Installing a Cruise Control - Steering Controls

The Autostrada cruise control system  I have selected comes with matching steering control module, which is identical to the original controls. So it fits nicely on the right hand side, complementing the stereo controls on the left. Remove the blank, and screw the controls ins.

Next need to fit the two wires from control module into the Clock Spring connector. It has several pins unpopulated, so choosing the two on the side (as per Autostrada installation guide) seems logical. The connector has a trick to insert new connector pins. It is not possible to push the pins in, as would with most electronic connectors we are familiar with. There is a locking strip, which needs to be removed first, and then can push the pins in easily. I inserted a fine tipped screwdriver (jeweler's) into one of the pinholes and lightly pushed, and the lock strip came loose.

The pins has a correct side to it, but when you open the lock, it's easy to see how other pins are in, and follow the same. Once done, push the lock back, and all set to go. If the pins are on wrong orientation, you will not be able to fit the lock back, and pins will come loose.

Once this is finished, you are done with the Airbag module side of things. Push the Gray connector first, then the Airbag, and then fit the module in. Everything in reverse to the removal. Make sure you have fitted the Airbag connector properly and locked the black plastic all the way in. If it clicks and locks, you are good to go. If it does not snap in flushing flat with yellow surface, the connector may not be all the way in. Take time and make sure you have done this properly.

Ideally, thread-lock needs to be applied on the security screws. However, the old threadlock needs to be removed before applying new. Excessive force on tightening the screws may do more damage. Avoid damage from slippage on screw head.

For me, putting back the airbag module in its rightful place without an incident, was a big relief. I should mention it's a choice I made to install the airbag in, and then continue on next steps. Ideally, the module should have been installed last, once every other work on the vehicle is completed.

Installing a Cruise Control - Airbag Removal

Its best to treat the Airbag module as an explosive device, or a loaded gun, so treat it with respect. Even though it's rare there is a real possibility that an Airbag can set off with static electricity. Static can be build up easily on a dry day, so need to be extra carefull there. Do not wear silk material, shoes or slippers. Do not stand up on carpets. Whenever possible, touch metal parts of the vehicle handing removing/handling airbag. Ideally, should be strapped permanently to the vehicle earth/metal during this procedure.

In general, Airbags only has two electrical terminals, at least in E51.  They are for the internal heating element which starts the chemical reaction for generating Nitrogen gas. Avoid touching them with fingers or get in contact with anything. As soon as the module is removed, keep it out of reach an out of harms way.

Disconnecting battery terminals

Removing battery terminals, and leaving the vehicle for few minutes for dissipating any residual power is very important. Technically it only requires removal of battery negative terminal, but for safe side it's a good practice to remove both terminals, pulled them back and make sure the connectors will not accidently spring back and come in contact with the battery. I tucked the wires away from the terminal and secured.

Keep the headlights ON, so it will drain any remaining electrical charge in the system.


Airbag module removal

The Airbag module is held by two screws, hidden away with plastic caps, either side of the steering wheel.

The plastic cap can be removed with even fingernails, but I used a fine flat-head screwdriver tip. It easily pops up.

Once the caps are off, there is a screw inside, which has a torx type security head. You need a matching security bit to remove these screws.

I didn't have them, so this was the ideal excuse to buy a set, which cost me $14 at Jaycar. Do not even attempt to use other tools on these screws, as they were designed to be used with specialized security bit. Otherwise
you may end up damaging the screw head easily, and render the screw unremovable. If that happens, drilling a screw close to an Airbag is asking for trouble. Use the right tools, and you will not be disappointed.

The screws are coated with threadlocker, so it will resist breaking the bond loose. Do not let the tooltip slip over the head, but a fitting security bit will do the job just fine. I used a ratchet arm, which gives more torque than a screwdriver. I would not recommend using a drill-driver anywhere close to the airbag. Hand tools works best.  A consistent pressure, holding the bit perpendicular will get the first turn break free from the bond. Wobbly hands, and awkward angles may contribute to slippage, so be aware.

Removing wire connectors

Once the two screws are removed, the airbag module will release. It should be handled carefully and flip towards you, noticing the two wires holding it to the steering column. Center cable is for the Airbag, and left side is for the steering controls for stereo. These cables need to be disconnected. I choose to disconnect the airbag connector (yellow) first, due to obvious reasons.

The Yellow airbag connector is a specialized one, which can be removed only one way. That is to lift the black plastic, which disengages the connector lock. Slip a small flat-head screwdriver into the slot, and slightly lever down. The lock will pop open. Once the lock is opened, the yellow connector can be easily pulled out, from the socket.

This is very delicate, and you have to take the time and do it carefully, or otherwise a broken connector lock will render the airbag non functional. If it is broken for some terrible reason, do not try to fix it, get professional help replacing. That connector can be the decider of your life or death one day.

I may be over emphasizing and exaggerating the dangers of handling airbag. Probably I should do more, in my honest opinion. That is one device in the car, the driver depends life with. It's a no joke to render this invaluable safety device useless due to carelessness.

Once the airbag connector is out, next is the steering control connector. Usually called Clock Spring Connector. It's a gray plastic connector, with some pins unpopulated.This is pretty straight forward. Push the tab, and pull out the connector. I use a bent needle nose pliers to remove these type of connectors. It comes very handy in awkward locations where fingers cannot reach properly or not enough force can be exerted. Mine is a long arm one, which has a good reach.

Installing a Cruise Control - Steps

This procedure is for Autostrada Cruise Control system to be installed in Elgrand E51 Series II 2007 model. Some of the steps and techniques are highly dependent on this vehicle and cruise model. However it may also be taken generally, as some of the steps may be transferable for other makes and models.

