I just got my AudioLink in the mail. Im going to install it soon, once I get my car back from the dealership.

Its like -20c here in Montreal, so yes, Im trying to find ways to cut down on install time.

I remember reading that someone had plugged in the connector for the Audiolink by just removing the glovebox and going behind the HU.

I know its a tight fit, but I have a GF and she could probably wiggle her hand back there.

Im just wondering if anyone has done it ?
Im planning on putting the AudioLink in the glove box or just below it, so I have no need to remove everything and wirring it to the center console.

Ive been searching for over an hour and cant find the post, or the exact page in the 40 page posts that I had seen about this.

Thanks for any help you can give me.

 

Be really careful of the plastic bits at that temp...they will break very easily

 

^ I'm waiting for mine to come in and it's been cold here too! But I'm hoping for the exact same thing as you, to be able to install through the glove compartment. Have you seen this pic?



I just posted a thread about mounting options before I read yours.

Good luck with the install and the player.

 

haha. good luck trying to reach from the glove box. you will most likely need to remove the headunit. and yes you will still need to take out the glovebox.

 

I was able to install my sirius and XM inside the glovebox without removing it.. i just ran the wires over the back of the glovebox and then there is all kinds of holes behind the head Unit, i just used the big one on the right rear.. I didn't need to cut, drill, or grow skinny hands or anything.. it's wasn't that hard at all..

but if you want to install BEHIND the glove box, then yes you will have to remove it.

 

WikkedOne

Do you mean without removing the glove box or without removing the head unit ?

 

you will have to remove the Head Unit.. but not the glove box.. sorry

 

So what is the verdict? Can you install the AudioLink by only removing the glove box? Can anyone pm me the AudioLink install instructions. Is it only 1 connector that plugs into an open area on the HU, or ?

Thanks.

 

^^^^^^^^^
It has been answered.........

 

You can install the cables without completely removing the head unit, but as near as I can tell, you're going to have to - at the very least - remove the two front screws along with the "hidden" bolt and then pop the head unit forward (which is not that hard to do). Removing the glove box is the easiest of any of the pieces of trim you'll ever have to remove and requires not a single tool and will make the entire task that much easier as you need to reach in through the opening beside it to get in behind the head unit.

So, I would:
1) Remove glove box.
2) Remove shift **** (just unscrews).
3) Remove console around shifter (use flat head screw driver and if you reach in with you index finger from the front of the e-brake cutout you can help release the one tough catch that is there). Unplug heated seats and navigation if you have them.
4) Remove ashtray (two screws and pull). Unplug lighter, and two light harnesses (one for lighter and one for ashtray).
5) Remove trim under steering wheel (just pull from top and let hang, then pull forward).
6) Remove metal trim under steering wheel (four screws) - this makes getting at the hidden bolt much easier.
7) Unbolt head unit (two screws and one bolt).
8) COVER THE EXPOSED SHIFTER THREADS WITH A TOWEL OR RAG. (Even though we're not pulling the head unit all the way out, it's going to come close and you don't want to scratch the face - also leave shifter in 4th).
9) Reach in from glove box with right hand and push head unit from behind while pulling slightly with your left hand - it will be tough at first as you are springing four clips but it will pop. You can have someone with tiny hands try the install now, but it's still going to be quite tight - I'd recommend the next step as well...
10) Hold a small mirror down where the ashtray was so you can see up under the front of the stereo and spring the two HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning) wire harnesses. This will allow you to pull the head unit almost completely out of the dash without unplugging the three stereo harnesses from the back and give you ample room to reach behind even with larger hands.

While this sounds complicated, the whole thing takes about 5 minutes after you get the hang of it.

Be careful when you reinstall everything - don't forget to replug any harnesses in that you unhooked.

 

Thanks for the great info . Are there any special things I need to know with the A/T. Will the shifter be in the way in Park? I can't take the keys out of the ignition unless it's in park.

Also, is the ebay units being sold from china the same as rpm's. Just search RX8 MP3 for many many entries. They are about $25 cheaper and appear to have both the USB and an SD slot. It might display ID3 tag info too. Anyone use one of these before?

 

just disconnect the battery - turn the key and press the brake to move the shifter..

or you could just unbolt it..

but if you don't unbolt it make sure you cover it with something or you WILL scratch your Head Unit when you pull it out!!

 

Good advise, thank you.

I spoke to Donny at RPM on the unit's details and also regarding the ebay units from China. They are xcarlink (the same as audiolink), but it's not worth the risk and customer service challanges for dealing with a seller from China to save only $20. Better to buy from RPM, and besides, his customer service is great. Very honest and upfront.