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How to install an AIM MXL2 - Supplemental

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Installed my MXL2 setup today in my 2013 Mustang, and wanted to do this write, really, as a supplement to what Black Boss had already done in his topic linked below.
https://trackmustangsonline.com/index.php?topic=9109.msg132436#msg132436

Like Nick, I had already installed the Ford Racing steering wheel and Sparco adapter so the clock spring and air bag were gone and not an issue

20161125_185315-X2.jpg

I used the Watson bracket (part # WR-AIMBRKT) and the MXL2 template on the AIM website(http://www.aim-sportline.com/download/doc/eng/mxl2/MXL2_installation_template.pdf) to mock up the placement of everything
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I took Nick(Black Boss) advice and contacted Peter Krause(http://www.peterkrause.net/Krause_%26_Associates_LLC/Welcome.html)....and have to say, VERY happy I did. Peter, at least in my opinion has customer service down! We spoke on the phone about what configuration options I wanted, redline, tracks, and sensors. Peter took it from there, had everything configured that day, and had it shipped out. I got everything in 2 days! Peter also followed up with emails, and instuctions on what to do, how to do it, as well as provided complete documentation, included hand written instructions and guidelines.

My setup is a little different than the one in the link above. I did not go with the Smarty Cam, and am not running any external gauges. I did however go with 3 additional sensors: Oil Pressure, Oil Temp, and Brake Pressure. These will feed directly into the MXL2, and Peter provided the sensors, all the cabling, and setup/configured the MXL2 channels and configurations before I even got it.


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Test mounted up the MXL2 onto the Watson bracket with the spacers, and hardware provided by Watson
20161225_164920-X2.jpg

The one thing I am not quite sure I understand, and have seen this on other posts, is why the Watson bracket always seems to need to be modified to accept the AIM dash, this bracket is supposed to be for the AIM dash, not sure if the design is for the older units or what. Anyway, mine was no different, the wiring harness will not clear the bracket so it had to be modified slightly to allow it to clear

20161225_133243-X2.jpg

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I used the only tools I had to make the fix, which was a dremel and some paint
20161225_164645-X2.jpg

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Mounted the MXL2 to the modified bracket, with the spacers, and hardware provided by Watson
20161225_164920-X2.jpg

It was then time for the wiring, here are the connections I would be making:

MXL2Sensor/Vehicle
GPSGPS08 Module(Sensor)
CAN+OBDII(Vehicle)
CAN-OBDII(Vehicle)
+12VIgnition Power On(Vehicle)
GroundChassis(Vehicle)
Ch1Oil Pressure(Sensor teed into vehicle oil line)
Ch2Oil Temp(Sensor teed into vehicle oil line)
Ch3Brake Pressure(Sensor teed into hydraulic line near master cylinder)

I first added male spade connectors to the ends of the MXL2 wiring for CAN+, CAN-, +12V, and GND
20161225_151935-X2.jpg

20161225_151944-X2.jpg

Then made up some extension wires, with female spade connectors that I would use for connections to the MXL2 from OBDII(CAN+ & CAN-), +12V, and GND
20161225_152004-X2.jpg

I created a OBDII pigtail with an OBDII splitter that I had
20161225_141742-X2.jpg

I cut one of the connectors off to gain access to the wires
20161225_142002-X2.jpg

I simply did continuity checks on the wires to find the ones attached to Pin 6(CAN+) and Pin 14(CAN-), and then soldered on pigtail wires I made up(Orange wire is to CAN+, and Black wire is to CAN-). I then slide the wiring back into the jacketing I had stripped away, and then taped it all up
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How to install an AIM MXL2 - Supplemental


Took my ground wire pigtail and installed it in vehicle. Found a good ground in the drivers side kick panel by the hood release
20161225_160951-X2.jpg


Then found +12 Ignition Switch On at the steering column harness, not sure which pin this is(Red with Green Stripe) , but it was 2nd from the left as shown in the pictures below. Soldered my pigtail into this wire, then taped it up and plugged the connector back into steering column
wire-X2.jpg

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How to install an AIM MXL2 - Supplemental
How to install an AIM MXL2 - Supplemental
20161225_162342-X2.jpg
How to install an AIM MXL2 - Supplemental

20161225_162358-X2.jpg

Time for a test, plugged in MXL2 wiring harness, GPS sensor, and the 4 pigtail connections
20161225_162918-X2.jpg

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Success!
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Routed all wires, and mounted everything securely
20161225_165143-X2.jpg

this time I also attached my sensor extension cables as I will have to route these to the engine compartment tomorrow
20161225_171447-X2.jpg

Ran a couple more tests now that it was buttoned up, and explored the features and tracks!
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12/26
Today I was able to get all of the sensor wires, GPS, and USB wires routed. Per a comment from Drew, installed the GPS module, center of the dash close to the front edge using adhesive backed velcor. I was able to get the cable snaked down the front side of the dash and out of sight


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Ran the excess GPS cable down the side of the dash, and zip tied it up
20161226_140037-X2.jpg
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Routed the sensor wires to the engine bay through the sound tube port. My sound tube is long gone, so added a grommet to the block cap and ran the wires through it
20161226_140801-X2.jpg
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Routed the USB cable under the center console and into the center storage area. I have it coiled up behind the plastic cover
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I am now just waiting for the oil sandwich plate to run the sensors into
 

ArizonaBOSS

Because racecar.
Moderator
8,730
2,734
Arizona, USA
For the antenna, I used adhesive-backed velcro and velcro'ed it to the dash at the base of the windshield, right near where the ambient light sensor is in the center.
Caveat--my defroster venting is all removed.
 

j3st3r

Brian S.
604
376
Tennessee
ArizonaBOSS said:
For the antenna, I used adhesive-backed velcro and velcro'ed it to the dash at the base of the windshield, right near where the ambient light sensor is in the center.
Caveat--my defroster venting is all removed.


Thanks for the help, I got it installed in that location on the dash. Thanks for the config file too, I played around with different settings for a few hours
 

j3st3r

Brian S.
604
376
Tennessee
Got the Oil Pressure, and Oil Temp wired up and running today!


I went the sandwich plate route from Prosport
20161230_134717-X2.jpg

Installed the temp and oil pressure sensors
20161230_135820-X2.jpg
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Installed the sandwich plate
20161230_141512-X2.jpg

Split loomed and taped the wiring harnesses
20161230_145915-X2.jpg

Zero issues with filter, fitment, or sensors
20161230_145857-X2.jpg

Routed the loomed wiring harnesses in factory connector on shock tower
20161230_145726-X2.jpg

Success!
20161230_142831-X2.jpg

Now just need to figure out brake pressure
 

cholmes1

400lb Gorilla
350
216
Denver, CO
Excellent write up! Curious if anyone has installed the AIM system with the OEM steering wheel with air bag?

UPDATE

I received this from Watson Racing from the AIM MXL2

“Hi Charles,

Our bracket and the AIM head unit are designed to work with a race wheel, I don’t think there is enough clearance to work behind a stock steering wheel.

John Phillips

WATSON RACING “

Likely the best option if the OEM wheel remains.

http://www.aim-sportline.com/en/products/mxs-1.2-strada/index.htm

OR

create a custom bracket, based on the Watson design, that has a fold back about 3/4” over the column housing.
 
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