DonShockley
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Everything posted by DonShockley
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That just looks to be a replacement sensor for a failed OEM one if you already have the system installed in your vehicle. Unfortunately if the option wasn't included from the factory, then all the other wiring and parts aren't going to be present to support the sensor installation. Nor are you going to have the integration with the backup camera if you happen to have that option installed also. You're likely going to need to go with a full aftermarket system like one of these that has parts and instructions. http://www.autoanything.com/mobile-electronics/74A6346A0A0.aspx That's just an example I pulled up via a Google search, not one I have any specific knowledge or recommendation for. Looking at the installation instructions for this example, it seems as though it would require both mechanical and wiring skills to do a good DIY installation job.
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If you mean the warning tone you hear in the vehicle, it only activates if there is an object close enough to the bumper as you are backing. I did some testing after I bought my 2015 TC Wagon and how close depends on the size of the object. A large flat object gets detected farther away, with the tone going continuous about a foot away as mentioned in the manual on pages 128-129. But even with just a single piece of 1/2" conduit sticking up out of the ground in an open flat yard, what I thought would be hardest to detect and thus most likely to hit, the tone went continuous at about 4 inches. But if you mean a continuous beeping heard outside the vehicle the entire time the vehicle is backing as a warning for others, that seems to be what this add on accessory is for: Backup Alarm by ECCO Part No: VAC3Z-14N137-A SRP: $105.00 http://accessories.ford.com/back-up-alarm.html But it's just a guess because the description is rather sparse.
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Engine compartment battery access
DonShockley replied to jfuhrma1's topic in 2014 Ford Transit Connect
Although I haven't actually done it, I was looking at this on my 2015 TC Wagon right after I bought it about 6 weeks ago. It looks like you need to pull the air cleaner box first, then disconnect the battery positive cable and remove the front section of the battery box that has the high current junction box attached, and that should let the battery slide out the front. But that was just my plan from looking at it in case I ever find the need to do it, I'm no mechanic and haven't actually tried my plan so I could be all wet. -
Bought a new key and Fob today
DonShockley replied to cruisinkruty's topic in Alarms, Keyless Entry, Key Fobs & Remote Start
Per the manual included with my 2015 TC Wagon, you can still do key programming yourself on the TC Gen 2. It's one of the things I checked prior to purchase. I had a Nissan in the past that required dealer programming and it was inconvenient and expensive. Thankfully, my TC came with the $65 optional 2 extra keys. Even so, I also got an extra $25 dumb key to put in my wallet in case of lock out. The dealer was able to cut it. (from Transit Connect manual, pg 59-60) "Programming a Spare Integrated Keyhead Transmitter You can program your own integrated keyhead transmitter or standard SecuriLock coded keys to your vehicle. This procedure will program both the engine immobilizer keycode and the remote entry portion of the remote control to your vehicle. Only use integrated keyhead transmitters or standard SecuriLock keys. You must have two previously programmed correctly coded keys and the new unprogrammed key readily accessible. See an authorized dealer to have the spare key programmed if two previously programmed correctly coded keys are not available." -
Added USB Power to Overhead Shelf
DonShockley replied to DonShockley's topic in Accessories and Modifications
I got a chance to test the access without removing the shelf. Unfortunately it was because I forgot to reconnect the microphone cable when I reinstalled the shelf. The center riser with the USB port installed does come loose fairly easily so the USB port could be installed without removing the shelf. But the access to the wire cutout in the headliner is too tight. But the good news is that you don't need to fully remove the shelf like I did. If you leave the screws installed on both ends (where the grab handles are) and just remove the 4 middle screws (2 under each visor), the center of the shelf drops down far enough to reach in and do any wiring connections needed. Much easier and quicker than removing the shelf entirely. -
Added USB Power to Overhead Shelf
