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So this is my first post on the forum but I have read a lot of posts specifically regarding the SGW bypass installation. I have yet to find a post specifically describing the process and the tools needed. I just finished the install and am typing this with cut up fingers and slightly (very) buzzed from the alcohol which is needed during the install to maintain your sanity.
Initial thoughts: I was somewhat hesitant to do the install given the horror stories that I read, but overall the job wasn't too bad. I did the install on my new to me 2020 stelvio TI. total time for job was around 3.5 hours.
Tools needed before you start:
1. T25 socket
2. T30 socket
3. X2 set of wiring harness extensions (SGW-BYPASS- Extension-FCA cars (Alfa, Fiat, JEEP, RAM Dodge))
4. SGW bypass (SGW-BYPASS-FCA cars (Alfa, Fiat, JEEP, RAM Dodge))
This is all the tools that are absolutely needed for the install. Some optional tools which are helpful is a pair of fingerless gloves, zip ties, an extendable mirror, and plenty of dexterity in your left hand. I also recommend an adult beverage and cigar of your choice as frequent breaks are helpful to ease frustration
I should have taken pictures however hindsight is 20/20. I will try to describe the process as best as possible.
Step By Step Process:
1. use a T25 to remove a single screw in the top of the sunglass compartment located to the left of the steering column. There are two retaining clips holding the compartment in which can be popped off using a flat head screw driver as leverage.
2. once the sunglass compartment is removed the next step is to remove the lower shroud beneath the steering column. There are 6 T25 screws that need to be removed as well as 1 plastic rivet which is retaining a foam piece. when you lower this plastic piece it will be attached by the ODB reader which is easy to pop loose as well as 2 LED foot lights. Be careful with the LED light clips as they are easy to break. (this was the only casualty in my install).
3. After this piece is removed you will then have access to 2 T30 screws which are holding the radio unit in place. These are easily removed from underneath access. After removal of the 2 screws the radio unit was able to be lowered into the footwell without disconnecting any wires attached to the radio.
4. Now the fun begins
5. Use a flashlight to locate the SGW unit (you actually can't see the unit, you are only able to see the bracket which the unit it attached to). it is located at the 12 o'clock position directly above the steering column. There are 3 bolts on the bracket, and I was able to locate it by following the wiring harness from the ODB reader.
6. I was able to use my left hand (via access through the sunglass compartment) to disconnect the 12 pin and 8 pin connectors. (this took the longest during my install). I had to put tension on the wires as well as depress the clip while only using my left hand in order to get the clips out. (All of this was done via feel only. I was unable to visualize any of this step due to the small space you are working in).
7. once the clips were disconnected I cut the zip tie holding the wiring harness in order to bring the wires closer to the sunglass compartment. at this time you can use one set of your extenders to clip into the factory harness.
8. next is to use the other set of extenders to clip into the SGW unit. This part also caused some frustration. Essentially done with my left arm via feeling for the connectors only. You are unable to visualize anything. I found it easier to clip in the 12 pin connector first as it is located on the right side of the SGW unit. then connect the 8 pin connector via the same method.
9. Rejoice! as you are basically done. Connect the two wiring looms together and reassemble everything. Radio unit, then foot well trim, then sunglass compartment.
10. now whenever the SGW bypass is needed all that has to be done is the sunglass compartment has to be removed via a single T25 screw.
Hopefully someone finds this helpful. The fingerless gloves are helpful but I still managed to scrape my wrist and arm up pretty good. Sorry for any typos or incorrect grammar.
Good Luck,
Psych Doc.
Initial thoughts: I was somewhat hesitant to do the install given the horror stories that I read, but overall the job wasn't too bad. I did the install on my new to me 2020 stelvio TI. total time for job was around 3.5 hours.
Tools needed before you start:
1. T25 socket
2. T30 socket
3. X2 set of wiring harness extensions (SGW-BYPASS- Extension-FCA cars (Alfa, Fiat, JEEP, RAM Dodge))
4. SGW bypass (SGW-BYPASS-FCA cars (Alfa, Fiat, JEEP, RAM Dodge))
This is all the tools that are absolutely needed for the install. Some optional tools which are helpful is a pair of fingerless gloves, zip ties, an extendable mirror, and plenty of dexterity in your left hand. I also recommend an adult beverage and cigar of your choice as frequent breaks are helpful to ease frustration
I should have taken pictures however hindsight is 20/20. I will try to describe the process as best as possible.
Step By Step Process:
1. use a T25 to remove a single screw in the top of the sunglass compartment located to the left of the steering column. There are two retaining clips holding the compartment in which can be popped off using a flat head screw driver as leverage.
2. once the sunglass compartment is removed the next step is to remove the lower shroud beneath the steering column. There are 6 T25 screws that need to be removed as well as 1 plastic rivet which is retaining a foam piece. when you lower this plastic piece it will be attached by the ODB reader which is easy to pop loose as well as 2 LED foot lights. Be careful with the LED light clips as they are easy to break. (this was the only casualty in my install).
3. After this piece is removed you will then have access to 2 T30 screws which are holding the radio unit in place. These are easily removed from underneath access. After removal of the 2 screws the radio unit was able to be lowered into the footwell without disconnecting any wires attached to the radio.
4. Now the fun begins
5. Use a flashlight to locate the SGW unit (you actually can't see the unit, you are only able to see the bracket which the unit it attached to). it is located at the 12 o'clock position directly above the steering column. There are 3 bolts on the bracket, and I was able to locate it by following the wiring harness from the ODB reader.
6. I was able to use my left hand (via access through the sunglass compartment) to disconnect the 12 pin and 8 pin connectors. (this took the longest during my install). I had to put tension on the wires as well as depress the clip while only using my left hand in order to get the clips out. (All of this was done via feel only. I was unable to visualize any of this step due to the small space you are working in).
7. once the clips were disconnected I cut the zip tie holding the wiring harness in order to bring the wires closer to the sunglass compartment. at this time you can use one set of your extenders to clip into the factory harness.
8. next is to use the other set of extenders to clip into the SGW unit. This part also caused some frustration. Essentially done with my left arm via feeling for the connectors only. You are unable to visualize anything. I found it easier to clip in the 12 pin connector first as it is located on the right side of the SGW unit. then connect the 8 pin connector via the same method.
9. Rejoice! as you are basically done. Connect the two wiring looms together and reassemble everything. Radio unit, then foot well trim, then sunglass compartment.
10. now whenever the SGW bypass is needed all that has to be done is the sunglass compartment has to be removed via a single T25 screw.
Hopefully someone finds this helpful. The fingerless gloves are helpful but I still managed to scrape my wrist and arm up pretty good. Sorry for any typos or incorrect grammar.
Good Luck,
Psych Doc.
