Tools Needed:
Drill
1/6th Drill Bit
7/64th Drill Bit
5/8th Drill Bit
Needle Nose Pliers
Wire Strippers
Center Punch

Optional:
10mm Socket with extension
Super Glue
C-Clamps/Vice
Strong Friend :)
Ruler


Console Removal
http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/49.JPG
First and foremost remove the Yellow fuse (10,10,10,10,7.5,Yellow)in the engine bay fuse box this is the radio fuse.


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/1.JPG

http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/2.JPG

http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/3.JPG
Twist off your shifter knob


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/4.JPG
Start removing the center console from the of the bottom


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/5.JPG
Then from the top (Be careful not to break any clips)


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/6.JPG
Help the center console piece out by pulling your boot out of the way


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/7.JPG
Remove this clip on the bottom of the shifter assembly


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/8.JPG
Unplug your cigarette lighter plug


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/9.JPG
Now from the bottom of the remanding console work your way up till it pops out


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/10.JPG
Remove the radio/clock/ac plug from the back of the console

http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/11.JPG
And you will end up with something like this


Installing Cover Components
http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/12.JPG
Lay out everything in front of you for easy access


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/13.JPG
Remove the covers housing from the main console by removing Four (4) screws Two (2) On each side


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/14.JPG
Cover and housing removed


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/15.JPG
On the Left hand side (Holding the cover so it Reads "Scion") is a gear with a tension spring under it. Remove the black screw and remove the tension spring.


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/16.JPG
Remove this gear as well, save both gears for later reinstallation


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/17.JPG
Your left gearless :)


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/18.JPG
Now unscrew the white latch, and remove the gold leaf spring


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/19.JPG

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Leaf Spring and White latch removed.

http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/22.JPG
Now with the 4-40 x 3/4th screw (The Big one) Thread it in about 1/5th of the way into the hole where the white latch was. * tCover reommends using super glue to hold the screw down tight.


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/23.JPG
Just enough so the bottom of the screw head sits over the bracket when cover is closed.


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/24.JPG
Now on the right hand side remove the two gears.


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/25.JPG
Save for later reinstallation


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/26.JPG
Now remove the cover from the housing by sliding it out of its track. Make sure to pay attention to how the cover comes out as you will need to reverse this step to get it back in


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/27.JPG
Now on the right hand side you will see this little stub we need to drill this out so that we can attach the ball for the ball end link


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/28.JPG
Drill a 1/16th hole all the way threw the direct CENTER of this stub.


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/35.JPG

http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/36.JPG
Screw your 2mm Screw (The flat head one) and your ball end into the freshly drilled hole. Tighten till the ball does not move.



Installing Control Unit
http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/29.JPG
Now back to your housing


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/30.JPG
Grab your control unit and place it on the right side of your housing


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/31.JPG
Mark your hole and drill it out using a 7/64th drill bit


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/32.JPG
Place your 4-40 x 3/8th's screw (There is two of them left) into the back so the screw extrudes from the front


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/33.JPG
Place your control unit over the screw and using your 4-40 locknut and tighten down


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/34.JPG
And you end up with this


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/37.JPG
Insert your Z bend link rod into the top hole of the servo arm


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/38.JPG
Getting it threw requires a bit of force you might want to drill the servo hole out using a 1/16th drill bit. Don’t make it to big it needs to be snug


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/39.JPG
Notice how the position of the rod has change from the picture (2nd one above this one). This is the proper position of the rod when its all the way in correctly


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/40.JPG
Place the other end of the Z rod into the 90-degree bell crank


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/41.JPG
Grab your ball end link and thread it into the link rod. Make sure the center of the Ball end is exactly 2-5/8th's from the 90-degree bend
(Figure 8.29 In the Instructions)


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/42.JPG
Place your cover back on the proper tracks. Place your ball end link onto the ball end.


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/43.JPG

http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/44.JPG
The exact measurements for this step are in the manual. I chose to eyeball it.
So I Closed the cover all the way down. And marked where my 90-Degree bell crank ended up. I drilled my 7/16th hole. Once I did that I tightened down my bell crank using the 4-40 screw and locknut. Tighten the bell crank all the way down till it cant move then slightly unscrew it just enough so it moves freely.


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/45.JPG

http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/46.JPG
Install the gears making sure the plug on the bottom of the gears snaps into the cover brackets. *Note Tc cover recommends that you only install one of the tension dampers(Little tiny gear) But I have found that it closes and opens alot smoother with both.



