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View Full Version : How to install an Apexi Auto Timer w/ O2 AF on an MS3



theurgy
12-31-2008, 04:03 PM
Now I figure I would start this write up cause 3 people have asked me personally for the details, as well I promised I would in a few other forums.
This is data I've compiled from various other guides for various other turbo timers and AF guage installs.

Also note that installing this way WILL allow your doors to lock (I've proven this with my own personal install).

Here is the unit as it comes out of the box:
http://i42.tinypic.com/ekp204.jpg

I had to extend the wires for the Green, Red and Blue wires coming from the unit I made sure to solder and heatshrink the wires and the extension wires were the same gauge as well to ensure no issues later on:
http://i42.tinypic.com/2v3n1nk.jpg

I've wired up using the wires found under the top steering column cover to the left (driver's side). It's a harness with a swing clip so you can remove it for easier access.
http://i44.tinypic.com/ng3ecw.jpg

The Red & Blue wires from the Turbo Timer tap into the Red thick wire(12V Constant) at the column. That's BOTH of these wires on the same wire with two different taps.

The Green wire from the Turbo Timer taps into the Green/Yellow wire(Ignition) at the column.

I found the best place to mount the black control unit box is on the right hand side of the steering column housing and using double sided tape we mounted to the inside.
Then we made sure that there were no clearance issues with the wires and that you can move the telescopic steering up down and in and out.
Also make sure to zip tie the wires together and securely.
http://i42.tinypic.com/vymjb8.jpg

The Brown (or Grey) wire from the Turbo Timer taps into the e-brake signal. There is only one wire on the handbrake switch.
The best place to tap for the handbrake is to take the center console out (if you want to know how to do that.. read the TWM short shifter instructions.. they tell you exactly how)then immediately behind the handbrake there is a black wire with a green stripe that you tap into.. don't try tracing the wire down the line closer to the stereo.. as there are several black wires with green stripes in the bunch (from what I learned...LOL).
http://i42.tinypic.com/ejzfaq.jpg
http://i43.tinypic.com/2pshij7.jpg

Next using the supplied crimp on U connector attach the ground (the Black with either Grey or Brown dots wire) to a proper grounding point. I found the best place was found in the driver's side footwell:
http://i44.tinypic.com/6p5czn.jpg

Now as for the White with Grey dots wire (O2 signal wire):

I've attached a PDF with the ECU pinouts. The ECU is located under the hood next to the battery.
The wire you want to tap into is the Rear Oxygen Sensor (2Q) which is a Narrowband O2 sensor.
Here is a pic of that ECU pinout:
http://i43.tinypic.com/2qao9hk.jpg

Here is a pic of that wire tapped:
http://i39.tinypic.com/2dvv387.jpg

*Also note that I used split looming to protect the wire running through the engine bay. This is always a good measure.


Also best place to run those wires, there is a grommet on the driver's side, to find it use a flashlight and look in the gap between the driver's strut bump and the battery box.. there is a single black cable (the hood release cable actually) and use a coat hanger and poke through it.
http://i41.tinypic.com/24m820x.jpg
http://i40.tinypic.com/2e4huds.jpg

Finally.. once you start your car.. you'll notice you won't get an AF reading right away.. that's cause the sensor needs to warm up beforehand... drive around for a few minute and you'll then see the 10-20 AF ratio number pop up.

As for mounting your pen-style control unit, that is up to you, I mounted mine on my left hand side using 3m double sided tape, centered just below the left hand side vent and just above the DSC/HID controls. Some people have run them to the ashtray out of view, but again that's your choice.


Hope that helps you out... also depending where you bought your TT.. know that Apexi has had issues with some Chinese manufacturer's creating fake Turbo Timers. Look out for those and make sure yours is a real one.

http://www.apexi-usa.com/news_article.asp?id=12

Now as for the discussion in here, we all know the arguments that:
A: Modern Turbos don't require a Turbo Timer... blah blah...
B: Narrowband O2 gauges are useless .. blah blah..

Please argue these points in other threads, because this is a how-to, people who are looking to install one of these have already made that decision, and have considered these points.

Gizzmo_jr
01-01-2009, 01:48 AM
Nice guide. Easy to follow along

midz97
01-24-2010, 07:54 PM
Great info. used this as the guide for my install and had no problems, and looks clean in the ashtray!