DonShockley replied to DonShockley's topic in Accessories and Modifications
And here's the final result with the overhead shelf reinstalled and the power point connected and powered up. -
Added USB Power to Overhead Shelf
DonShockley replied to DonShockley's topic in Accessories and Modifications
As easy as it was to install the USB power point, it likely could have been drilled out and installed even without removal if your hands are small enough. This is the USB power point I installed: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KIIO7GC?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00 But for me, with fat guy sausage fingers, removal was a must. I also decided to drill the hole undersize then enlarge it with a file so that I could match the flat sided shape of the USB power point so it won't twist during use. I used a step bit and drilled the starter hole to 1 inch, the width of the flat sides. Then I used a half round hand file to expand the top and bottoms to fit the 1-1/8" overall diameter of the USB power point. But the single step of using a 1-1/8" hole saw would have worked just as well and is what I would do if trying to do it without removing the overhead shelf. If you're wondering about the orange item visible in the photo above, it's a whistle that's stored in the space reserved for the sunglass holder that my TC did not come equipped with. I always keep a glass breaker, seatbelt cutter, and whistle in reach of the driver and this dead space was the perfect size. While I had the shelf out, I also added some small dividers (spares from my Erector set collection) to keep items from sliding around. -
Added USB Power to Overhead Shelf
DonShockley replied to DonShockley's topic in Accessories and Modifications
Running the wiring was fairly straight forward. I did a test run for length with the split loom tubing alone and then cut the wires to length and did all the crimping and other wire work comfortably indoors. I used an 8-1/2 foot length of wire but it was just barely long enough at install once everything was routed neatly. If I were to do it again, I would use at least 9 ft and maybe even 10 ft to make the connection at the shelf easier to reach. Under the headliner Down the A pillar Down into the dash And connect to the FZ-1 FuzeBlock I added earlier ( Details in this thread: http://fordtransitconnectforum.com/topic/3912-added-my-own-accessory-fuse-box/ ) -
Here's how I added a USB power port to the overhead shelf on my 2015 TC LWB Wagon. I'll break the posts and pictures up for easier reading. I hate dangling wires so I wanted an overhead power supply for my dash cam. Rather than add yet another cigarette lighter socket for the plug in adapters that come with these type of accessories, I decided to go with a USB power port instead since they almost always use a 5v mini or micro USB plug anyway. Far more flexibility in cabling this way also instead of relying on what the manufacturer decides to supply. The First step was to remove the overhead shelf. There are four screws on each side, the two at each end of the handholds are under the covers, the other two in each side are readily visible once the visor is flipped down. As it turns out, I likely could have skipped this step since the riser piece in the middle where I wanted the power port mounted has nothing connected to it and the release tabs are all accessible with the shelf installed.
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From the album: 2015 TC LWB Wagon Modifications
Overhead shelf reinstalled and new USB port powered up. -
From the album: 2015 TC LWB Wagon Modifications
Power supply connection made at FZ-1 FuzeBlock added earlier. -
From the album: 2015 TC LWB Wagon Modifications
USB power port centered on divider to minimize chance of items hitting USB cables when installed. -
From the album: 2015 TC LWB Wagon Modifications
Hole drilled and USB power port installed. -
From the album: 2015 TC LWB Wagon Modifications
Here's the removed shelf with the center riser lifted off prior to drilling. -
From the album: 2015 TC LWB Wagon Modifications
Overhead shelf removed to add USB power port. Wiring runs under headliner. Large connector is for microphone Smaller connectors are power and ground for dome light. Split loom with red ends are 16ga wires for new USB power port -
From the album: 2015 TC LWB Wagon Modifications
Wires under white clamp are OEM wiring. Single split loom with black mount is wire added for USB Split loom running through hole is for trailer wiring. Dealer install was an unprotected wire and I added protective split loom while I had access. -
From the album: 2015 TC LWB Wagon Modifications
Wiring runs under passenger side A pillar trim. Between the air bag and the OEM wiring. -
Added my own Accessory Fuse Box
