Idatalink Newbie, 2010 Ford Explorer, DIR-FO(RS)-FO1A

2010 Explorer AT install. DIR-FO(RS)-FO1A There is nothing in the install guide about whether to cut the black loop wire on the RS box for the auto trans install. This may be obvious to most of you but I just want to make sure. Everything else seems pretty clear. Thank you.True character is revealed in a crisis

Well, I went ahead and cut the loop. I had to program it 3 times but it works. Now the only problem is hooking up the lights. The install guide says parking lights wire is blue/white. It also says the circuit should read 12v when off and 0v when switched to parking lights (non-automatic). When I test the circuit is reads 12v off, 12v park and 0v on headlights. I have the specified relay wired up and ready to go, I just need to know which wire to tap. It works fine without the lights hooked up but I want them to work as intended. Any ideas?True character is revealed in a crisis

While the iData install guide only shows one location for the (+) Parking Light wire you could go to the SJB. The Blue/White (+) Parking Light wire is in Plug A, a Brown 32 Pin plug, at location Pin 11. The SJB is under the dash on the drivers side.Soldering is fun!

Thanks kreg357. I'll have a look at it this weekend and post my findings. By the way, the OEM remote works okay but I can see where more range would be helpful in different scenarios. If I get another fob will the unit need to be reflashed or just reprogram with the new antenna hooked up (or nothing)?True character is revealed in a crisis

Well, you've chosen DIR-FO(RS)-FO1A firmware so the expectation would be to use a XL202 RF DECODER and XL202 ANTENNA. You would need the ADS-HRN(RS)-XL02 harness to connect the XL2002 to the ADS FO1 and compatible Directed remotes. I don't use Directed products so I'm not sure of the procedure but here is the terse install guide info : All aftermarket remotes must be programmed to the RF-Kit.

Refer to the RF-Kit user guide for aftermarket remote features and programming procedures.Soldering is fun!

Kreg357, Is the Smart Junction Box behind the driver's kick? Because if it is not, it is really buried in there. I just got the FSM for the vehicle and it included a wiring diagram. It looks like I can just tap the wire from the headlamp switch (non-auto). It is BR/WH. I need to test its function first. Access is MUCH easier from the side of the dash. I already have the required relay wired up and ready to install. And thanks for the info about aftermarket remotes.True character is revealed in a crisis

Pretty sure the SJB is under the drivers side dask, perhaps tucked up in the side kick corner. Some wire guides list a (-) Grey Parking Light wire at the headlight switch connector. I wouldn't use that wire unless you interrupt another wire at that same plug with a relay. Think it is a Black/Blue wire that needs to be open before putting a (-) on the Grey wire. You may not have to get at the SJB to get the (+) Parking Light wire. Test the Blue/White wires in the Drivers Kick Panel for a (+) Blue/White Parking Light wire with a DMM and use that. Here is the info : Parking Lamp (+)      BLUE\WHITE (+)      DRIVER KICKSoldering is fun!