This can be easily broken into 5 steps. Each step, except the Test drive, can be done in different order. I found the following order convenient for me, but there is no right or wrong order there. However, each step has its unique challenges to overcome. Also they have different techniques to follow, making the whole experience flawless.

1. Airbag Removal
2. Steering controls
3. Tapping into power and CAN bus
4. Throttle harness connection
5. Indicator installation
6. Test Drive

The most critical and possibly dangerous task is to remove and put back the airbag, without blowing it on your face. It can also be lethal if you do not know what you are doing. So I highly recommend to consult factory service manual on correctly remove the airbag following exactly as the manufacture specified. The problem with Elgrand is, the only available English repair manual for E51 does not cover this section, among many other missing information. If you have a Nissan repair manual for any other vehicle model, that would give you some idea of the manufactures procedures. Also would recommend watching couple of youtube videos, where guys show how to do this on different vehicles. If you are not confidant, please do not attempt. Best to pay for somebody else who knows how to do this safely. Please do not take this step lightly. Getting yourself killed in the process is a real possibility. 

Steering control installation partly involves fixing the steering controls to the airbag assembly, so extreme caution is needed there. Then need to fix control wires into the Clock Spring connector in steering column. Other end of the Clock Spring connector harness is located underside of the steering shroud.

Autostrad is a CAN bus system. Which means, it intercept throttle signal (accelerator pedal) and inject messages to CAN bus for controlling the vehicle speed. Its called Fly-By-Wire system, where all modern vehicles are. The best location to tap into the CAN bus is the OBD connector. Since the OBD connector front end is needed for vehicle diagnostics, its not ideal to slip wires into the connector itself. Instead, tapping the two CAN bus wires behind the connector is advised, and this requires removing cable insulation and soldering two wires in an extremely tight spot. A positive supply (ACC) is also required to power up the Cruise ECU unit, which can also be tapped at the fuse box.

Accelerator connector needs to be removed, and a T-Connector goes in-between them, tapping throttle signal. This step is relatively easy, but the connector can be a bit hard to remove first.

Next comes the indicator signal. The system comes with a bi-color LED, which can be stick somewhere suitable. Probably in a blank switch block. However, I had a different idea altogether. I wanted to interface this with the dashboard lights, where CRUISE and SET indicators are already in the instrument cluster. I hit a roadblock, learning the built-in indicators are CAN bus. The LED holes are deep enough to slip an LED and hard wire, but that's a hack which needs removal of the circuit board behind the instrument cluster, which intern requires removing the needles. They seems pretty delicate, so I didn't want to break anything, so didn't go there. Instead, I placed the LED temporary under the fuse flap, until I figure out what I am going to do with it. I badly want to use the cluster indicators, but unfortunately nobody has decoded the CAN messages to get this done just yet. I will perhaps do this, when I get time.

If everything goes well, next is to connect the battery and start the vehicle. This is a critical juncture, where I double and triple checked the connections before connecting the battery terminals. CAN bus wires and the power wire can be mixed up, if not vigilant, which can be catastrophic. It can kill the vehicle ESU and render the vehicle a brick, something I did not want to happen. In my case, this is my only vehicle, so I didn't have room to screw. Once everything looked  hunkydory, I went ahead connecting the battery, and then turning the key on.

It was a success in the first shot. And you cannot put a value to the sense of instant gratification with a success. I saved close to than $300 DIY, but earned much more satisfaction doing it myself.

Installing a Cruise Control - Introduction

Driving in Australia is beautiful for most part, until you "go with the flow" and end up being the unfortunate to stop for not obeying the speed signs. Fines are hefty, might really ruin your day, and if your luck would run out might have caught during a double demerit period, and here goes half of your licence worth of points down the drain just like that. I set cruise even at 60km/h zone, which frees me checking vigorously for the cams and cops hiding in the bushes. I got used to it, so cruise is not a luxury for me any more, its a necessity. 

When hitting the road for longer journeys, along the boring highways, cruise is your friend saving sanity and more importantly saving some serious dollars on fuel in the guzzling 6 cylinders of the Elgrand. 

My Elgrand, which is an E51 Series 2 manufactured in 2007, didn't come with a cruse control. The asking price for such an installation wouldn't go under $1000. My research revealed I have at least 3 options;

1. Second-hand original Nissan unit
2. Aftermarket unit, which resembles original one
3. Aftermarket throttle modifier system, which has dash mounted control buttons

I was in search of a second-hand unit, but it was not easy to source one. Wreckers who got an Elgrand in the stock told me either cruise is not there or its already sold.

I didn't like the dash mounted system, as its nothing like the original, and looks clumsy. That's just me, but it can be very well adored by somebody else.

Then I found a product "Autostrada", who make nearly identical aftermarket unit, which nicely fits to the steering wheel. That's an Australian product, which I know I can depend upon. Paid $695 shipped to the door within few days.

So that's the preface, and the rest of the blog will be on how I installed the system. I will be updating on next steps as time permits. Please do check back....

WARNING!

I would not recommend anybody to follow this, but you may get some insight into what's involved in installing a similar cruise control system into an Elgrand. If you choose to depend on the information here, please be warned, you are on your own, and do not blame me for blowing something up, killing your car's ECU or getting yourself injured in the process. This procedure involves removing the Airbag, which is a highly dangerous activity, if you do not know what you are doing. Auto technicians get hours of training on this task along, so do your own research, take all the precautions on the book, and do not attempt if you are unclear of anything.  

This is not a installation guide, and I am not responsible for any damage caused!!