DIY In Depth Homelink in Visor

[hartigan85]

Well I just finished installing my Homelink in the visor. I kept searching trying to find an in depth writeup with pics and couldn't find one soIi thought I would make one. This is my first write up so hopefully it is good. Please let me know if there is anything you think I should add. Well here it goes.

First you need to carefully un-tuck the fabric from the mirror.

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd433/Hartigan85/IMG_0148.jpg

Pull the fabric back and trace around the homelink unit with a sharpie.

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd433/Hartigan85/IMG_0149.jpg

Use a Dremel with a cutting bit and carefully cut around the outline. Be careful not to cut the fabric.

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd433/Hartigan85/IMG_0155.jpg

Next you will need to take a drill bit that is just small enough to fit in the holes. Drill just far enough the separate the top from the bottom.

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd433/Hartigan85/IMG_0157.jpg

After the plastic is removed you will see 4 nubs inside that need to be taken off, I used a grinding attachment on the dremel.

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd433/Hartigan85/IMG_0160.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd433/Hartigan85/IMG_0161.jpg

[hartigan85]

Now drill a hole into the mirror area and route the wires into it. (Remove the mirror by using a butter knife and pry around the inside edge to remove.)

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd433/Hartigan85/IMG_0170.jpg

Pop the Homelink into the mirror and place a piece of tape over it to keep it in place and hide any imperfections.

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd433/Hartigan85/IMG_0176.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd433/Hartigan85/IMG_0180.jpg

Pull the fabric back over and use a card to push the fabric back into the shot. The fabric is stretchy so take your time and make it look good.

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd433/Hartigan85/IMG_0182.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd433/Hartigan85/IMG_0185.jpg

[hartigan85]

Now the wiring. I forgot to take a picture of me soldering both wires but it’s not that hard. One wire goes on the bottom metal strip where I am soldering. The other wire solders next to the red wire in the picture. This will ensure that the homelink works when the mirror door is closed. Make sure you plug the visor back into the car and test to make sure the polarity is correct before soldering. If the wires are reversed the homelink will not work.

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd433/Hartigan85/IMG_0192.jpg

Put the mirror back in after you are done soldering.

Also use the hot soldering iron to cut the holes out for the homelink buttons. Again I forgot to take a picture of me doing it. I figure you will get the idea. Put the buttons and faceplate on.

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd433/Hartigan85/IMG_0195.jpg

Now go plug the mirror back into the car and program the homelink.

All done, now enjoy not having a clip on garage door opener.

[y2kws6]

Nice write up. I think I'm going to get a used visor and give it a shot.

[hartigan85]

Oh I've been stuck at the top....I feel accomplished now. haha

[Sephiroth]

excelent write-up!

do you have part numbers for the homelink you used? I would be very greateful, thanks!

[hartigan85]

I bought mine off Ebay. Check out the auction below to get an idea of what you want.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Homelink-ROLLING-CODE-Transmitter-black-gray-home-link-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem230c4a06bbQQitemZ15053 0033339QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccesso ries

[dklau33]

Awesome write up. I've installed everything on my car to date on my own, including headers, but this one I actually paid Snakey to do it for me. I just felt like it would be a disaster for me so props to you on a good job.

[Snakey]

Great write-up! Same process I use!

Thanks for the props as well! :)

[Greg@PacePerformance]

Very nice write up.
Just got one from that link

[hartigan85]

Thanks for the compliments. Good luck installing the homelink Greg, if you have any questions or anything while putting it in feel free to PM me.

[Greg@PacePerformance]

Installation went great! The hardest part is just getting the homelink to sit in the visor nicely so it doesn't have any ridges.
Going to be sending it to may dad for his birthday next month. The I will have him send his stock one back then I have two more to do. :)

Thanks for the great write up

[BAMAGXP]

Rolling code or non rolling code? my garage door openers are all 5 years old. Thanks man.

