PSS // Raj

<p>Raj
1.8T Quattro Tip, 17" Avus Wheels, SmartTire, Eurosport Springs

Rob O

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/a4org/2000/st_display.jpg"align=RIGHT> 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 just about anywhere in the cabin, however I chose to mount mine just left of the steering column 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/reachable when driving, and very easy to wire from here w/o tearing up the dash trying to find ways of hiding the wiring. Also, these instructions can be used to hardwire just about any accessory, such as a radar detector.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/a4org/2000/st_fuse_diagram.jpg" align=LEFT> On A4 sedans (unsure on S4), fuse slot 27 is <b>powered and vacant</b> since this is the location for the Avant's rear wiper fuse.

<b><font color="#CC0000">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.</font></b> 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 -- with 1 being easiest -- this job is a <b>solid 1</b>!

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/a4org/2000/st_parts.jpg" BORDER=0 align=RIGHT> <b><u>What you'll need (right):</b></u>

15 amp automotive fuse (aka "slotted" or "blade" fuse)
Fuse terminal wire connector adapter for slotted fuses (top)
Crimp-on Female terminal wire connector (lower right)
Crimp-on Fork or Ring wire terminal connector (lower left)
<font color="#000099">** all of the above from <a href="http://www.radioshack.com">Radio Shack</a> @ about $5 total</font>

Zip tie
8 mm or 5/16 socket (either will work)
Phillips screwdriver
Wire crimpers



<b><u>Hardwiring the SmarTire display:</b></u>

<font color="#000099">I found it easiest to work with the wiring *not* connected to the display unit until I was ready to mount it...</font>

1. Remove the AC power supply 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 the ring terminal.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/a4org/2000/st_fuse_closeup.jpg" align=RIGHT HEIGHT=125> 4. Slip the fuse terminal adapter onto the left prong of your 15 amp fuse. (see parts diagram above for example)

5. Remove the fuse box cover and insert your fuse w/fuse adapter into <b>slot 27</b> (sedans, sorry I don't know what you can use in Avants).
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. Tie off the excess with your zip tie.

7. Secure your ground wire using a bolt on the dash frame. I used the one at the bottom of the fuse box. (below, bottom left)

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/a4org/2000/st_fusebox.jpg">

8. Fasten the power lead to your fuse by sliding the female connector onto the fuse adapter (above, middle)

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) stuff the excess wiring somewhere behind the dash. (what I did below)

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/a4org/2000/st_slack.jpg">

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. (below)

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/a4org/2000/st_hiddenwire.jpg">

12. Replace the fuse box cover and you're good to go!

Good luck!<p>

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nubS4

Rob, a simply amazing How-To. Terrific job.

M2Rock

Great How-To! Can you post a pic looking from the driver's view?

Rob O

<p>

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drhaller

Thanks a bunch Rob... great post.

downindenver

Looks good...<p>- Josh
- '98 A4qms 2.8
- '72 911T

Rob O

I dabble with web design, have learned HTML vs. using a GUI software like FrontPage, have done a little Java stuff, and I have my own site -- which is perpetually under development because I change the design so often I never get any content loaded! (<a href="http://www.planet42.net" style="text-decoration:none">PLANET42</a>). I just recently got Flash 4.0 and have Shockwave on the way, so who knows what that'll do to me.

But my "day job" is predominately analytical in nature, I'm basically an internal business consultant on competitive/market issues related to residential telecom, so doing the design stuff gives me balance. : )

Thanks for the compliment...<p>

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Eddie@Tirerack

VERY nice presentation!

JP4

Nice job Rob........Thanks