ero1220 Posted March 14, 2005 Report Share Posted March 14, 2005 A few inches below and left of the steering column in my 2000 STS there is a small, square, grilled panel in the dash. I have neither On-Star nor a navigation system but I would believe this space is reserved for a microphone used with either of those or an integrated phone. My first question is: Does anyone actually know what this space is for? I have removed the grill and lower panels of the dash below the steering column and cannot find a path back up to this space... I think it would be an ideal place to stash the mic for my phone. I have installed Motorola's integrated phone kit in several Cadillacs and have always looked for creative ways to make the install look more finished and thus, more professional. In my 2000, I made my goal to stray from the typical component locations and aside from the microphone - I have done just that. It's first location was in the small panel above the radio, unfortunately it was not a directional mic, so the entire body of the microphone had to stick out of the hole and good luck trying to hear me with the A/C on If anybody has any experience fishing wires through this space or if there is anyone that could even tell me where it goes or what it's purpose is I would greatly appreciate some insight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rbrantlee Posted March 14, 2005 Report Share Posted March 14, 2005 That opening cannot be used for a microphone. If I'm not mistaken, I believe it draws in cabin air with a small fan behind it to measure inside cabin temperature. It was posted awhile back. It is definitely used for something necessary. I searched manually and with the search feature and couldn't find the previous post. Someone else should remember exactly what it is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RDWRIOR Posted March 14, 2005 Report Share Posted March 14, 2005 ero1220, The post by rbrantlee is correct -- the grille you are describing covers an "aspirator module" which samples the cabin air temperature for the automatic HVAC system. It would not be wise to try mounting a microphone inside that cavity. As an alternative location for mounting your microphone, why not try the "overhead console" that contains the map lights and the sunroof controls? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ero1220 Posted March 15, 2005 Author Report Share Posted March 15, 2005 Update. After some further inspection I did deduce that it was some sort of sensor, I thought thermometer, and definitely tied to the HVAC... so that was ruled out fairly quickly. Installing the mic in the map light housing has crossed my mind before. My only problem is that I am unfamiliar with the paneling up there and how each piece is held in place. In the past I have monkeyed with it and found that it seemed to be held with some sort of adhesive, so I left it alone. I suppose I could explore this idea further because it's a good location. As of now I have put the interior back together with a surgically altered mic residing in the panel above the radio... it's been a long day Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RDWRIOR Posted March 15, 2005 Report Share Posted March 15, 2005 ero1220, Removing the overhead console is not too difficult if you can get access for your hands to the backside of the headliner panel. The plastic bezel of the console is held in place with strong spring clips, which is why it is best to push the clips loose from the backside of the headliner. If your vehicle is equipped with a sunroof (like mine), then this is a realtively easy job, because you can lower just the front portion of headliner and then reach up thrugh the sunroof opening, as well as reach back past the front edge of the lowered headliner. Without the sunroof opening to aid you, it is more difficult, becuase you have to reach in much deeper from the front of the headliner. Lowering the headliner requires removing the inner A-pillar trim panels (held in place with spring clips), removing the primary and secondary sun shades (held in place with Torx-head screws), removing the assist handles above each front door opening (held in place with screws under the end trim covers), and then loosening/removing the inner upper B-pillar trim panels (held in place with spring clips). None of these steps is difficult if you are patient and careful, and have the proper tools, including good trim panel removal tools. If you want to try this, I can offer some more tips/advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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