Can’t decide whether to leave your Soundaktor in or take it out? Why not put it on a switch so you can turn it off and on at will? I did this in a couple hours for just a few dollars:
1. Install an on/off style pushbutton switch in the cabin.
2. Gain access to the Soundaktor and its controller.
This video by LastHumansGarage will show you how to get to it. After removing the wipers and plastic cowl, also remove the top part of the heat shield (just 2 bolts), snap the ECU out of its plastic bracket and pull it to the side, and unbolt the ECU bracket. You can also pull off the plastic rain gutter on the passenger side.
3. Splice your wires into the controller’s output to the Soundaktor.
Unplug the harness from the controller and unwrap the tape near the big plug. Cut the light gray wire and solder and heat shrink your connections.
4. Route your wires through the firewall.
I chose this method by abe2003 on golfmkv. I didn’t pull the whole grommet out but pulled on the stick at the top which left a nice hole in the top of the grommet. YOU MUST RESEAL THE PLUG WITH SILICONE BECAUSE THE RAIN GUTTER POINTS ALL OF THE WATER AT THE HOLE YOU MADE. Safer options include going through the firewall under the battery.
5. Connect the switch to the Soundaktor.
Tuck the wires in behind the interior trim panels and feed it over to the center console switch. Install quick disconnects in the wires near the new switch you installed and put the car back together. Go for a drive and enjoy your new freedom from the Soundaktor debate.
1. Install an on/off style pushbutton switch in the cabin.
You have a few options here:
a. Find OEM switches- however I think they are momentary and you will have to do some additional latching circuitry.
b. Buy engraved switches from carstyle4you.com: they look great but are pricey.
c. Buy engraved covers (without switches installed) from that website
d. Use the blank cover that is currently in your car.
If you chose (c) or (d), you will need to go to Radio Shack and buy SPST 3-Amp "Soft-Feel" Push On-Push Off Switch Model: 275-1565. You can install it using this method from richbking on the Vortex for basic steps or this method from yanimac which has much more thorough instructions and photos. Keep in mind you will be installing the on/off switch, not the momentary one as they did for their garage openers.b. Buy engraved switches from carstyle4you.com: they look great but are pricey.
c. Buy engraved covers (without switches installed) from that website
d. Use the blank cover that is currently in your car.
2. Gain access to the Soundaktor and its controller.
This video by LastHumansGarage will show you how to get to it. After removing the wipers and plastic cowl, also remove the top part of the heat shield (just 2 bolts), snap the ECU out of its plastic bracket and pull it to the side, and unbolt the ECU bracket. You can also pull off the plastic rain gutter on the passenger side.
3. Splice your wires into the controller’s output to the Soundaktor.
Unplug the harness from the controller and unwrap the tape near the big plug. Cut the light gray wire and solder and heat shrink your connections.
4. Route your wires through the firewall.
I chose this method by abe2003 on golfmkv. I didn’t pull the whole grommet out but pulled on the stick at the top which left a nice hole in the top of the grommet. YOU MUST RESEAL THE PLUG WITH SILICONE BECAUSE THE RAIN GUTTER POINTS ALL OF THE WATER AT THE HOLE YOU MADE. Safer options include going through the firewall under the battery.
5. Connect the switch to the Soundaktor.
Tuck the wires in behind the interior trim panels and feed it over to the center console switch. Install quick disconnects in the wires near the new switch you installed and put the car back together. Go for a drive and enjoy your new freedom from the Soundaktor debate.
