How to install a homelink controller...

[vipz28]

Ok here's my attempt at providing a useful DIY article :nah: I wanted to put it in the overhead console but there just wasn't room for the controller.

1. Go on ebay and buy a homelink rolling code transmitter like this:
http://tehawesome.com/cars/homelink/IMG_6049.JPG

2. Remove the lower panel under the steering wheel (no pics but it just pulls off, held on by just plastic clips, and unplug the headlight switch)

3. Flip the panel over, and remove the light switch by pressing on the 3 clips and pushing the switch forward.

4. Remove the 4 screws holding the right bracing panel on:
http://tehawesome.com/cars/homelink/IMG_6047.JPG

5. Use the faceplate from the homelink unit to mark your holes on the panel, and drill the holes:
http://tehawesome.com/cars/homelink/IMG_6041.JPG

6. I had to remove some material from the back of the panel to make it thin enough for the faceplate and buttons to snap in to the controller:
http://tehawesome.com/cars/homelink/IMG_6042.JPG
http://tehawesome.com/cars/homelink/IMG_6051.JPG
http://tehawesome.com/cars/homelink/IMG_6052.JPG

7. Test fit until it snaps together all the way:
http://tehawesome.com/cars/homelink/IMG_6054.JPG
http://tehawesome.com/cars/homelink/IMG_6053.JPG

8. Remove the ribs from the support panel so it will go back on the dash panel:
http://tehawesome.com/cars/homelink/IMG_6043.JPG

9. Drill a hole for your wires to go through, just a power and ground(left one is my hole, right is a screw hole:
http://tehawesome.com/cars/homelink/IMG_6045.JPG

10. Reinstall the support panel and the headlight switch.

11. I ran my ground to a bolt that was right under this panel, and for power I tapped a connector under the dash that ran to nothing... literally it was just clipped to the dash support with nothing plugged in to it. I traced it back to the fuse box though, and it's always hot. (no pics sorry)

12. Reinstall panel, plugging in your headlight switch and your homelink controller (assuming you were thinking ahead and installed a connector so you can remove the panel later without cutting wires), and yes my car is filthy:
http://tehawesome.com/cars/homelink/IMG_6055.JPG
http://tehawesome.com/cars/homelink/IMG_6056.JPG

13. Program to work with your garage door opener! Even in this location I get 2 blocks worth of range out of it, much more powerful than my garage door remote.

[r1owner]

Nice job! Thanks for the writeup.

[-Ray-]

Very nice. Thanks for posting this up.

[jbradsh1]

Great job! Thanks for taking the time to document the procedure for all of us that want a homelink, which includes me.

[99-LS1-SS]

I've subscribed because I'm going to do something like this. Thanks for posting it up.

[G8Smitty]

Looks great. Good job!

[bowtiefan]

Wow! Very nice work!

[fredl11]

Good information!!! I was surprised there was no Home link!!

[kjac081]

eventually, this is how Im going to do it...
http://www.ls1gto.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12803&highlight=homelink

[r1owner]

eventually, this is how Im going to do it...
http://www.ls1gto.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12803&highlight=homelink

Yeah, that's a sweet install he did.

[kjac081]

i ordered a homelink controller last night on ebay for $30. Im going to try and work on this project this week when it comes in.
anyone have any ideas of what the best way to disassemble the visor is?
Ive seen some posts on vette forums were ppl rip the fabric stitching and then sew it back up. I may try to see if there is a way to take the mirror assembly apart and go in that way.

[Snakey]

I really like this idea. Plan to do one myself and install it in the same area. Nice and hidden. Will these work with any garage doors?

[sanderGR]

I'm trying to find that (always on) power wire mentioned in the writeup. Where can I locate it?

[vipz28]

I'm trying to find that (always on) power wire mentioned in the writeup. Where can I locate it?

On mine it was on the drivers side of the radio. There's a connector there with nothing plugged into it...

[Marauder]

I'm installing mine right now. I found that connector but only measured 5V on the white wire which was the only one of the three that showed on the test light. The light was dim so I put a meter on it.

I decided to use an empty socket in the fuse block for heated seats. I cut a ring connector so it would fit in the empty fuse location and crimped it onto a wire.

After going back and removing more material from the inside of that panel with a dremel a couple times the buttons work now and all is good.

Thanks for the write up!

These Homelink programming instructions may be helpful to someone:

http://www.homelink.com/programming/print.taf?i=gdo_3led

[Marauder]

Unfortunately my range doens't seem to be too good. It only works until the end of the driveway.

Is there a way to extend the range the range by adding an antenna to these things?

[supercharger]

Why go to all this trouble when you can get a little key fob garage door opener and put on your key ring? BIG BONUS to doing it that way...gets the opener out of the car when you get out of the car, so the thief robbing your car can't get into your house!!

Just my .02 cents.

[LEETHL]

Good Job!!!

[grantn]

Thanks for posting.

[bbradyc5]

OK, how much to sell your panel with homelink installed? ;)

[exesivefire]

awesome mod, this is the only thing I was upset our cars dont' have