I need to get access back there to install a couple gauges and i'm wanting to T into the cig. lighter.

Has anyone done this on the RA? I've scene some pics from searching the evo x forums. but their mainly GSR consoles and they look a bit different.

Anyone do this on a SST console yet?

thanks

 

Are you trying to get power for the gauge or the illumination?

 

will require both. for power i'll use the cigar lighter. Illumination likely pick something up off the fuse panel.

 

Basically, you need to remove the whole section that includes the cig lighter, shifter panel, and cup holders. To do this, you need to remove the buttons next to the cup holders. Insert a screwdriver (cover it with something soft to prevent scratches) and pry it out. Once the buttons are out, you can pull up from the hole. That will give you access to the screws that are holding down the shifter panel and cig lighter.

I'm recalling this from memory. I'll try to post some pictures but I'm at work right now.

 

Ok here's a quick how to without pictures:

Get a 10mm socket, remove all the crap inside your center arm rest.

There's two screws there, take those out.

Now using your hands, push IN and UP on the Cup holder to pop it off and out!
Careful not to pull it too hard, there's a few cables there including the one for the AWC switch.

There you'll find three Phillip-head screws, all you need is a screwdriver.
Take those out, and careful how you remove the SST plate, the plastic is a bit flimsy (in other words, cheap as heck!)

That should give you access to the 12-V connector. If you can't access it without removing the entire HVAC console, then you have to keep removing crap:

Continue on to the Glove compartment, take it off by pushing inwards from the sides, then down. It'll pop out of place and you'll have acess to a screw there on the left side. Also the right side has a small piece of plastic (next to the door) that comes off after you take that screw out as well. That'll give you access to the whole "CF" trim... there's one more screw there to remove the trim.

Removing the fake CF trim takes a bit of patience cause it's pretty hard but pulling up little by little, starting from the passenger door towards the center console will help remove it completely. If you hear pop sounds don't get scared, it's just clips coming off (hopefully!)

Once the fake CF trim is out, you can remove the radio console by simply pulling towards you and up starting from the hazards control (use your fingers to pull towards & up).

That'll give you access to two Screws that'll let loose the HVAC which then can be pulled off towards you.

It's a pain in the ***, half the car will come off pretty much haha!

Well good luck! Let us know if it worked :-)
that's all I have in my head right now... I've done this procedure three times so I think it's pretty accurate

 

You lost me right there.

 

fixed it lol!

 

thanks guys. pod should be here tomorrow. i'm gonna start tearing into this tonight i think.

 

great post some pix up when its done..or yuo should take pix while you installing it and make a how 2 . also i was in my friends mazda..he had a boost gauge in a air vent and it looked amazing..the heat was still blowing out of there

 

ya i'll be sure to take some pics as i tear into.

 

well my pod came in and so i figured i'd mount it and see how far i could get apart the center console.

1. i started with the awc switch panel. It just pops out as stated.
2. removed 2 phillips screws that hold the shift lever bezel and cubby tray in. also undid the wiring harnesses to the sport switch and gear shifter.
3. you can then pull up and back towards you and the panel comes out. the cig lighter will be attached and is easily undone.

the only thing i could not figure out and i gave up on was how to get it so i could actually set the entire panel aside. the boot and ring you lift to get out of park kept me from removing the panel totally. but for today sake i just spun the bezel around to give me room to work which was enough. i then put my prosport boost gauge into the pod and secured it and mounted the pud up underneith the cubby.

Here is a pic:



was a little chilly outside so i decided to leave it at that. I'll tackle the actual wiring over the weekend i think.

what do you guys think? i know the location isn't the greatest. but i wanted something a little stealthy. I really didn't want any gauges attached to the top of the dash. because if its more visible for me. its also more visible for some dirt bag to see as well.

also i'll take more step by step pics when i tear it apart again todo the wiring.

 

looks good so far..just take some more pix..mabe i'll think about copying you lol

 

the part thats clipped that holds the ashtray and 12v, pull up on that and theres 3 little phillips head screws underneath then you should be able to lift that whole piece out.

 

cool thanks for the tip.

 

Tre, where did you get that gauge pod? Custom?