DonShockley replied to DonShockley's topic in Accessories and Modifications
There are a couple very minor changes I would make if I were doing it again. I didn’t know exactly how long of wires I would need or where I would mount the extra fuse holder, so I left the wires long enough to reach well out of the panel to make it easier to properly attach the fittings on the wires. A nice neat job can’t have too much extra wire hanging out so I would shorten everything to just enough spare wire for later repairs to the ends if needed. Similarly, instead of running wires to the bottom as I did initially, I would route the wires on top of the cargo area fuse block closer to where I finally ended up mounting the extra fuse holder. And I would prebuild all connections in a comfortable work area for the best crimp jobs and such I can manage. Oh wait, I’ve got lots of extra parts! So I did exactly that and built a second wire harness. It's just too tempting to start playing around when you have a ton of extras laying around. I also decided to build another version that’s just a break out to add a convenient wiring terminal strip for any future needs. I didn’t want to install it yet since I don’t actually need it but I wanted to see how it would fit so I used the mount/cover I installed for the FZ-1 harness. I’ve already started thinking about and researching parts for the next upgrade, adding power points up in that nice roomy headliner shelf. -
Added my own Accessory Fuse Box
DonShockley replied to DonShockley's topic in Accessories and Modifications
I removed the lower right cargo trim panel to run and mount the wires. And then removed both right sided door sill trims. Everything uses either those friction fit pins that you can just pull loose or plastic rivets where you just pry up the center button then pull out the rivet. Finally, I removed the glove box. This was the only spot that gave me trouble but mostly due to trying to do the work around midnight to beat the Texas heat and not seeing the removable BLACK hinge pins on the bottom of the glove box. If you don’t point the flashlight correctly, it’s amazing what you can miss in the dark even with your nose 3 inches away from the part. But they just pull out, towards the center of the glove box, and then a little twist of the glove box to clear the catches and then it comes out easily. I decided to mount the FZ-1 to the back of the glove box. Not as easily accessible as inside the box or on the dash itself, but more protection for the wires while still keeping fairly easy access (once you know what you’re doing) by pulling out the glove box. For the ground connection, I used 12ga wire to the ground screw under the middle of the front passenger door sill trim. For the constant and switched power leads, I fed one 12ga and one 18ga wire from the rear cargo fuse block up to the FZ-1 Fuzeblock up front. I was following the routing of the power wire previously installed by the dealer when they installed my Ford accessory trailer hitch as part of the purchase deal. Here's my Photo Album with photos of the wire routing. Underneath the right rear trim panel. Also note the Ford trailer wiring controller near the fuse box Behind the AC duct in front of the wheel well. There were even a couple unused holes that were perfect for the zip tie mounts. Unfortunately, I didn’t think to start taking photos until I already had the door sill trim pieces reinstalled. Wires exiting behind removed Glove Box. Also note BCM fuse box on firewall. FZ-1 Accessory fuse block all wired up UPDATE: Don't mount anything where I have that small accessory power brick clamped! This morning when I was under the dash investigating a mystery fuse at F61, I noticed that piece was pressed up against one of the wiring harnesses when the glove box was closed. I relocated it and won't be mounting anything to that portion of the glove box any more, the clearances are too tight and I don't want to risk damaging the OEM wiring. Fuse holder installed on wires at cargo area fuse block Initial location I tried mounting the fuse holder Final location where fuse holder was mounted. Better access and appearance -
Added my own Accessory Fuse Box
DonShockley replied to DonShockley's topic in Accessories and Modifications