[hartigan85]

I used rolling code. I believe that all garage door openers since the 90's are rolling code but I'm not certain. If you know the model look it up and find the manual it should say in there. Hope this helps.

[Snakey]

^^^ Best option. If you can't find your manual, the back of the opener will have a "learn" button that is ususally red to indiacate a rolling code opener. If not you should be good to go with a non-rolling code. My garage is only 3 years old and it didn't use a rolling code so they are still out there.

[BAMAGXP]

Mine does have a learn button so I assume it is rolling code. Liftmaster. I went ahead and purchased a rolling code off EBAY, I might run power to it and see if I can program it properly before jacking up the visor.
Thanks..

[Snakey]

Either way you can't go wrong with the rolling code Homelink. They'll open regular openers or rolling code openers. That's why I only but rolling codes for the visors I make.

[BAMAGXP]

I have started the process. Wish me luck. I almost messed the whole thing up when the Dremmel hopped out of the groove and almost cut into the fabric. I need ot relax and take my time. Thanks.

In Addition: I did pick up a brand new one on ebay to do this on. $30.00 never used. Not bad.

[Snakey]

Good luck! That can happen if you get ahead of yourself. That is a GREAT deal on the visor! Wish I could have bought all the visors I have for that price!

[BAMAGXP]

Meant to post this the other day but installed and looking great. I still grab for my old garage door opener in the door pocket but getting use to it. I got lucky also that the LED on the homelink is red. I know in my Envoy it was either yellow or orange. Thanks again Snakey and Hartigan85.

See attached.

[BAMAGXP]

Good luck! That can happen if you get ahead of yourself. That is a GREAT deal on the visor! Wish I could have bought all the visors I have for that price!

It was still sealed in the bag. I just got lucky on ebay. The homelink outer black cover was a little broken in but once installed it looked fine.

[Twineffect]

I upgraded my visor tonight. Easy, but irritating at times. I am very happy, and thank you for the tutorial!

[gixxer92]

Thanks for the write up, just put mine in today.

[hartigan85]

Glad I could help.

[blkscooby]

I finally installed: mine today but it doesnt work. Tried both polarities. Gave up for today

[BAMAGXP]

Did you test the transmitter before installing it with a 12V power source? I used one of these before I finished the install. I have done a couple of these now so becoming a master at them. Sounds stupid, but open the mirror and hit the button to see if its gettting power, if it is, then you have your positive in the wrong spot.
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062245

[Greg@PacePerformance]

Did you install the connection to the correct spots on the mirror harness? If you don't put the one in the correct spot it will not work unless the mirror is open and the light is on.
Just an idea.

[BAMAGXP]

Did you install the connection to the correct spots on the mirror harness? If you don't put the one in the correct spot it will not work unless the mirror is open and the light is on.
Just an idea.

LOL, we thought the same thing Greg. The first time I did it, I accidently did that, by chance opened the mirror and it worked, took it off, resoldered and called it the day. Been working perfectly for about 16 months. I was looking for pics behind the mirror. Will see if I can find them.

[blkscooby]

No, I didn't test it first. Probably should have. I did not solder the positive to the red wire but rather right to where the bulb mounts since my leads were short. Now I see that it won't work unless the mirror is open. I'll try it open and then add leads and re-solder. thanks

[BAMAGXP]

Yeah, you will need to solder it close to where the red wire is factory soldered. Notice with the mirror out where the little foot makes contact when opening and closing the door. It will need to way up there from what I recall. This was the original pic from the person who started this thread. http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd433/Hartigan85/IMG_0192.jpg
Gotta be up by that red wire. You will figure it out, first thing I did was throw out the little wire I got with the transmitter and put long peices in. When wiring always better to have too much then not enough.
Good luck, I still cant find my damn pic that would have been perfect for you. Will keep looking.