Wiring/Fit Finish
http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/48.JPG
Toggle requires a 5/8th hole


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/50.JPG
Disconnect your main radio harness (The big plug) A slice back some of the black shrink wrap (Make sure not the cut any wires) Using your red wire taps Grab your Brown Ground Wire from the radio harness and place it into an empty hole in the wire tap. Now place your Brown wire from the tcover harness into the other empty slot and crimp down the metal bridge in the middle of the tap. Do this for the Silver (Radio harness) to Silver (On tc cover) Wires and Blue (Right next to the Silver On the radio harness) to Blue(On tc cover)


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/51.JPG
Run wires above the radio


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/52.JPG
Now you need to make room for the control arm


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/53.JPG
Close the cover all the way and attempt to install, Look where the control arm is and trim that area off about 1/4th inch


http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/54.JPG
Trimmed about 1/4th inch, Now reinstall your console remember to plug in your power and toggle plug into the unit and your set. From here you move on the the programming stage witch is right in the manual for you.

*Don't forget to plug the fuse back in*

You can also check out the programming video via
http://www.tcover.net/tCoverConfigTutorial.wmv


Review:
I admit at first I was one of those who said wow looks like it takes 6 hours to install that’s crazy. But after I got into it I realized its not so bad of an install. The instructions make it seem that way because every step is covered. In the package that tCover sends you comes Three (3) Red wiretaps, Zip Ties, Pre Wired toggle (A very nice one at that), Power Plug, Misc Screws, Bolts, Rods etc. I was sent version 2.0 of the tC cover the features of the tC cover Include A Show Mode, A Lock Out Mode, 5 Speed Settings & a Top & Bottom Limiter. Unlike Version 1.0 Where you would have to take everything apart to adjust the settings Version 2.0 lets you do it by using certain toggle combo's. Once you have set up everything you can enter Lock out mode by Toggling from the center up 4 times rapidly. Lock mode will lock the cover so that it will not open if you accidentally hit the toggle or turn the car off and on. This comes in handy when you get your car washed or want to hide the radio. To get out of lock mode move the toggle from the center to the bottom 4 times rapidly and it will get out of unlock mode. To enter show mode toggle from the center to the bottom 5 times rapidly. Show mode opens and closes the cover every 10 seconds or so. To get out of show mode toggle from the center to the bottom 5 time rapidly once more and you will be out of show mode. The programing instructions were a little fuzzy but other then that this was an easy install.

OMG, FREAKING AWESOME. I WANT IT

pretty nice. Where did you buy the kit from?

I got the kit from www.tcover.net ask for Scott.

heh yeh i read the web site right after i posted. guess i shoulda looked harder before posting. but thanks for the reply!

http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/6.JPG

Ive seen a similar situation before :lalala:

nice.. i like.. maybe i looked over this but does it open when you turn on your car and close when you turn off your car.. or can it do that??

nice.. i like.. maybe i looked over this but does it open when you turn on your car and close when you turn off your car.. or can it do that??
Yes that's what it does. Or you can set it anyway you want. I gotta have one lol.

it also comes with a toggle swithc so you can open and close it without the car being on..which is cool. very cool. i might buy this. I'm not very good with installing stuff like this, but on the web site there is a step by step manual with pictures. I might be able to take care of it.

http://www.scionlife.com/tech/images/tcover/2.JPG

Uhm...

Nice write up!

Correct it opens when you turn it on closes when u turn it off. It has some other settings as well listed in my write up.

Will this work(fit) with a AVN 5435 double din headunit cause I am about to get it and I want this but till I do it I can't eyeball it from the pics. WIll it fit and if it does not will you guys accept a return???

Will this work(fit) with a AVN 5435 double din headunit cause I am about to get it and I want this but till I do it I can't eyeball it from the pics. WIll it fit and if it does not will you guys accept a return???

It should fit depending on if you install your head unit the wright way. The stock Radio in a tC is double din.

drool.

im going to wait a yr, let me know if it still works after a yr of open and close.... hehehe.

I really would like to get one but just not sure if its going to hold up well in the long run. Hope it does though so i can buy it.

im going to wait a yr, let me know if it still works after a yr of open and close.... hehehe.

I really would like to get one but just not sure if its going to hold up well in the long run. Hope it does though so i can buy it.

