Area451 cruise control install tips

[pilot500]

I just finished installing the Area451 cruise control and want to share my experiences. I found three items that should be useful to new installers.

1. When drilling the 5/16" hole in the thin plastic, at the base of the wiper control stalk, drill a small hole first and then increase the size of the drill until you're at 5/16". I tried the big drill and as soon as it broke through the plastic, the drill tried to go up the stalk. This caused a short crack in the plastic stalk. If this happens, drill a small hole at the end of the crack to keep it from spreading. I then covered the crack with superglue and the problem is solved.

2. The 3/8" staple, used to depress the barb on the terminals is too wide. While the thickness of the staple is good, the width must be reduced until it easily slides into the release hole of the electrical plug. I used a piece of emery cloth to sand down the metal. The size is perfect when the staple easily slides into the hole as shown in the installation diagram.

3. NOW FOR THE REALLY SCARY PART. After installation, connect the battery and turn on the key. DO NOT TRY TO START THE CAR. Wait 1 minute or until the driver display shows P for park. I didn't know this and when I tried to start the car...nothing happened. Terror struck as I thought I had screwed up the car. Apparently the car goes through a complete "boot up" which takes about 45 seconds. A quick e-mail to Area451, with my phone number, and they called within 2 minutes to explain what to do. I suggested that they add the wait period to their instructions.

A test drive indicated the system was working perfectly. The whole installation takes about an hour. Good luck.

[Dunerunner]

Great post and the insight into the wait period should help would be installers!! Makes you wonder why the manufacturer or dealer isn't offering this as an option.

[JPaul]

Isn't one Dealership offering this as an option?
As for smart, actually Daimler, they are aware, I made sure of this. Obviously, it takes some doing to get Daimler AG to evaluate the situation. If they are even considering. Can you see them opting for an outside solution?

[Dunerunner]

Originally Posted by JPaul

Isn't one Dealership offering this as an option?
As for smart, actually Daimler, they are aware, I made sure of this. Obviously, it takes some doing to get Daimler AG to evaluate the situation. If they are even considering. Can you see them opting for an outside solution?

I could see Damlier offering to purchase Area 451 Cruise Controls under contract with agreement that Area 451 not sell any more wholesale or retail CC's!

And, you're spot on; Seattle smart center and Car Toys have a deal going to install Area 451 Cruise Controls and the dealership is offering it in their dealer options packages.

[mvaldes]

Whether the staple works or depends on the type of staple used. The one they used in Canada (that's in the instructions) isn't sold at Staples in the US. However, the HEAVY DUTY 3/8" Swingline that they do sell fits and works fine.

As far as the boot up, I let mine go through that but still had the traction control (ESC) triangle light lit up in the center of the speedo console. Turned out that one of the pins I had "clicked" into the red connector block wasn't totally secure and when I crammed the unit and wiring into the cubby, it pushed it up just a hair. When I eventually found the tiny bit of copper showing above the block and pushed it back down, all was well.

Also, remember not to use a screwdriver (or equivalent) when tucking the cable under the carpet. Steve told me he has ruined a cable that way. The handle of an old toothbrush has been recommended and works well.