Dunneldeen
Well-Known Member
- Thread starter
- #1
I picked up the Autostop Eliminator last week and had a chance this weekend to install it.
Youtube has several videos that show how to install it without removing the front lower dash. This might work if you have normal or small, somewhat nimble hands. I, on the other hand, with my not so nimble and rather large hands found this a bit frustrating, to put it kindly. I'd like to say that my truck drew first blood this day, but I'd be lying; I'm pretty sure that was a while back on another project.
If you follow the install videos and pull open the panel around the shifter, then reach underneath, there are two identical connectors, one for the top row of buttons, one for the bottom row. The connector for the bottom row is in the way of being able to easily reach the top connector. The connector that plugs into the button panel in the dash has a small, but covered, tab that you have to push in, while gently pulling the connector to disconnect it.
I fought the connectors for a bit but just could not get my hands under the panel in a way that would allow me to disconnect the top connector. I realized that the lower dash panel, the one with the 12v marine plugs, is preventing me from opening the shifter panel up all the way. So, I regrouped and decided that my best option would be to remove the lower dash panel. Having previously watched the Lightforce Switch Facia install video, that shows how to remove the lower dash panel, I knew this would be reasonably easy.
So, I removed the lower dash panel like the video shows and set it aside. This allowed me to get both of my hands under the shifter panel in a way to easily disconnect the button connector. 5 minutes later and I had the Autostop Eliminator installed and all panels back in place; you can't even tell I was in there mucking around.
Now, I know there are free and easier ways to deal with the Autostartstop function on our Rangers, but this was the best choice for me. There are times when I am okay with the autostopstart working, and times when it annoys me, this allows me to better chose when it's on or off.
PS: if you don't have a 7mm socket, used to remove the lower dash panel, a 9/32 will also work.
Youtube has several videos that show how to install it without removing the front lower dash. This might work if you have normal or small, somewhat nimble hands. I, on the other hand, with my not so nimble and rather large hands found this a bit frustrating, to put it kindly. I'd like to say that my truck drew first blood this day, but I'd be lying; I'm pretty sure that was a while back on another project.
If you follow the install videos and pull open the panel around the shifter, then reach underneath, there are two identical connectors, one for the top row of buttons, one for the bottom row. The connector for the bottom row is in the way of being able to easily reach the top connector. The connector that plugs into the button panel in the dash has a small, but covered, tab that you have to push in, while gently pulling the connector to disconnect it.
I fought the connectors for a bit but just could not get my hands under the panel in a way that would allow me to disconnect the top connector. I realized that the lower dash panel, the one with the 12v marine plugs, is preventing me from opening the shifter panel up all the way. So, I regrouped and decided that my best option would be to remove the lower dash panel. Having previously watched the Lightforce Switch Facia install video, that shows how to remove the lower dash panel, I knew this would be reasonably easy.
So, I removed the lower dash panel like the video shows and set it aside. This allowed me to get both of my hands under the shifter panel in a way to easily disconnect the button connector. 5 minutes later and I had the Autostop Eliminator installed and all panels back in place; you can't even tell I was in there mucking around.
Now, I know there are free and easier ways to deal with the Autostartstop function on our Rangers, but this was the best choice for me. There are times when I am okay with the autostopstart working, and times when it annoys me, this allows me to better chose when it's on or off.
PS: if you don't have a 7mm socket, used to remove the lower dash panel, a 9/32 will also work.
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