AIM SOLO DL install / PNP wiring DIY

[kaiv]

If your unit came without instructions or without pictures, well there you go

The SOLO DL connects to the CANbus of the car. Just two wires. + and -. It's pretty easy stuff but I cannot be held responsible if you screw up your car. I suggest reading this entirely before proceeding, so that you understand what you're doing </disclaimer>

I originally found said two wires on the big DME connector in the engine compartment. Then after some google-ing realized there is a big subconnector below the glove box. Perfect!

1) Disconnect the battery's negative terminal (8mm)



2) Remove the panel underneath the glove box (two T20 and 1 connector)



3) Find blue connector



Unplug it by pressing on the tab in the middle and lifting the white latch

4) Pull out the subconnectors by pressing on the tabs on either side





5) Locate PIN 1 and PIN 2.
PIN 1 is a blue wire with a red strip (CAN+) and PIN 2 a solid red wire (CAN-)

(You will need to remove some factory cloth wrap to see the wires)



6) With a pick tool press on the metal tab of the wire to slide it out of the connector. Undo both wires



7) Connect the PNP harness' red wire in PIN 1 and the blue wire in PIN 2. You do that by just sliding it into the connector all the way until it clicks.

Yes, logic and common sense would want you to connect the red wire where the red wire was and the blue wire where the blue wire was but it's not the case... I tried. Don't mind my chipped connector and my repaired wire -_-



8) Now connect the wires you removed to the supplied (green) connector. Blue to PIN 1. Red to PIN 2. and plug it to the female green connector on the PNP harness.



Red goes to blue, blue goes to red? What?! Logic fails again

9) Time to test your install.
Slide the subconnectors back into the blue connector.
Plug and latch the blue connector.
Reconnect the battery.
Connect the AIM SOLO.
Start the car (FYI if the CANbus is improperly connected it will take longer to start, the dash will be a Christmas Tree and things will be acting up severely ).

Start the SOLO



Everything checks out...Success!

10) Clean up your install. Unplug the SOLO and route its wire however you want it (I routed mine from behind the glovebox)



11) Tug in and secure the wires and harness (zip ties)



12) Reinstall the plastic panel (tabs on either side + light connector+ 2 screws)

13) Enjoy your SOLO!

[S65V8]

nice job! With a little research and tinkering, it's amazing what any of us can do on our own. I started doing this myself for a number items as labor these days so expensive everywhere.

[GTM_Challenge]

Thanks for posting this up!

[OC3]

[bigjae1976]

Nice work! But you fail as a hand model. You should have gotten a manicure before doing the DIY.

[GTM_Challenge]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

Nice work! But you fail as a hand model. You should have gotten a manicure before doing the DIY.

:rofl:

[kaiv]

[Aus_M]

Just used this guide, worked perfectly! thanks

[kaiv]

Awesome, glad it could help!

[ufgtrs2007]

I'm reviving an old thread. Do I need to purchase the green connector? One did not come with the AIM. And there are several other wires in the harness, do I need to use all of them?

Thanks

[warp10]

Originally Posted by ufgtrs2007

I'm reviving an old thread. Do I need to purchase the green connector? One did not come with the AIM. And there are several other wires in the harness, do I need to use all of them?

Thanks

Green connector is just a wire tap. Not necessary but clean. You will have unused wires

He is using the pnp kit from mworld it seems.

[peter de la mare]

Only two wires are required, the CAN+ and CAN- ? The power/ground wires are redundant?

[inTgr8r]

Originally Posted by peter de la mare

Only two wires are required, the CAN+ and CAN- ? The power/ground wires are redundant?

They are, only if you want to use the unit on battery all the time.

You can wire the power/ground to a switched accessory fuse and the AiM will turn on with the car.
This is what I plan to do.

I also don't see the point of this PnP cable at $175!!!
This that just obscene pricing for what it is.

[peter de la mare]

Originally Posted by inTgr8r

They are, only if you want to use the unit on battery all the time.

You can wire the power/ground to a switched accessory fuse and the AiM will turn on with the car.
This is what I plan to do.

I also don't see the point of this PnP cable at $175!!!
This that just obscene pricing for what it is.

