DIY Moving Sport mode button and Aux Port

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BSki

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 31, 2013
Messages
100
So I moved the USB port to inside the center console, so now I would like to put the sports mode button next to the side view mirror controls.

I took some pictures, I would need to come up with something that would extend 4 wires. I am hoping some of you more sophisticated electrical guys could tell me when I can pick up to easily extend the wires say 3-4 feet.

Attached picks of the connector.
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I guess you could put it where ever you like once the wires are extended.

I don't have a gear shifter, I have a Stage 10 Electronic shifter installed. With this near the rearview controls, it is very easy to press with my arm resting on the center console.
 
BSki said:
...I don't have a gear shifter, I have a Stage 10 Electronic shifter installed. With this near the rearview controls, it is very easy to press with my arm resting on the center console.
Those are pretty cool - dark had one at the Irvine meet this weekend. It's similar to the Tesla Roadster control panel.
 
BSki said:
I guess you could put it where ever you like once the wires are extended.

I don't have a gear shifter, I have a Stage 10 Electronic shifter installed. With this near the rearview controls, it is very easy to press with my arm resting on the center console.
What does this look like? Can you post a picture?
 
Here's a photo of the stage10 electronic shift module. There are other options but they all run about $200-$250

IMG_8701sm_1024x1024.jpg


http://stage-10-online.myshopify.com/products/ess
 
Extending the wires is easy with quick splice connectors that can be found at Radio Shack or online.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12515225
 
Just cut the wires where your fingers are, get four different color wires that are preferably the same colors as the ones you have (and in the same gauge) and make a very simple crimp connection * 8.

Video on how to crimp wires:

http://youtu.be/No8OmETZEPs


22-18 Gauge Insulated Crimp-On Butt Connector (16-Pack)
Catalog #: 64-3108

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103510
pRS1C-2266050w345.jpg



http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=17996146#
pRS1-14800735w345.jpg



BSki said:
 
Disclaimer! Do this at your own risk. This was meant as a guide and I am in no way responsible for any problems that arises if something goes wrong. This is how I did it and does not mean it's right or wrong.

I decided I rather have the Sport button closer to me so I don't have to hunch and reach over when I want to activate it. I also decided that I wanted to move the Aux usb port inside to hide whatever I want to use inside the arm rest.

Tools and materials required:
Pry tools or good finger nails
Roughly 25"-30" of 22-18 gauge wire
#22 - #18 AWG Butt connecters
Heat shrink or electrical tape
Zip ties
Wire cutter / stripper / Crimper
Rotary tool or drill or metal file


Step 1
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Put your fingers into the slot of the hand brake to push out the console box that holds the Mirror and Aux USB. Once you have it out. Unplug the cables to remove the box.

Step 2
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Reach your hand inside to remove the blank plug.

Step 3
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Push the clips on each side to slide out the Aux USB port.

Step 4
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Insert the port into the slot inside the armrest. The port will only go in one way.

Step 5
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Pry the plastic piece up a little to go over the inside lip.

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After you have it over the lip, pull up and backwards at a angle.
Do the same to remove the other side.

Step 6
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With one hand on each side. Pull from the middle straight up to remove the Park/Drive cover.
After removing the cover push the quick release to remove the cable that plugs into the park button.

Step 7
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Using both hands. Pry where the arrows are slowly to remove this console. Pull straight back. You might hear tape ripping but it's just the double sided tape they used for the carpet up top. Slowly wiggle it out. There are two tabs on the bottom also. Remove all cable connections.

Step 8
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Remove the two screws indicated.
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With two hands one on each side, pull straight up to remove the cup holders.

Step 9
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Cut the wires for the Sport mode button. It's the one with 4 wires and a black connector.

Step 10
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I bought 22awg wires with the same colors. You could use any colors. Just make sure you connect the right ones. You will need roughly 22"-26" inches of wire. (I forgot to measure). I used a heat gun and heat shrink to keep the cables nice and tidy.

Step 11
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Using the butt connecters connect your wires. Keep note of what colors you are using so you make sure you connect them right.
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I wanted to heat shrink them to make it look nice but you could skip this step. Don't skip the next step. Zip tie all the butt connectors together to keep them from going everywhere with the possibility of disconnecting.

Step 12
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You will see the stock wires running down the left side. Run your wires along that path. Zip tie it every so often to keep the wires clean without running the risk of getting caught if they were loose.

Step 13
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Connect the wires to the other end of the stock quick connect. Once done, zip tie them together.

Step 14
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You will notice that the slots are different from the two locations.
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I used a dremel with a rotary cutter to cut the slot to fit the Sport mode button. You could either use a drill or a file to make the slot fit.

Step 15
Plug all the cables back and install everything in reverse order and enjoy the fruits of your labor. :D
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I planned on doing this before seeing this thread but I'm glad you posted all the photos and instructions thank you! Because of your easy to follow instructions I did it in about 15 mins!

While I was in there I decided to hard wire both power points to the battery. This way I can charge off the car anytime I need to. That took a little longer but I was done with both in less than an hour.
 
ppartekim said:
So is there a place to get the OEM plugs so I can just replug in the original when my lease it over?
You don't need to buy any plugs. You have everything you need. Your just rearranging them.

If I trade it in I'm just going to keep it as it is. I'm sure no one would even notice.
 
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