MDC cruise install problems

[bdroth]

I purchased an MDC cruise from Smarts-R-Us and have been having trouble installing it.

Each time I connect or disconect any thing I disconect the (neg) battery connection.

The first time I installed it every thing went as planned but, the airbag system went off line. The passanger air bag is off whether smone one is in the seat or not and the air bag light on the dash is on.

Used it this way for a week. Liked how the cruise worked but need to get the remote indicator lights.

Removed cruise to see if was related to airbag light. All airbag functions seem normal.

Re-installed cruise and this time car won't start, many lights on. Instead of a "P" for park I see 3 horizontal lines above each other.

Removed cruise and car still won't start. Same 3 dashes. Re checked connections.

I gave up and was planing how to tow car to dealer pressed brake and shifted from P to D and 3 dashes went away and car now starts.

Befor I try to install again, does any body have an idea what may be going on?

[chieftmc]

Maybe you should have bought the 451 CC

[SunDiego]

If you still can - return in. Do your self a favor and buy the Area 451 CC.

[bdroth]

I was on the 451 wait list for 1 1/2 months. Got tired of waiting. This one can up on ebay for $250.

[Wdhitch]

Originally Posted by bdroth

I was on the 451 wait list for 1 1/2 months. Got tired of waiting. This one can up on ebay for $250.

There hasn't been a wait list for 2 months now ... I ordered the 451 from smartie parts just last week... they have them in stock and I received it in 3 days. They're on ebay as well... And as for the price... you get what you pay for. The 451 is an easier install and better fit for the NA451's.

Return it if you still can and get the 451.. you won't be disappointed.

[Woody14619]

Personally, I love my MDC unit. I ordered mine via Smartie Parts but they've stopped carrying it now (they now cary the Area 451 instead).

I've never heard of it affecting the airbags, but then I only did my one install. Maybe the data connector on the spedo was causing problems from mis-seating? One thing to try is switching the MDC board off (there's a micro switch on the board that turns the functionality on and off). If it's an electrical fault, changing that would have no effect. If it's a programming fault though, it would.

I had one or two issues installing my MDC unit, but once it was in right it was fine. I got the 3-bars twice during my install. Once was from me being dumb and disconnecting the battery when the shifter was in neutral. NEVER disconnect the battery when the shifter is in anything but park. If you do, you have to turn it on, let it sit for 30 seconds, then shift the shifter in the way the manual describes to re-train the system. (And it makes a nasty grinding sound while it's re-training, which can't be good for the car.)

The other time it was because the connector for the gas peddle slipped a bit inside the plastic housing. You really need to zip-tie that sucker in so it doesn't let go.

Also, any time the system remembers being hosed, it can take it a while to re-learn that it's been fixed. Give it at least a minute or two to figure that out. I once turned it on and it was stuck in 3-bar, so I went to the house to grab a tool I needed to re-pull the pedel, and when I got back it was happy and showing Park.

[bdroth]

Very useful information.
The information on the unit and switches could be better. I verified that the switch was in the ON position but didn't consider trying it in the OFF position to trouble shoot the problem.
So you have seen the 3-bars. When I got them to clear it seemed like it just forgot what gear it was in. Does any body know what the 3 bars reaaly meen?
I will try again the first good day I get.
Thanks,
ps I don't plan on giving up on the MDC yet. I do see the Area 451 in stock now. I did put my email on the wait list. Still have not been contacted.