Dismantling a Ducato dashboard!!

[acropolis22]

I would like to rewire my Pioneer head unit so that it can be completely switched off regardless whether ignition is on or off etc. I plan to use one of the 5 spare switches you can see alongside the central locking and hazard flasher switches. Is it easy to get behind the Ducato dashboard or will this be an expensive nightmare? It's an A class Pilote if that makes any difference.

 

[Stealaway]

Which dash? Do you have a photo?

 

[Guigsy]

You can get the radio and surround out pretty easily. The panel with the hazards can be removed pretty quickly (tip: there's a screw in the cup holder). The fuse panel is by the driver's knee, that whole panel and the coin shelf thing comes out with a few screws.

Use fibreglass poles and you can fish wires around behind pretty easily, just make sure you don't interfere with the steering column or pedals.

 

[Wagoneer]

This might help:

 

[acropolis22]

Which dash? Do you have a photo?

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[acropolis22]

You can get the radio and surround out pretty easily. The panel with the hazards can be removed pretty quickly (tip: there's a screw in the cup holder). The fuse panel is by the driver's knee, that whole panel and the coin shelf thing comes out with a few screws.

Use fibreglass poles and you can fish wires around behind pretty easily, just make sure you don't interfere with the steering column or pedals.

So if I remove the panel with the hazards using your cunning tip, I can then run a cable down from the Pioneer to one of those switches. Should be easy enough. Do you know if I can get an illuminated switch to replace one of the spares?

 

[Guigsy]

So if I remove the panel with the hazards using your cunning tip, I can then run a cable down from the Pioneer to one of those switches. Should be easy enough. Do you know if I can get an illuminated switch to replace one of the spares?

I'm not sure... I think it's one unit???

For the power feed selection in my van, the manufacturer has fitted a fairly cheap 3 way rocker switch through a hole they've drilled in the dash near my knee.

 

[Stealaway]

There is a screw in the bottom of the cup holder but the rest is easily reached with a bit of fishing. My radio feed is from the leisure batteries and a white twin flex. Also have a look in the fuse box by your right knee

 

[XxAnthxX]

Do you know if I can get an illuminated switch to replace one of the spares?

You might be able to drill one of the blank switch covers and fit a 3rd party switch, but it will have to be a bit of butcher job because there is an OEM Pcb behind the switches with a multi plug connector on it and I think it’s on the canbus, rather than just old school two way latching switches

I‘ll grab you a picture of a spare one I have if you want.

Front

Rear

Two halves opened up

 

[acropolis22]

You might be able to drill one of the blank switch covers and fit a 3rd party switch, but it will have to be a bit of butcher job because there is an OEM Pcb behind the switches with a multi plug connector on it and I think it’s on the canbus, rather than just old school two way latching switches

I‘ll grab you a picture of a spare one I have if you want.

Front
View attachment 576366

Rear
View attachment 576367

Two halves opened up
View attachment 576368

As usual, not as simple as I thought. Thanks for the pix. Very informative. So I just need to run two wires from the radio, but will I be able to connect to a spare switch or is that something really clever that will stump me?

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[acropolis22]

I'm not sure... I think it's one unit???

For the power feed selection in my van, the manufacturer has fitted a fairly cheap 3 way rocker switch through a hole they've drilled in the dash near my knee.

Cheers. I may end up doing something similar.