Centre Console Blank query

[Mazza]

Can anyone confirm that the large blank next to the clock on a prefacelift Zed, is only ever used if the car has Aircon.
I want to install a switch in the blank ( providing its fits ok) but just want to make sure that nothing else uses that space (and I dont ever anticipate installing aircon)

Ta

 

[andyglym]

View attachment 95146

Can anyone confirm that the large blank next to the clock on a prefacelift Zed, is only ever used if the car has Aircon.
I want to install a switch in the blank ( providing its fits ok) but just want to make sure that nothing else uses that space (and I dont ever anticipate installing aircon)

Ta

Depends on what day it was built I think. My heated switches are at the back behind the gear lever and up front I have ASC, roof and alarm LED

Edit: A/C also.

 

[Althulas]

If you have a hard top or plan getting the wiring can be extended to that spot instead of having it st the rear otherwise it’s just s blank. Useful for a USB port.

 

[jonco]

View attachment 95146 ...........I want to install a switch in the blank ( providing its fits ok).........

I have drilled mine through and fitted a rocker switch there for the dash cam. The problem was it's a very tight fit on the width and the locating lugs are on the centre line - you may have to fit additional securing method. If you succeed I would be interested in which switch you use.

 

[Bampz]

When I had my 1.9 1998 that was the position of the aircon switch , other switches were ASC , the two heated seat switches and the roof switch , the alarm light was behind the gearstick

 

[Dalek]

Here is my layout. As far as I am aware the DSC switch is a factory fit. No aircon fitted to mine.

 

[DrWong]

What are you installing?

 

[DrWong]

View attachment 95167 Here is my layout. As far as I am aware the DSC switch is a factory fit. No aircon fitted to mine.

I have aircon but no heated seats. So I have blanks where your seat controls are and air con where your roof switch is, with my roof switch located between the seats. The comment above that switch location pretty much depended on day of the week seems to ring true!

 

[Dalek]

I have aircon but no heated seats. So I have blanks where your seat controls are and air con where your roof switch is, with my roof switch located between the seats. The comment above that switch location pretty much depended on day of the week seems to ring true!
View attachment 95168

I think you are right on switch location. I moved the roof switch from the rear panel to a blank I had on the front.

 

[DrWong]

I think you are right on switch location. I moved the roof switch from the rear panel to a blank I had on the front.

Ah ok, maybe they did have set locations after all then.

If yours had been spec'd with aircon it would've presumably been located where you've moved your roof switch to, so the overall layout would be the same between mine and yours. Vice versa, if mine had been spec'd with heated seats etc..

 

[Mazza]

What are you installing?

Looking for a place to put a switch for the footwell Leds, but just checked and the switch it too big

I will have to locate a smaller switch. ( Having been in Electronics purchasing for 40 years, I should be
able to find something suitable )
@jonco I’ll let you know what I find.

 

[abh29]

Will interested if you find a unit with 2 subs to go in the standard rectangle opening.

 

[jonco]

@jonco I’ll let you know what I find.

Looks very like the one I fitted - Basically I ended up cutting the blank in half, Taking a semi - circle out of each piece and bonding it to the back of the switch. Looks ok from the front but a bit of a bodge underneath which I'm not happy with.

 

[Ianmc]

The right hand blank is for the aircon switch on the prefacelift M44. It will also take the HRW switch, which is the same size. Heated seats switches etc are smaller.

 

[Mazza]

I have found and ordered a couple of non-illuminated rectangular on/off latching switches that should fit the blank.
Trouble with some is that they dont feel positive so will wait and see what they are like. ( dont want to recommend anything until I’ve checked them out)

 

[t-tony]

Looking for a place to put a switch for the footwell Leds, but just checked and the switch it too big
View attachment 95169

I will have to locate a smaller switch. ( Having been in Electronics purchasing for 40 years, I should be
able to find something suitable )
@jonco I’ll let you know what I find.

Why not feed the footwell lights off the courtesy lights, that's what I did then you don't need extra switches.

Tony.

 

[Mazza]

Why not feed the footwell lights off the courtesy lights, that's what I did then you don't need extra switches.

Tony.

That means they come on when you open the door, but......
Wont they go out then when the courtesy lights go out?

 

[Ianmc]

Wont they go out then when the courtesy lights go out?

Yes they will. My E36 has footwell lights, installed as standard, this is how they work.

 

[t-tony]

Well yes, they work in conjunction with them. Do you need them on permanently?

Tony.

 

[Mazza]

I was thinking about it......but not a good idea???