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MG MGF Technical - Central locking button

I find increasingly uncomfortable to lock my F with my elbow when driving. Is it possible to install a central locking button somewhere in the dash? If any of you people have managed to do so I will appreciate instructions.
Thanks. Mike
Mike Chapman

I had the same feeling and got for my MGF two buttons installed: one for the central locking and the next to unlock the trunk. I can not possible give you details as this was done by a technitian but will try to get the name and address for you.
Collin Sinclair-Smith

Also been thinking along these lines.

Bought a R75 hazard / central locking switch mount, cover (in walnut) and switches and intend to fit them in place of the cigar lighter (which will be relocated for use as a power socket). Will probably then try to turn the existing hazard warning light switch into a starter button. :-D

SF
Scarlet Fever

looking forward to seeing that mod Andy! :o)
Rob Bell

Very interesting Andy! Would very much like to follow your path. Keep us all informed.
Collin Power

Three buttons on my F. Start, trunk and central locking. Excellent idea placing a Start button in the hazard place SF. I might feel tempted to do the same.
James Hilton

Seems like the best place for one i reckon, just need to get over the rectangular shaped button. The easy route would be to simply use the existing hazard switch, but i kinda want a button that says 'start' and i have only seen circular ones to date. A circular one will fit here (from a space perspective), but mounting it is a problem - the proverbial round peg in a square hole.

Once i have the new hazard switch in place and wired in, i suppose i could butcher the old rectangular one, not sure if i could simply paint the button red (as the action is incorrect - it is a toggle switch which would mean the starter would be constantly engaged) - hopefully it is a simple mechanism (similar to a 'push button' ball point pen i imagine) where by simply filing off the lugs it will become a simple spring loaded button.

In addition to the R75 parts i also need the male ends of the multiplugs - looks like i need to make a trip to my local scrappy.

Lastly, i am proposing to relocate the cigar lighter to the inside of the drop down bin - for use primarily as a power socket for my mobile. I may mount it in the passenger side footwell in the panel with the courtesy light in it (depending on space), as this may be more practical from a charging point of view (can use the phone whilst it is being charged).

Anyway, that's the general idea - i reckon the hardest bit will be tapping into the central locking mechanism (as i have no idea where this runs).

SF
Scarlet Fever

Andy, it may be possible to open up the hazard switch to remove the toggle mechanism :o) The logo saying 'start' will be harder, and getting a professional level of finish on the switch will be hard work - but worth it! :o)

Good luck with it :o)

BTW also planning an accessory power plug for the passenger footwell panel - for the TomTom satnav... will have to compare notes! The problem here is the lack of rigidity in the panel - may need a reinforcement panel behind to prevent annoying flex...
Rob Bell

Rob
I recently bought a Garmin 2610 and didn't have time to plumb it in before going to the Pyrennees with Tony & Lynn. Garmin was great but I'm now looking for a slightly more permanent power and audio hook up.

I'm thinking of ignoring the ciggie lighter and connecting to the power supply to the radio - switched via ignition. Only prob is the speaker which is built in to the ciggie adaptor; may use a bike mounting kit which is power without adaptor and a 2.5mm jack for audio out.

Does the TomTom have audio on the lead and/or could you wire in through the radio?

If anybody is looking at SatNav and mounting systems I would suggest a look at http://www.ram-mount-uk.com/ for a huge range for cars and bikes.
JohnP

This thread was discussed between 06/06/2005 and 15/06/2005

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