Custom ACC Switch Install (with pics - 1mb total)
 

The previous owner of my car had wired in the ACC for the radio to work only when the dash lights were on. In other words I'd have to have my parking lights, head lights, or my fog lights on to make the radio switch on. Annoying to say the least. :evil:

I didn't want to spend the money of installing a module to just make the radio work like a stock one. So, I decided to put in a manual ACC switch to the radio. I wanted to put the switch somewhere where it was out of sight, but was easy to get to...

I have an SE model, with no HUD, so I have this cup to the left of the steering wheel, where the HUD controls normally would be. I popped the cup out and found plenty of room behind it. So I decided to put a switch there... :idea:

So I got out the dremel and got to work cutting out the hole for the switch (I went with a red illuminated one to make it look nice at night, and to blend in with the dash lights):

http://www.tenghz.com/images/bvillea...all/cutout.jpg
http://www.tenghz.com/images/bvillea...rubberbase.jpg
http://www.tenghz.com/images/bvillea...lledinside.jpg


Here's the wiring harness getting ready (soldered up all connections):

http://www.tenghz.com/images/bvillea...ll/harness.jpg
http://www.tenghz.com/images/bvillea...ll/tinning.jpg


I ran the wires underneath the steering wheel and zip tied them in appropriate places. I also added some inline male and female blade connectors. This way I could take out the radio's wiring harness without pulling the switch's wires out with it. I don't have any pics of this part, because I wanted to get done as it was 90*+ outside. :shock:


Anyways, here's the finished product (night shots with and without flash):

http://www.tenghz.com/images/bvillea...eviewflash.jpg
http://www.tenghz.com/images/bvillea...l/sideview.jpg
http://www.tenghz.com/images/bvillea...wheelflash.jpg
http://www.tenghz.com/images/bvillea...eringwheel.jpg

Here's a video I made with my camera too (you can see my old school DEH-P8000R in action too :D ):
http://www.tenghz.com/images/bvillea...l/radioacc.mov


I did have one casualty along the way :oops: :lol:

http://www.tenghz.com/images/bvillea...llcasualty.jpg


Plus, when I went to replace the fuse I found some interesting stuff under my rear seat. None of which was from me. My car was originally a rental car in Florida, so this junk was probably there from those days... Was pretty funny finding it all (not shown are some ancient french fries that were also found :lol: ):

http://www.tenghz.com/images/bvillea...bonusitems.jpg


Alright that's it. Looks pretty good at night, the light diffuses in the cup pretty good, and makes a nice red glow. Nice cheap install, and works good too. Just thought I'd share. Let me know what you guys think.

I'm a little surprised the radio didn't blow the dash illumination fuse the way it was previously wired. Just hope the switch doesn't get left on, draining the battery while you're away. But as long as it suits your needs, then thats all that matters. I have a DEH-P8000R in my 95 SLE, been a good deck to me for the 6 years or so I've owned it aside from the rubber buttons wearing through.

it's too late now, but the cigarette lighter positive wire is switched on/off with the ignition (one of the very few wires that are)....

Well, the previous owner just had the ACC on the deck hooked up to the illumination, not the constant 12v. The ACC just senses voltage really, no real current draw.

It shouldn't be a problem with leaving it on, because the switch lights up, and the radio will be playing music if I leave it on. So I have a 2 way reminder, plus I've been having to remember to turn off my parking lights when I get out as it is... Although, I know I say this now, but will leave it on over night sometime... :lol: :roll:

It is a great deck, especially for it's age. My car came with a cheap newer Pioneer that didn't sound all that great. This old one sounds 100x better, and I got it for free from a friend (traded him for the original Pioneer that came with my car). The buttons on mine are peeling a bit, but not bad enough to not use it.

That has a 10 minute timer just like the rest of the switched power when you shut the car off... or does it not?