2 Quick Navigation Install questions:

[DragonDesign]

Two quick questions for you guys: I can't seem to find diffinative answers anywhere and so I'm hoping if I'm having problems others are too and would like clarification. For reference, this install is for an Eclipse AVN5435.

Question #1: Where is the VSS wire that I need to tie into? Is it in the engine bay, under the dash, or in the steering column? What color is it?

Question #2: Is everyone using the PAC SWI-ECL unit to use their steering wheel controls? (Eclipse specific). I know the unit is tricky to program, but do I need a remote control for the unit to do it? The 5435 doesn't come with one, so I'm really hoping I dont need to track one down to program the PAC connector.

Answers to these two questions would make my life a whole lot easier when I have to open up my dash again and tinker, so any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[2001LS8Sport]

Well, I can't help you on the PAC module. I just installed an AVIC-Z1 in an Aviator and the PAC module I used for steering wheel controls was the SWI-PS. Pioneer allows a hard wired module which is much better. I don't know if the unit you're using does or not. If so, you're way ahead of the curve. You don't use a remote to program it...you program it with your steering wheel buttons.

As to the VSS...it SHOULD be at the radio! I haven't checked the LS, but on all Ford radios with speed sensitive volume, there is a VSS wire to the radio. On my wife's 03 Aviator, it was a gray with black striped wire. Find a wiring diagram to make sure of your application....but I'll bet it's there. There will also be one at the wiper module if you have speed sensitive wipers. Actually, they are all over the car if you know where to look. Of course, there are locations at the ECM and the speed sensor itself.

 

[DragonDesign]

Cool, thanks, I'll try to track down a wiring diagram and figgure out which one it is - of course if someone wants to save me the time and tell me that works too. i should have realised it would be right in there because of the speed sensitive volume (that I never used).

I've heard that the SWIX connectors use infared and so you need to program them with a remote, but I'm deffinately not looking for an infared connection, I want it all hard wired for more dependability. I found this link ( http://www.pac-audio.com/swixprogra...mSearch=Lincoln&Submit2=Search+Vehicles&ID=52 ) on the PAC website and as far as I know the Eclipse can accept it directly. Can anyone confirm this?

 

[2001LS8Sport]

Look at the wiring instructions for your Nav. See if one of the wires isn't for a hard wired remote. If there isn't one, you can't do it.

The radio I replaced in my 03 Aviator was a 6 disc with a factory subwoofer. The VSS wire was in one of the factory connectors to the radio. It was gray with a black stripe. If I recall, it was in a connector that only had 2 or 3 wires in it. But try and find a factory wiring diagram to be sure.

You don't say what year LS you have. But Ford switched from a 20 pin connector to a 24 pin connector...in 2004 I believe...not sure. I believe that corresponds with the SAT capable radios in 2004. Some of the harness adapters out there have this cataloged wrong. Check and be sure before you order.

 

[DragonDesign]

I had issues trying to buy the harness for my application. I have an '01, and it has two separate harnesses for the radio. I only used one of them for install of the new unit, so I'll either have to clip some wires or slide a male adapter into the correct pin once I figgure out where it is. Nearest I could find nobody can get me the adapter for the second plug, but it doesn't control any of the major functions of the radio.