Thanks for confirming, I’ll find a suitable power source.

I’m currently suffering CANBUS errors with the AiM and Awron gauges conflicting, I’m picking up the CAN feeds from the same place under the glove box using a home madden loom using OE connectors and leads. Apparently a 1k resister will stop them from crossing over.
If this fails then I’ll wire directly to the ECU and hope this works.

[inTgr8r]

Originally Posted by peter de la mare

Thanks for confirming, I’ll find a suitable power source.

I’m currently suffering CANBUS errors with the AiM and Awron gauges conflicting, I’m picking up the CAN feeds from the same place under the glove box using a home madden loom using OE connectors and leads. Apparently a 1k resister will stop them from crossing over.
If this fails then I’ll wire directly to the ECU and hope this works.

Direct ECU connection also gives you more useful data.

[Exclusivs]

Good write up kaiv This goes much appreciated

[semaj]

Originally Posted by kaiv

If your unit came without instructions or without pictures, well there you go

The SOLO DL connects to the CANbus of the car. Just two wires. + and -. It's pretty easy stuff but I cannot be held responsible if you screw up your car. I suggest reading this entirely before proceeding, so that you understand what you're doing </disclaimer>

I originally found said two wires on the big DME connector in the engine compartment. Then after some google-ing realized there is a big subconnector below the glove box. Perfect!

1) Disconnect the battery's negative terminal (8mm)



2) Remove the panel underneath the glove box (two T20 and 1 connector)



3) Find blue connector



Unplug it by pressing on the tab in the middle and lifting the white latch

4) Pull out the subconnectors by pressing on the tabs on either side





5) Locate PIN 1 and PIN 2.
PIN 1 is a blue wire with a red strip (CAN+) and PIN 2 a solid red wire (CAN-)

(You will need to remove some factory cloth wrap to see the wires)



6) With a pick tool press on the metal tab of the wire to slide it out of the connector. Undo both wires



7) Connect the PNP harness' red wire in PIN 1 and the blue wire in PIN 2. You do that by just sliding it into the connector all the way until it clicks.

Yes, logic and common sense would want you to connect the red wire where the red wire was and the blue wire where the blue wire was but it's not the case... I tried. Don't mind my chipped connector and my repaired wire -_-



8) Now connect the wires you removed to the supplied (green) connector. Blue to PIN 1. Red to PIN 2. and plug it to the female green connector on the PNP harness.



Red goes to blue, blue goes to red? What?! Logic fails again

9) Time to test your install.
Slide the subconnectors back into the blue connector.
Plug and latch the blue connector.
Reconnect the battery.
Connect the AIM SOLO.
Start the car (FYI if the CANbus is improperly connected it will take longer to start, the dash will be a Christmas Tree and things will be acting up severely ).

Start the SOLO



Everything checks out...Success!

10) Clean up your install. Unplug the SOLO and route its wire however you want it (I routed mine from behind the glovebox)



11) Tug in and secure the wires and harness (zip ties)



12) Reinstall the plastic panel (tabs on either side + light connector+ 2 screws)

13) Enjoy your SOLO!

Will this method give show channels available to the "BMW_PT6" protocol? You can see it listed here: https://www.aim-sportline.com/downlo...T6_101_eng.pdf

[Ximian]

Originally Posted by semaj

Will this method give show channels available to the "BMW_PT6" protocol? You can see it listed here: https://www.aim-sportline.com/downlo...T6_101_eng.pdf

Yes.

[swhat]

Adding on to help those upgrading to Solo 2DL. Just follow the above instructions, but for power wiring, refer to this:
https://www.manualslib.com/manual/10...page=13#manual
Power wiring is on the black ecu connector pin 1 (15v wiring) and pin 6 (ground).

[derbo]

Originally Posted by swhat

Adding on to help those upgrading to Solo 2DL. Just follow the above instructions, but for power wiring, refer to this:
https://www.manualslib.com/manual/10...page=13#manual
Power wiring is on the black ecu connector pin 1 (15v wiring) and pin 6 (ground).

Thats interesting.

I used Fuse #5 (it was empty) and use a tap a fuse and the fusebolt mounting bolt as the ground.