Then, remove the trim piece that surrounds the cup-holder and hazard switch. Then, using two radio removal tools, insert into the slots in the upper right and left of the cup-holder.



Unlike the radio, there is no snap to indicate that the unit is loose, just insert and pull the cup-holder out. Disconnect the wiring harness on the rear of the cup-holder. Set the cup-holder aside for future use if so desired.



OPEN THE DASH PANEL

Sorry no pictures of this. But I will do my best to explain. First, remove the fuse panel cover. There are five bolts (8MM) that need to be removed: one to the right of the fuse panel, two on the lower corners of the dash panel, and two behind the trim piece that rests over the steering column. To remove the trim piece, simply slide it toward the rear of the car. Once the bolts are removed, the dash should drop down. Unclip the connections for the foot-well light and the VAG COM interface. Remove the panel from the car for better working space.

Remove the A-Pillar trim. See this post for steps on how to do this.
A-Pillar Removal

INSTALLATION

Run the wires from the Smartcord unit into the opening where the cup-holder was. Run the wires down through the space for the radio, and into the space under the dash. Connect the wire for the coin tray's light (which is useless, but it will prevent the wire from getting lost in the dash if you ever want to reinstall the cup-holder again). Slide the coin tray into the slot, and take up the slack in the wires from under the dash.

Run the wire for the radar detector (the phone plug) up behind the fuse box, then up the A-pillar and tucked along the headliner to the rearview mirror. Mount the radar detector in the desired location, and plug in the cord to make sure it reaches. It should be long enough to reach the center of the window with about 6" to spare. Then, tuck the rest in the headliner, or take up the slack under the dash.



Use zip ties to fasten the wires to the other wiring along the A-pillar, and trim off the excess.



For a power source, I desired a switched circuit that was on only when the car was turned on. I opened the back of the fuse box, and tapped into the wire for the heated mirrors (fuse #8 in my car, check your Owner's manual for the location of that fuse). I used the tap provided with the Smartcord kit.



Disconnect the wire from the in-line fuse holder and installed the wires blade connector into the tap connector. Reinstall the back of the fuse box, and make sure that the wire hangs free so you can re-attach the wire.



Fasten the ground (ring connector) to the metal bracket using the bolt shown here (NOTE: the ground I used for the phone installation is shown in the background, but the bolt is too thick for the ring connector that came with the Smartcord). Install the fuse and reattach the wire that runs to the circuit board.



Check your connections, and test out the unit by turning the car on. Once you verify that everything works, reinstall the dash trim, the radio, the dash panel (don't forget to connect the wires for the foot-well light and the VAG COM), and the fuse panel cover.

Once all is done, enjoy your integrated radar detector. If the unit is switched to "dark" mode, the light in the dash will signal the alarm, and you will still get your audible signal. If desired, the Mute button is a short reach from your right hand. Enjoy!!!

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