Easy to Install
Installation of Distronic Plus requires the following parts:
1. V1D221 module (included in the kit)
2. V1D221 harness (included in the kit)
3. Valentine One or V1 Remote Radar Detector (not included)
4. V1 Remote Audio Control module, Barrel Power connector, Long Cables, Installation hardware, Remote Display (not included)
The installation is quite simple. The V1 hard wire barrel power connector provides power for the detector, remote audio, and interface module. Connect the Black wire to a solid ground and the red wire to switched 12V. This can be found at the cigarette plug or at the front fuse panel. All components connect using the standard phone jack cables identical to the ones provided with your valentine detector and accessories. Connect from the Main out on the barrel connector to the Power In on the remote audio controller. Then connect form the Power Out to the IN on the V1D221. Finally connect from OUT on the V1D221 to the Valentine One Detector. The two sets of grey pairs are the Distronic sensor array interrupt wires. One pair will be run to the front passenger fender and the other will be run to the passenger side of the trunk.
Front Wheel Well - Distronic Harness Installation
The Front Distronic Plus interrupt is run forward into the engine compartment and over to the passenger wheel well. The connection is made at the Distronic harness located just behind the forward half of the wheel well cover. The ideal routing is to open the engine electronics cover located at the driver side nearest the windshield by unscrewing the 5 torque screws. The wires can then be run out into the engine compartment as the compartment is open to the driver under dash. Run the wires up into the compartment and through the existing grommet, then along the inside grille and finally into the wheel well area. (Note that the front radar receiver and diffuser can be run along the same path and at the same time). Twist the connector 45 degrees to dismount it. The connector will have four wires: brown, red, purple, purple/white. Separate the red wire out of the bundle. Cut the red wire and attach one gray lead to each side (polarity does not matter). Solder and tape and remount the connector.
Trunk - Rear Distronic Harness Installation
The Rear Distronic Plus interrupt is ran and connected as the front lead: First pull up the sill plates and run the lead under the carpet to the rear of the vehicle. Route the lead into the trunk area (this may require first removing the rear seat and trunk cover panels). Route the lead to the rearmost passenger side in the trunk. The Distronic harness will enter into the trunk area through a rubber grommet and is attached to a metal bracket. Twist 45 degrees to dismount. The connector will have four wires: brown, red, purple, purple/white. Separate out the red wire. Cut the red wire and attach one gray lead to each side (polarity does not matter). Solder and tape and remount the connector.
Under the Dash - CANBUS Connection
Finally locate the CAN distributor block attached to the driver under dash panel. The CAN Distributor is located on the top side of the under dash panel and is visible once the panel is unscrewed and pulled down. There are three blocks side by side with each block having 6 sockets. Each block is different and is identified by the wire colors running to them (green, brown, and yellow). Plug the 2 wire CAN connector into any free position in the block with the yellow wires.
Installation/Tips
Make sure you have the appropriate Valentine radar detector and volume module or the V1 Remote radar detector and installation hardware. Both can be ordered from the radar detector section of this web site.
App Note: Diagnosing the Distronic Interface Module for USE with the Valentine One or V1 Remote Radar Detector
If you are having problems with the Distronic interface module, use the instructions below to diagnose the issue. Many issues are a result of the installer not understanding the interface. Remember these following points:
1. Parktronic (parking sensors) always work with the Distronic interface whether the radar system is on or off.
2. Distronic Advance Cruise control only work with the radar system turned off. To use Distronic, the client should first turn the radar system off and then they can engage Distronic using the lever on the steering column.
3. Blind Spot Assist now comes on 2008 S and CL models. Blind Spot Assist and radar cannot be used at the same time. Blind spot Assist must be turned off in the instrument cluster menu when not in use.
4. If the client attempts to use BAS or Distronic with the radar system on they will receive a warning “Distronic Inoperative” and the Distronic system will remain inoperative until the ignition is cycled off and back on.
5. Occasionally the Radar Sensors encounter outside interference. This is manifested by a beep followed by the message ‘Parktronic Inoperative’. This is a normal issue with the Distronic system and is not a hardware fault.
Troubleshooting Instructions:
1. Check the LED on the Distronic interface module. On the Valentine 1 system the LED should be on anytime the remote knob is turned on.
2. Check function of the module on the CAN bus by checking for turn-on messages on the instrument cluster. To do this switch the cluster mode to ‘Audio’ and turn check for the turn-on message when the radar system is switched on. On the Valentine One system, turn the remote knob on and watch for the ‘Valentine One’ message.
3. If the message does not appear on the display with the Valentine One radar detector check the CAN connector to ensure it is plugged fully in to the CAN distributor connector.
4. The Distronic interrupt involves taking both the front and rear Distronic sensor arrays off-line above 29 MPH. Normally the Distronic arrays should be on when the radar system is turned off as well as when the vehicle is below 29 mph. Verify that 12 volts is present to the Distronic array by checking the power wire first at the module and then at the Distronic array (see 5,6)
5. Check for 12V at the Interface module by metering each grey wire. All 4 grey wires should read 12 volts except when the vehicle is above 20mph.
6. Check for 12v at the Distronic array itself by metering the red/white wire at the front/rear passenger side locations shown in the installation instructions.
App Note: Diagnosing the Distronic Interface Module for USE with the Valentine One or V1 Remote Radar Detector.
