Heated steering wheel install tips

[Waffle34]

Following the excellent youtube video by Tinkering Fox it went very smooth. I did run into a few things on my 1500 that he may not have had on his 3500 so I thought I'd add a few pics and explanations. - Im not criticizing in any way just thought I'd add to it.

Video of his:  

 

 

 

My truck did have the 2 pin harness under the dash but it was not powered. Ordered the adapter cable from PGamboa and followed his video to install it without any issues (very well made, very quick shipping and correspondence - thanks!)

His video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOCEwQcaKh4

 

 

So first I thought id make an easy list of tools needed for the install:

2 zipties

3/8 rachet, at least 6" extension, 13/16" socket. - he uses an impact that works too but easily doable with hand tools as well.

10mm socket, extension, rachet to undo the neg battery cable (deff heed his warning to turn the lights on to bleed the system for min 30 minutes)

what id consider normal sized normal flathead screwdriver - those 10 in ones may be too fat to fit in there - the lever is in deeper than youd think.

long narrow flathead

T15 torx bit and driver

side cutters for cutting zipties in tight spaces

snap ring pliers

flashlight

plastic panel prybars to not mar up your cover pieces (harbor freight has a great set for cheap fyi and come in handy ALOT when doing automotive work)

mirror/smart phone with selfie cam - my phone camera was not cooperating auto adjusting everything so good ol mirror and flashlight worked better.

 

Following TinkeringFox's video it was all going smooth till I noticed mine had a ziptie down in the dash so I cut the one under the turn signal lever as he shows but there was another down in the dash holding the clock-springs airbag wire to another harness. Not a big deal but thought id mention it as getting cutters in there and making sure not to cut anything else was interesting. I thought I was free but that grey ziptie christmas tree clip thats about 8" from the yellow connector is WAY up in the dash.(see pic circled in red) I couldnt even touch it with my hand. I managed to get a long narrow flathead in there and carefully pry it out. I ended up not even attaching the new one as I had no way to get back there to push it down... Maybe some of those long reach needle nose woulda gotten it? I dont know...He mentions it in the video but it is WAY easier to just pull up on the black tab on the connector and slip it off instead of pulling the black Christmas tree thing off the bracket. Wasnt too bad fishing the old wire/connector out and the new in and i got bigger hands.

 

My only other tidbit is when you put the ziptie back on under the turn signal lever i had to rotate the head of the tie to the steering shaft side and I cut off the ziptie that i assume was holding just the rubber sleeve on the heated wheel wire in that same area as I could not get the lower column cover to sit flush and snap in with them wherever. Also make sure the gear shift rubber sleeve has a groove the 2 covers fit in snugly. Both covers should meet together nicely no gaps so if there is make sure that boot is seated correctly.

 

I did see the sandwich of pieces for the center torx screw, there is a metal bracket that comes down, the plastic kick panel, a speed nut, and another bracket that all have to fit together before you can put that screw back in. Its pretty self explanatory if you look up under there but if your going blind at it the screw may not go in or go in correctly so look before you strip something out/get frustrated.

 

other than that both videos are grade A and made a quick and easy install so I thank you guys both for posting them!

 

 

 

[Waffle34]

Pic of black ziptie down in the dash - factory 2 pin heated steering wheel connector there too

[Waffle34]

lower cover that would not sit right with the zip tie heads in the way (its sittign correct in the pic)- also take note the turn signal stalk trim piece goes inside the clamshell pieces... couldnt remember how that went haha.