2006 PT Cruiser -Mac Mini install

[zapwizard]

I am starting my install of a Mac Mini in my PT cruiser.
I haven't seen too many PT cruiser car PCs out there, if anyone is interested the project log it here.

2006 PT Cruiser -Mac Mini - MP3Car.com

(I don't mean to link to another forum, but it's hard to keep both threads running)

[skylight]

hey zapwizard, i have no problem with this.

your posts are very informative.

as long as members learning something, it is valuable.

[Johnboy1975]

Wow,you are an electronic nut.LOL I would loveto have a PC in the car but am much too lazy to put this much effort into that.LOL

[bobs turbo pt]

very cool idea !!

[zapwizard]

If anyone is interested there are a few more updates at the linked thread.
-GPS receiver
-Rear view camera
-Center console USB jack
-LCD is installed

[alvin201]

Just got a 2007 Touring, and it is all I expected. I see in your detailed illustrations of this installation, you put a component in the little "cubby" below the heater/ac dials.

I have a fire scanner I would like to install in my PT. It fits nicely in that cubby. Your photos seem to indicate that the cubby just pops out (without removing entire upper console. Is this so?

My scanner would require 2 power leads, one off battery (always on, to hold scanner memory) and one off IGN (radio plays only when ignition is on). I see the forward accessory outlet in the PT is IGN and the one within center console is BATT. Would you know if the leads to these two outlets would be accessible to tap into behind the cubby? I'd like to do the installation with the least amount of dismantling or damage.

Thanks for any replies.

[zapwizard]

I did my entire car PC install without any visible modification to the car. It can be changed back to stock in less then an hour.
I did the same thing with the car PC on my Mazda Protege, literally I looked at the PT cruiser at 8am...went home converted the entire car back to stock, and went back at 9am to trade it for the PT.

That cubby hole will pop out with taking apart the rest of the dash.
There are snap-tabs on the left and right hand parts of it, grip the inside and just pull.

You can get to the wires that run to the power plugs behind there. But it's not that easy, as they are typically wrapped in tape most of the way.

What I would do is run two new wires from Connector 104, wrap the wires as you go around an existing bundle of wires (So you don't have slack hanging down into your pedals.

This thread has some info on connector 104:
http://www.ptcruiserlinks.com/forum/...searchid=20527
The Red w/ White wire (Pin23) is the always on center console outlet wire
The Pink w/ Red wire (Pin 22) is the switched main console outlet wire.

I recommend buying a service manual online, I bought mine here:
2006 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER CAR WORKSHOP SERVICE MANUAL - Documents / PDF
It is over 7000 pages long, but the PDF makes it navigatable via point and click. The manual has built in guides on how to read their schematic, and where the connectors and such are located in the car.

[alvin201]

Thanks for the thorough reply zap; I still am not sure if I will do this as I don't really have the mechanical ability or tools.

Your attached link didn't work. I searched the forums for pin23 and connector 104 and didn't get any hits that way either.

I did find your related post about accessing the console wiring by popping off the rear window switches at back of console. Is it a good idea to tap off the fuse box under the hood, or is that really over-complicating things? New cars have so many electronics I wouldn't want to mess anything else up.


If I get the radio installed I will proobably have it done at a local car radio/audio/alarm shop; and hopefully the gang there will not attempt it if they think it will be a "butcher job."

Al

[zapwizard]

Try this thread:
Center console power outlet

I would not tap off the fuse box under the hood for a few reason:
#1: Enviroment. Under the hood it is hot, wet, and exposed to the outside air. So you wires could melt (if they arn't high-temp), and rust.
#2: All the wires you need run to connector 104, Connector 104 is located where the fuse box USED to be on 2005 units.

Even with new cars, it is amazing how simple their electronics really are.