Secondary LED Indicator for Cruise

[sheureka]

My only problem with the Area451 cruise has been seeing the LED on the wiper stalk - it's not a problem with the cruise, the problem is just that the steering wheel is in the way. The guys at Area451 have now put up instructions on how to add a secondary LED in the instrument cluster. The instructions are very, very clear with good pictures again. This mod looks a little harder for DIY than the original installation, but seems very doable with some time and patience. Here's the link - Tutorial: Secondary LED indicator in Instrument Cluster. Enjoy! - sheureka

[Kermit]

THANK YOU!!

I kept wondering if I should cut the red wire or the green wire. Red, always cut the red. just kidding. Thanks, that is a great idea. Might be a weekend project for me.

[Wdhitch]

Originally Posted by Bum-bling-B

Might be a weekend project for me.

I'm going to have to move up there.... You know too much.

[Docthrock]

I know when the cruise is engaged... I take my foot off and the car keeps going.

Heck, I think they should make all the control markings in BRAILLE, because I can't see any of them. And the cruise "engaged" LED light is least important. But after about 7500 miles, I kinda got a feel for where everything is at.

Now if I could just quit turning on the wipers when I press the cruise button.

[Ron F]

Originally Posted by Docthrock

I know when the cruise is engaged... I take my foot off and the car keeps going.

Heck, I think they should make all the control markings in BRAILLE, because I can't see any of them. And the cruise "engaged" LED light is least important. But after about 7500 miles, I kinda got a feel for where everything is at.

Now if I could just quit turning on the wipers when I press the cruise button.

I too had a problem with turning on the wipers when I meant to engage or disengage the CC. Problem is the spring in the cylinder on the wiper control arm is just too stiff. Here is a very simple solution to that problem. This spring is between the small, round circuit board and the button on the end of the control arm. Cut 1/4 inch off the length of that spring and your problem will be solved. The button will be much easier to push and you will no longer keep turning on the wipers as I was doing. Caution--per the original installation instructions do not push on the button when reinstalling the cylinder.

[Ron F]

An alternative to installing the LED in the Instrument cluster is to install it in the dash board immediately to the right of the cluster. Follow same wiring instructions as in the Area 451 mod instructions but drill a 13/16 hole for a 5 mm LED and insert the LED. Works great, looks neat, avoids risk of screwing up the instrument cluster, and is easy to get to with the cluster removed from the dash. PM me for pics. Unfortunately this site does not allow me to attach pics from my computer. Alternatively, check the Smart USA site--I'll probably post there with pictures.