[blkscooby]

Yeah, you will need to solder it close to where the red wire is factory soldered. Notice with the mirror out where the little foot makes contact when opening and closing the door. It will need to way up there from what I recall. This was the original pic from the person who started this thread. http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd433/Hartigan85/IMG_0192.jpg
Gotta be up by that red wire. You will figure it out, first thing I did was throw out the little wire I got with the transmitter and put long peices in. When wiring always better to have too much then not enough.
Good luck, I still cant find my damn pic that would have been perfect for you. Will keep looking.

No, I completely understand how it works. It was hot yesterday and I was rushing. Just plain stupidity.

[kcg8guy]

Snakey...you ever get one of these Homelinks that won't go into program mode? I just did my retrofit today (this write-up was awesome, btw) ... The LED in the Homelink will light briefly anytime any button is pressed, but I can't get the LED to flash when I hold the outside buttons (doesn't matter how long I hold them... 20 sec...30...60...) I'm afraid I got a bad one. Just thought I'd check with some of you all who have done several before I rip it back out and try to get it replaced.

Any chance it has a different program mode (it looks just like the one in this write-up)? Would the LED light up if I reversed the polarity?

[04SonicGT]

Did this a couple months back. Follow these directions and worked great without any issues. It is a tight fit in the visor but once it is done the setup looks factory. Great write-up!

[hartigan85]

Did this a couple months back. Follow these directions and worked great without any issues. It is a tight fit in the visor but once it is done the setup looks factory. Great write-up!

Thanks very much. Glad it helped.

[Niemer]

Just finished this up. I was parking outside for the last two months after the battery in my remote died, this is going to be nice.

[brentkb25]

This is one of the best subtle mods that you can do, looks like its from the factory!

[toocoolviper7]

23123Hey guys as soon as I checked out this DIY I had to do it. I just had my heart set on a different location. So this is what I did. I wish I would have taken more pictures but I'm too dam impulsive.

[Svendingo]

Nice job, looks oem.

Sent from my HTC M7 using Tapatalk 4

[TooManyHobbies]

Looks really good there too.

[BAMAGXP]

Great idea. Looks good.

[toocoolviper7]

Thanks guys. I think It would have been easier if I didn't have a sunroof because of the extra room at the top. There was a lot of chopping and cutting going on. It works great though.

[Niemer]

You'd loose the functionality of the sunglass holder of you put it there on a non sunroof car.

[toocoolviper7]

Oh lol didn't know it had that in place.

[SmithvilleD]

Just completed this mod. I bought a spare set of black visors in case I wasn't happy with my first attempt; but turned out fine so didn't need them.

EDIT: Need to check out the rules for the forum.

[Wagonbacker9]

Thanks guys. I think It would have been easier if I didn't have a sunroof because of the extra room at the top. There was a lot of chopping and cutting going on. It works great though.

Thought about following your example until reading this. LOL. I think I'll stick with the visor. Homelink arrived Saturday but I probably won't start cutting into it until a couple weeks from now.

[BAMAGXP]

Or, you can get someone to do it for you. lol. I have done 8 of them. :)

[BAMAGXP]

25040
I've even been doing them for SS guys.

[Wagonbacker9]

Or, you can get someone to do it for you. lol. I have done 8 of them. :)

I enjoy the DIY.. just not worth the extra work to put it in the console vs the visor.

[Wagonbacker9]

I enjoy the DIY.. just not worth the extra work to put it in the console vs the visor.

Fishing the wiring took some doing (I used a chunk of the ground wire out of a 14ga romex and then taped the wires to pull them back through), but I'm very pleased with the result.

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad51/Wagonbacker9/Cars/G8%20GT/3A586DA8-7694-4A5B-8B84-646D7693B7E3_zpsbulccmj1.jpg (http://s921.photobucket.com/user/Wagonbacker9/media/Cars/G8%20GT/3A586DA8-7694-4A5B-8B84-646D7693B7E3_zpsbulccmj1.jpg.html)