Seat occupancy sensor simulators.

[Vinci]

Update (8/7/08): I got more parts in to make the second batch. Either post or PM to reserve one.

Update (7/25/08): The first batch is finished and delivered. If there is any interest in a future run, either post up or PM me.




I am looking to pick up some connectors and pins to build a small run of Z3 occupancy sensor simulators for people with aftermarket seats. I do have some questions, however:

1. Is it necessary to retain the sensor control unit? (PN: 65776940191) Meaning, does a simulator plug in in place of the control unit (3-wire white plug), or does it simulate the sensor itself (2-wire black plug)?



2. When ordering plugs, some are listed alongside different contacts. Are these the appropriate contacts for that plug, and if so, why is there more than one listed in some cases? (See the RealOEM listing here)

[EganM]

As far as I understood, it simulates the sensor net in the seat. I left my module in and wired the resistors to it. I'll dig up the pictures from my install tomorrow.

[Vinci]

Ah, ok. If that's the case, that could end up being more expensive to source the plugs.

[Jeremy]

I need to do this too....

[spider310]

lol what does this do??

[EganM]

Module installed in the stock passenger seat:

[EganM]

Plug removed and resistors installed:

[EganM]

Installed back in the car, waiting for the seat. The additional wires are power for the seat:

[Vinci]

That answers my question. Do you recall if that connector (the one you soldered to) was part of a separate harness to the sensor, or if it was connected directly to the sensor? I am trying to see if I can just get the harness to mod, as it doesn't seem that the connector is available by itself.

[EganM]

That answers my question. Do you recall if that connector (the one you soldered to) was part of a separate harness to the sensor, or if it was connected directly to the sensor? I am trying to see if I can just get the harness to mod, as it doesn't seem that the connector is available by itself.

I had to cut the wires coming from the sensor net in the seat. Here's what was left on the seat when I was done. You can see the other end of the same blue and white wires which got connected to the resistors.:

[Jeremy]

That's exactly what I needed to see. Thanks!

[Vinci]

I am still checking into the availability of that plug, but it's looking like I won't be able to source them by themselves.

[Vinci]

I just ordered enough parts to make 5 simulators.

If anyone needs one, let me know.

[MC28REPSOL]

I just ordered enough parts to make 5 simulators.

If anyone needs one, let me know.

count me in! i need one.

thanks

[Jeremy]

I just ordered enough parts to make 5 simulators.

If anyone needs one, let me know.

Will it just plug in, or is it just the diodes etc?

[Vinci]

The simulator that I am making will plug directly into the factory control unit with a factory plug. No soldering, cutting, etc. I will test it on my own car when I get the first one made.

[z3papa]

Please PM on this as I want one and just need to know how much and to what address you want the funds sent to. Just installed both seats with sliders and simply put the sensor under the passenger seat with the intent of getting this done.

[Adrian G.]

I have built a few of these, about $2.50 in parts to make each from Radio Shack. I used a pc board, in the same way as thebionicman, did. Here are some of his pics:

[Vinci]

The resistors and diode are very cheap and easy to aquire. The whole thing is actually really cheap to cut and solder in. The point of what I am doing is to make a non-destructive, plug-and-play simulator.

[Jeremy]

The simulator that I am making will plug directly into the factory control unit with a factory plug. No soldering, cutting, etc. I will test it on my own car when I get the first one made.

Oh cool. When will it be available and what's the price?

[Adrian G.]

The resistors and diode are very cheap and easy to aquire. The whole thing is actually really cheap to cut and solder in. The point of what I am doing is to make a non-destructive, plug-and-play simulator.

Right. I used the same kind of connector that comes with a computer fan. Plugs right in, just doesn't lock. I used a little electrical tape to make sure it doesn't back out.

[Jeremy]

Right. I used the same kind of connector that comes with a computer fan. Plugs right in, just doesn't lock. I used a little electrical tape to make sure it doesn't back out.

Hmmmm....that sounds interesting. Any pics?

[Vinci]

Oh cool. When will it be available and what's the price?

I'll cross that bridge when/if I have something that works. I am only making a handful and I am not looking to do more than recover my time and investment, so they will probably be pretty cheap.

[Jeremy]

I'll cross that bridge when/if I have something that works. I am only making a handful and I am not looking to do more than recover my time and investment, so they will probably be pretty cheap.

ok, thanks!

[MC28REPSOL]

Bump .... any word on this? i need one.