How to toggle the AVAS/PAC on/off with a physical switch - DIY tutorial

[hb.sagen]

At times, the backup beep-beep is a tad annoying. But mostly it is a good thing.

I want to be able to disable it with the flip of a switch. The switch works perfectly, and now I can back up at home without waking up the kids. The UFO sound is also gone with the switch flipped.

First, remove the 3 plugs from the plate under the glove box.

Then the PACModule is visible, fastened to the plate you just loosened.

Remove the plug and cut this wire 5-10 cm from the plug. It's the speaker + terminal. Connect each end to each of a double wire, so you can complete the circuit with a switch.

Run the double wire up through the A pillar and to the overhead console. The overhead console can be pulled down at the rear, it just hold in place with 4 clips. Unplug the three connectors. I placed my switch here. With the ON position towards the windshield. Connect the double wire to the switch.

Final result:

To avoid error messages, use for scan to disable AVAS:

Wrong Way Alert (WWA) • Approaching Audible System (AVAS) • Emergency Call System (ECS) • Brake Telltale Symbol (BTS)

720-09-02 x*xx xx--
0 = WWA disabled • AVAS disabled • ECS disabled • BTS U.S.
1 = WWA disabled • AVAS disabled • ECS disabled • BTS ROW
2 = WWA disabled • AVAS disabled • ECS enabled • BTS U.S.
3 = WWA disabled • AVAS disabled • ECS enabled • BTS ROW
4 = WWA disabled • AVAS enabled • ECS disabled • BTS U.S.
5 = WWA disabled • AVAS enabled • ECS disabled • BTS ROW
6 = WWA disabled • AVAS enabled • ECS enabled • BTS U.S.
7 = WWA disabled • AVAS enabled • ECS enabled • BTS ROW
8 = WWA enabled • AVAS disabled • ECS disabled • BTS U.S.
9 = WWA enabled • AVAS disabled • ECS disabled • BTS ROW
A = WWA enabled • AVAS disabled • ECS enabled • BTS U.S.
B = WWA enabled • AVAS disabled • ECS enabled • BTS ROW
C = WWA enabled • AVAS enabled • ECS disabled • BTS U.S.
D = WWA enabled • AVAS enabled • ECS disabled • BTS ROW
E = WWA enabled • AVAS enabled • ECS enabled • BTS U.S.
F = WWA enabled • AVAS enabled • ECS enabled • BTS ROW

Thanks to daczone for the excellent info in this thread, there you can find more information on the wire, plugs etc.

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[ZSC100]

This is an awesome mod for those who still want to keep the PAWS 99% of the time. I ripped that shit out day 1, but if I wasn't the only driver/owner I'd be highly interested in this and maybe use a relay who's coil is triggered by the interior lights?,, So, if the interior lights are ON, the speaker is off. Also, if you put the relay down at the PACM you can switch in a 100ohm resistor on the N.O. contact of the relay to replace the speaker and you don't even need to make any FORScan mods and retain the full PAWS malfunction warning.

 

[hb.sagen]

Great idea. A three way switch with said resistor in the other position could also be done.

 

[Andrewbens]

Great opportunity to add the advanced security with the overhead being pulled down.

 

[hb.sagen]

Great opportunity to add the advanced security with the overhead being pulled down.

What is this? I have read the option somewhere, but don't know what it adds.

 

[d45]

Hi here is another method for installing a physical switch to mute the external speaker. I wanted a purely physical system with no programming required, and no modification to the wiring harness. This method uses a switch in the cab to select if the signal goes to the speaker (on) or to a 4ohm resistor (off).

I ran two cables from the speaker through the firewall above the pedals. The cables plug in to the speakers using OEM connectors and basically re-routes the speaker signal into the cab where I select if its audible or not.

I used a mini SPDT switch mounted in the light control cluster. There is an empty slot that appears designed for switch (other trims may have something there). I mounted the 4ohm resister under the dash on the metal support above the pedals, which is great for heat dissipation and protecting the resistor from the elements.

It was some work running the wires and mounting the resistor but the results were worth it. 5000 miles driven now since modification with no issues.

 

[hb.sagen]

Great work d45!

 

[astrand1]

This is an awesome mod for those who still want to keep the PAWS 99% of the time. I ripped that shit out day 1, but if I wasn't the only driver/owner I'd be highly interested in this and maybe use a relay who's coil is triggered by the interior lights?,, So, if the interior lights are ON, the speaker is off. Also, if you put the relay down at the PACM you can switch in a 100ohm resistor on the N.O. contact of the relay to replace the speaker and you don't even need to make any FORScan mods and retain the full PAWS malfunction warning.

I did the same thing. I turned it off with forscan and unplugged at the dealer before I left. I think it’s ridiculous. There plenty of very quiet gas cars out there. At some point people need to be aware of their surroundings and look before walking in a parking lot.

 

[NW Ontario Ford Lightning]

At work-sites I have to have a back up beeper, but at home I prefer to Not have one. This is a great solution for both situations.

 

[ryun]

Also, if you put the relay down at the PACM you can switch in a 100ohm resistor on the N.O. contact of the relay to replace the speaker and you don't even need to make any FORScan mods and retain the full PAWS malfunction warning.

How does a resistor replace forscan modifications? I'm guessing that it's because there's just enough resistance for the truck to still "see" the speakers still attached, but with enough impedance to prevent any sounds from playing?

 

[ZSC100]

How does a resistor replace forscan modifications? I'm guessing that it's because there's just enough resistance for the truck to still "see" the speakers still attached, but with enough impedance to prevent any sounds from playing?

You are correct, pretty much any resistance even up to a thousand ohms will satisfy the warning that the speaker is not connected. When you hook it up, you are simply replacing the speaker with the resistor so no, No sound. Will play through a resistor.

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