The Transit Connect wiring is not very DIY friendly for direct battery wiring, or using either of the engine fuse blocks. And even though the passenger footwell fuse block is closest to where I needed power, it was not very usable for a neat and well protected wiring project. It is also part of the BCM and not being much of a car guy, I took to heart the numerous warnings I was reading from various sources about the potential dangers of trying to tie extra circuits in to the BCM. So that set of fuses was off limits too. But the fuse block in the cargo compartment is nearly perfect. It is easily accessible, has plenty of spare fuse slots, and is in a large recess with plenty of room to work. And since it already has it’s own Auxiliary Ignition Relay controlled by the BCM, it has both switched and constant power available. So in the end, the best solution was to mount the FZ-1 Fuzeblock up front where power was needed and supply it with a long wire harness running down the right side of the vehicle to connect it to the rear fuse panel. -
Added my own Accessory Fuse Box
DonShockley replied to DonShockley's topic in Accessories and Modifications
The first find that met my needs was the FZ-1 Fuzeblock to act as a convenient wiring point for accessories like my dash cam and phone charger. The big draw for me was the ease of use. Six screw terminals for extra circuit wiring, built in relay for switched power, and making any circuit switched or constant just by moving the fuse for that circuit to the appropriate set of contacts. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L3OJW4C?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=od_aui_detailpages00 The second find was the Delphi Metripack 6-Way Female Inline connector that lets you build a waterproof, direct wired (no splices), triple fuse holder that is very similar to the OEM connectors used throughout the vehicle. The only downside is that you need a variety of sizes of numerous small parts to fit assorted wire sizes and most of the smalls had minimum order quantities of 100, so the parts bill climbs quickly. On the plus side, I have enough leftovers to do another 4-5 vehicles the same way mine was done and another 15-20 smaller setups. So if anybody else wants to try something similar and needs the parts, I can hook you up without the extra cost of those stupid minimum quantities. http://www.waytekwire.com/item/38076/Delphi-12059573-Metri-Pack-280-Series-6-Way/ The final find was alongside the 6-Way Connector and provides a nice way to tap power from the supply side of those spare fuse slots. It’s a brass fuse leg with a spade connector on the other end for connecting your wires. http://www.waytekwire.com/item/37065/Mini-Tapper-Fuse-Clip/ I also decided that since I was already spending way too much, I might as well go all the way and upgrade the wire also. Instead of the standard primary wire from the auto store, I went with some more temperature and abrasion resistant wire since it was going to be running under trim. Better safe than sorry. http://www.wirebarn.com/GXL-Automotive-Wire-by-the-Foot_c_29.html -
When I purchased my 2015 Transit Connect Wagon, the dealer said it would be no problem to add a couple extra circuits for accessories at one of the fuse boxes. After working my way through several sales and service staff members, the “wiring specialist” finally determined that what I wanted was not possible since the spare fuse slots have no connections on the load side (see F43 at top left in photo below) and Ford won’t supply the parts to add them. So in the end I had to come up with my own solution. And knowing wiring but not cars, my first purchase was the wiring diagram book. I may not know how everything shown in it works, but I can make sure I only tie into something I can see documented and feel confident I understand. Initially I tried the basic auto store inline fuse holders with converted fuse legs as power taps. Although the connections were pretty good quality, strong silver solder and multiple layers of heat shrink, I didn’t like the holders just hanging loose and there were too many potential failure points. So after some searching I found some parts that make for a nice clean, almost bulletproof, wiring harness for accessories. I’ll apologize in advance for the length of this post up and I'll try to break it up into readable sections with a few photos each. I know I have a tendency to overdo the story telling, but I wanted to share what I learned along the way and why I chose to do it that way in the hopes it helps others with similar projects.
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From the album: 2015 TC LWB Wagon Modifications
Final fuse holder installation position. Red 12ga wire connected to F27 for constantly on power Yellow 18ga wire connected to F41 for switched power to trigger relay -
From the album: 2015 TC LWB Wagon Modifications
Initial position in which fuse holder was installed. Red 12ga wire connected to F27 for constantly on power Yellow 18ga wire connected to F41 for switched power to trigger relay© Donald Shockley
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From the album: 2015 TC LWB Wagon Modifications
Cargo Area trim panel reinstalled. Fuse holder wired up but not yet installed.