@TheMayoMachine posted:@thedak :
I have one installed inside the tunnel on my 2003 VS.I’m happy to share any insight I may have. The install was relatively straight forward, although I didn’t do it myself. I had a panel cut out of the bottom of the pan that is held in place with sheet metal screws and sealed with a bead of silicone. The panel was done to allow access if I had trouble with the system in the future, the silicone was to keep the parts dry inside the tunnel.
There was a bit of finagling that needed to be done with the actuator in the tunnel but it’s nothing that can’t be overcome. With the way the E-stopp is designed there is zero interference with anything else in the tunnel...my issue was that I installed new fuel lines in there at the same time. The initiator button is tucked up and away from view as I didn’t want it in the dash...and the alarm tone was disabled.
If there is any negative to this system it is the fact that it will NOT ENGAGE when the engine is running. It will, however, engage as soon as the key is turned off if the button is pressed. Because of this it is only used for parking and, by definition, is no longer an emergency brake so there is no handle to grab in an “oh sh...” situation. I’m OK with that because it’s not a problem...until it’s a problem.
This actuator in this system is significantly larger than I anticipated and I later learned there are factory units in Prius sedans that function similarly but I did no research on their function or application. I imagine there are many other modern vehicles with similar systems that may work in a shortened VW pan as well.
PM me if you want pics or more info.
Thank you for the response and insight.
Will be my winter project.