If you've been looking into installing the SGW Bypass on your Stelvio, you may have come across a lot of confusing and scattered information, just like I did! After personally doing it twice, I’ve decided to put together this detailed tutorial to help others.
This guide is specific to my 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti, but the process should be similar for 2020+ models and possibly older ones as well. I haven’t seen any info that would prove otherwise.
🚨 Please Note! This is NOT the same process as the Giulia, despite how similar they may seem. Go get familiar, read all of the thoroughly, and watch the video below a time or 2.
To make things easier, I’ve included: ✔ A video tutorial – the most helpful one in existence. ✔ A link to the necessary extensions and tools – while not mandatory, I strongly recommend them, and they will be part of this tutorial.
Trust me, this job is rough, and not having the proper tools or extensions will make it even harder. As you go through this mod, you will quickly realize you don’t want to do this again. The extensions make sure you don’t have to.
NEED TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING:
Now, after all my (important) yapping, let’s start!
Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Watch the Video
Before you begin, make sure you have:
Step 2: Disconnect the Battery
This is crucial! The battery is located on the left side of the trunk floor. Locate the cable and disconnect it.
⚠ Important note:
Step 3: Remove the Steering Column and Gauge Cluster
Step 4: Disconnect the SGW Module
At this stage, you’ll see the SGW module, just like in the video. The cords you need to unplug are on the backside, making them difficult to reach.
Option 1 (Strongly Discouraged):
Step 5: Secure the Wiring & Reassemble Everything
Now that the SGW bypass is installed, reverse the process:
✔ Secure all connections.
✔ Reinstall the gauge cluster.
✔ Reinstall the steering column cover and screws.
✔ Reconnect the battery.
✔ Test the car:
Step 6: Final Checks & Advice Before Visiting a Dealership
🚨 Do NOT take your car to the dealership with the SGW bypass installed! 🚨
Shoutout to the video creator, modded Motors and the video. They make so many of the detailed videos for Alfa Romeo mods. If this guide (or their video) helped you, hit them up with a sub and like or comment to let them know how much we appreciate them. The mod world for these beautiful cars is super small, and they really help us out by teaching us and letting us know all the options for mods that we can do!
The Tools I used are below, as well as the video. Hit me up if you all have any questions or confusion. I hope this can be a help to all of yall.
Ps: I’d like for this to be the one stop shop for all people trying to install this, If you notice anything missing or that I should add, pls reply and I’ll make the adjustment.
also, I tend to travel a lot, often from Florida to New York, so if anyone is not comfortable doing this themselves and wants some help, lmk and I may be able to do it for you. If I can't come out and help you, I'm sure I know someone who can. just ask!
Cheers.
Drew
Sockets:
MIXPOWER 25 Piece Torx Bit and Socket Set, 13 Star Bits (T8- T60) & 12 E-Torx Sockets (E4-E22), Professional Grade Auto & Motorcycle Mechanic Set
Pry tools:
GOOACC 5 PCS Nylon Auto Trim Removal Tool Kit No-Scratch Removal Tool Kit for Car Clip Panel & Audio Dashboard Dismantle Black
Ratchet attachments:
Egofine 12pcs 1/4 Inch Ratchet Socket Wrench Set, Drive Socket Set with 10 Sockets 4-13mm and 2 Way Quick Released Ratchet Handle and Extension Bar
Harness tape (I tethered the 4 chords together, not needed. Just for nice orginaztion):
RED WOLF Wiring Harness Tape High Temp Wire Cable Loom Self-Adhesive Fabric Tape for Electrical Automotive Engine Harness Wrap Protection Noise Damping Cables Fixed 3/4 Inch x 50 FT 5 Rolls
Youtube video:
Extensions (can get the bypass from same website):
This guide is specific to my 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti, but the process should be similar for 2020+ models and possibly older ones as well. I haven’t seen any info that would prove otherwise.
🚨 Please Note! This is NOT the same process as the Giulia, despite how similar they may seem. Go get familiar, read all of the thoroughly, and watch the video below a time or 2.
To make things easier, I’ve included: ✔ A video tutorial – the most helpful one in existence. ✔ A link to the necessary extensions and tools – while not mandatory, I strongly recommend them, and they will be part of this tutorial.
Trust me, this job is rough, and not having the proper tools or extensions will make it even harder. As you go through this mod, you will quickly realize you don’t want to do this again. The extensions make sure you don’t have to.
NEED TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING:
- The extensions prevent you from ever having to remove the gauge cluster again. They also avoid unnecessary wear on plastic components and make dealership visits easier – you can go back to stock in minutes.
- This is a time-consuming and difficult process – expect a fight with the gauge cluster and more! Take your time and don’t rush – being careful now will save you a lot of trouble later.
- About Dealerships: They can see that you installed the SGW bypass. If they detect modifications, they can void your warranty. This guide will show you how to avoid that issue. Unless you’re best friends with the service advisor at your dealership, I highly recommend you listen to this.
Now, after all my (important) yapping, let’s start!
Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Watch the Video
Before you begin, make sure you have:
- Torx screwdriver set
- Ratchet wrench
- Various plastic pry tools
- SGW bypass module
- Highly recommended: SGW extension cables
Step 2: Disconnect the Battery
This is crucial! The battery is located on the left side of the trunk floor. Locate the cable and disconnect it.
⚠ Important note:
- Do NOT skip this step.
- This is different from the Giulia – make sure you’re following the right steps for the Stelvio.
- The video shows this process as well.
Step 3: Remove the Steering Column and Gauge Cluster
- Take apart the steering column trim – follow the video for guidance.
- Locate two screws at the bottom of the gauge cluster and remove them. One screw is on each side.
- Remove the gauge cluster – this is a very hard part! The video will show how but expect it to be much harder than it looks.
- Tip: Use a pry tool between the screen and the cluster to help pry it open.
- It took me two hours of pulling before I finally got it off.
- Using excessive force can damage the cluster housing and the housing for the screws – be careful!
- If you have the extensions, you won’t ever have to do this again.
- I am 16 years old and fairly strong, but I used all my strength for this part. The cluster’s odd shape makes it even harder to grip.
Step 4: Disconnect the SGW Module
At this stage, you’ll see the SGW module, just like in the video. The cords you need to unplug are on the backside, making them difficult to reach.
Option 1 (Strongly Discouraged):
- Try to feel around blindly to unscrew and remove the SGW module.
- If you have small hands, this will be easier.
- Risk: Dropping a screw in a tight space = nightmare!
- A friend of mine did this for me with ease. It took him about 45 minutes since he has small hands and thin arms.
- Locate the SGW – it should look the same as in the video.
- Unplug the wires from the SGW module (there are two, and they are on the back side).
- Install the extensions:
- Plug the first set of extensions into the SGW module.
- Plug the second set of extensions into the two cords originally plugged into the SGW.
- Drop the other ends of these four cords down to your feet (above the pedals).
- Remove the panel above the pedals:
- There are four chrome bolts (two on the right, two on the left).
- Unscrew them with a ratchet.
- The panel won’t come off completely – a cord attached to the right side controls ambient lighting.
- I’m not sure what size socket you need, but you’ll see it, and the socket set I attached below has the correct one.
- Now, you should be able to feel/see all four cords you dropped down earlier. (from the below point of view)
- To make everything "OEM" again, connect them together.
- If you want to install the bypass, disconnect the cords and plug the bypass into the matching connectors.
- This part took me THREE HOURS – my hands were bleeding 2.5 weeks!
- If you don’t want this struggle again, install the extensions!
- My friend, with very small hands and skinny arms, did this in 45 minutes with no issues at all! (no, my hands are not extremely large)
Step 5: Secure the Wiring & Reassemble Everything
Now that the SGW bypass is installed, reverse the process:
✔ Secure all connections.
✔ Reinstall the gauge cluster.
✔ Reinstall the steering column cover and screws.
✔ Reconnect the battery.
✔ Test the car:
- Start it up, turn the steering wheel left and right, and check for any warning lights.
- Don’t panic – any lights should clear after a few restarts or a drive around the block.
Step 6: Final Checks & Advice Before Visiting a Dealership
🚨 Do NOT take your car to the dealership with the SGW bypass installed! 🚨
- They WILL see the modification and can void your warranty.
- Solution: Use your extensions to quickly unplug the bypass and reconnect the cords before going in.
Shoutout to the video creator, modded Motors and the video. They make so many of the detailed videos for Alfa Romeo mods. If this guide (or their video) helped you, hit them up with a sub and like or comment to let them know how much we appreciate them. The mod world for these beautiful cars is super small, and they really help us out by teaching us and letting us know all the options for mods that we can do!
The Tools I used are below, as well as the video. Hit me up if you all have any questions or confusion. I hope this can be a help to all of yall.
Ps: I’d like for this to be the one stop shop for all people trying to install this, If you notice anything missing or that I should add, pls reply and I’ll make the adjustment.
also, I tend to travel a lot, often from Florida to New York, so if anyone is not comfortable doing this themselves and wants some help, lmk and I may be able to do it for you. If I can't come out and help you, I'm sure I know someone who can. just ask!
Cheers.
Drew
Sockets:
MIXPOWER 25 Piece Torx Bit and Socket Set, 13 Star Bits (T8- T60) & 12 E-Torx Sockets (E4-E22), Professional Grade Auto & Motorcycle Mechanic Set
Pry tools:
GOOACC 5 PCS Nylon Auto Trim Removal Tool Kit No-Scratch Removal Tool Kit for Car Clip Panel & Audio Dashboard Dismantle Black
Ratchet attachments:
Egofine 12pcs 1/4 Inch Ratchet Socket Wrench Set, Drive Socket Set with 10 Sockets 4-13mm and 2 Way Quick Released Ratchet Handle and Extension Bar
Harness tape (I tethered the 4 chords together, not needed. Just for nice orginaztion):
RED WOLF Wiring Harness Tape High Temp Wire Cable Loom Self-Adhesive Fabric Tape for Electrical Automotive Engine Harness Wrap Protection Noise Damping Cables Fixed 3/4 Inch x 50 FT 5 Rolls
Youtube video:
Extensions (can get the bypass from same website):
