess with the airbag:
Remove the lower dash panel (unplug any connectors that slow you down).
Remove the carpeted panel on the driver's side of the console.
Use a fish tape or coat hanger, etc and insert it next to the airbag (from the top side) and stick it down through the dashboard. Tape the end of the smartcord wire (the one you cut) to the fish tape and pull it back up through the dashboard next to the A pillar.
Lay the smartcord wire next to the other wire bundle and snake it up to the headliner. Using a panel tool, pry down on the headliner just enough to slide the wire up into it all the way along the windshield over towards the rear view mirror. Make sure the headliner isn't pinching the wire as it could eventually wear through.
You can see the smartcord wire here. Tucked neatly out of the way along the A pillar:
Here is the end of the smartcord wire where it exits out from the headliner:
Now, it's time to find a switched 12v source under the steering column. I'm not going to tell you which wire I used as I don't want the liability. Use a multimeter and poke around. Stay away from a test light. You can damage expensive electronics.
I grounded the smartcord on one of the steering wheel position motors. Make sure you use the inline fuse included with the smartcord too.
One you have powered it up and tested everything, reinstall the lower dash panel and carpeted console side panel.
As for mounting the smartcord controller itself, I used 3M trim tape (the same thing you'd use for emblems, etc.) and mounted it to the driver's side of the center console. I really think this location is ideal (at least for me). Make sure you clean off any vinyl protectant from the mounting location with some denatured or rubbing alcohol.
Now it's time to strip back the cut end of the cord and mount a new RJ11 connector onto it. I just so happened to have a few lying around (including the modular plug tool).
Crimping the connector:
Neatly tying wires along the way - I hate rattles (and chaffing):
OK, on to the finished pics:
Hopefully this will help someone that was considering doing the same thing. Comments are always welcome.
Peace out.
five a day
Member
interesting remote location. im on the fence with getting rid of my x50 for a v1 but have the smartcord and never really found a happy place to put it.
thats an clever one can you see it still or is the wheel/leg in the way. i should go sit in my car and ponder haha
Rollin' Down Rodeo
Member
that's nice. sanitary.
Rollin' Down Rodeo
Member
i like it! nice job! wish i could find a good switched 12v to tap into though! liability schmiability!
1999 540iA Sport 111k+ Silver on Gray, ///M Sport Package, ///M Sport Seats, ///M Sport Wheel, 35% 3M Tint, 17" ASA AR1 by BBS Wheels, '03 Angeleye Headlights, '03 Red/Clear Tails, Front & Rear Cupholder Delete, Utimate Cupholder front replacement, Hardwired Escort Passport 8500, BMW Premium Business w/ DSP, DICE iPod Controller and HD radio
Previous- 2001 Jetta GLS 1.8T Silver on Black, 5 Speed, many mods.
Previous- 1983 Mercedes 240D (Diesel) Silver on Navy, Auto, Classic!
Member
nice writeup!
Rollin' Down Rodeo
Member
nice install...
V1's are better!! LOL
FS:NEW_BF_Goodrich_245/35/17
Rollin' Down Rodeo
Member
Hey BlackSapphire, where did the pics go on your smartcord direct wire install for E39? ;-(
Artifically Aspirated
Moderator
He sold the car, deleted pics, and hasn't been here since Oct 2013.
Rollin' Down Rodeo
Headliner Hipster
I've had an Escort in my bimmer sometimes. Non permanently. Wife wasn't happy when she found out.
Diehard E39 driver.
I'd rather die or take a walk before driving an E60 or any BMW made after Y2K.
"Your momma's so ugly she makes Bangle cars look nice"
Member
What exactly would you like to know? I did this - slightly different. He chopped up his smartcord - I chose not to since I mounted my unit within reach; my unit is mounted right by the rearview.Originally Posted by 5406bill
Really straightforward if you don't want to chop up your smartcord...just need some plain old phone line, a small inline fuse (optional - but a good idea) and tap into the switched line - I tapped into the homelink.
Artifically Aspirated
Moderator
I hardwired my 8500 to. It is integrated with their ZR3 laser jammer.
All the tel plugs from the 3 jammers connect to here and then one cable up the to 8500.
Rollin' Down Rodeo
I think the idea is not just hardwiring the detector, but using the smartcord in the process.
Anyway, I'm sorry but I couldn't find the pics. I have quite a few of various projects I did on this car but not those.
I think I eventually took apart the smartcord and flush mounted it all in that small, blank panel to the right of the steering wheel. I drilled holes in that panel for the LEDs and button, peeled off the face of the smartcord and applied it to the front of the panel and then attached the electronics to the backside of the panel. It looked smooooooth.....
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