Like All my DIY'S, I will post updates...

glad to see they keep improving it... i have the rev 1 kit.. or like rev 1.0.5 :P i got a new firmware that has a timer to sort of time out the servo after it has reached the full open or closed position...

what i would be afraid of is locking the cover and having someone who is use to seeing the tc door manually operated try opening it manually... hell, im afraid of that now :nails: .......... i do like the show idea...nice way to show off the mod in a show situation...

here is something i had recommended to scott as a change in the instructions.. on the factory radio harness there are 2 blue/silver wires... which is right..?? i used the lower blue/silver wire.. and kaeon use the one next to the silver wire... apperantly they are both ok to use.. but it may get alittle confusing..

here is something i had recommended to scott as a change in the instructions.. on the factory radio harness there are 2 blue/silver wires... which is right..?? i used the lower blue/silver wire.. and kaeon use the one next to the silver wire... apperantly they are both ok to use.. but it may get alittle confusing..

The One I used is the constant 12v Im pretty sure thats what the instructions said to use.. Hmm I will check

Nice write up.... BUT isn't it a little redundant?

I installed with the Intall Guide and the Operations Guide Online at the TCover Site

http://www.tcover.net/tCover_Install_ManualComp_1_4.pdf

Hey, If you want to look at a lot of pictures, cool, but the Vendors install guide is still better IMHO.

Props for a good install... I did this in a few hours and it's all pretty... It's a good show piece, although no one knows it's there until you flip the switch.

I also fell in love with the switch that came with the kit so much, I bought 10 more exactly like it, so all my switched accesorries have the same looking switch as the TCover (Which makes it look almost OEM)

I personally didn't do a How-to, cause I thought Bridge Electronic Design did such a Kick-A job on theirs!

Will this work(fit) with a AVN 5435 double din headunit cause I am about to get it and I want this but till I do it I can't eyeball it from the pics. WIll it fit and if it does not will you guys accept a return???

Yes it fits, I have both. It only changes the mechanism of the cover anyway, in the back (behind the head unit).
Suck for me that I bought like the third one ever sold, I want new firmware!!

Nice write up.... BUT isn't it a little redundant?

I installed with the Intall Guide and the Operations Guide Online at the TCover Site

http://www.tcover.net/tCover_Install_ManualComp_1_4.pdf

Hey, If you want to look at a lot of pictures, cool, but the Vendors install guide is still better IMHO.

Props for a good install... I did this in a few hours and it's all pretty... It's a good show piece, although no one knows it's there until you flip the switch.

I also fell in love with the switch that came with the kit so much, I bought 10 more exactly like it, so all my switched accesorries have the same looking switch as the TCover (Which makes it look almost OEM)

I personally didn't do a How-to, cause I thought Bridge Electronic Design did such a Kick-A job on theirs!


Maybe you haven’t seen my other work? Or my title with scion life? I am a tech editor I do reviews on products. The instructions Scott gives are perfect you may notice I said that in my review. Be that as it may it is my job at scion life to install the product taking pictures along the way as well as posting a review on the product. You have to understand that my DIY's are not always supposed to be the main source of an install guide for a specific product. You should always check with the vender’s instructions first as us tech editor’s use the same instructions as you do.

wow the kit looks really professional...i thought it would be some kind of hack job definitely not worth the $100+ it costs but I think the fitted and printed PCB board won me over =P

where can i get the radio motorized cover kit and has anybody figured out how to make the moonroof a one-touch close system?

Stath,

Please keep this on topic...

Thanks for everyone’s interest in the tCover!

RE the product lifetime:

I use high quality parts in the tCover; specifically steel link rods, a fiberglass bellcrank, and a high quality servo.

All of these items are commonly used in much higher stress environments, like an RC car, without any issues.

RE the new firmware:

If you have a tCover with the old firmware, I will upgrade it to the new firmware for free. Simply send me the tCover in the silvered bag with a pre-paid return envelope and I will download the new code and send it back.

Thanks,
Scott Nortman
Bridge Electronic Design, LLC

Kaeon if i bought one would you install it for me....i live in Miramar...not that far from Palm beach....what would you charge??? Great write BTW!!

Thanks
~Jason

Heh only problem is I live in Palm Bay not Palm Beach :?

lol...where is palm bay at??? I'm so use to seeing PB stand for Palm beach ...my bad???

Palm Bay Is between Orlando and Vero Beach,

Fsu1dolfan--

I'm from Hollywood, and I'll be home for the Labor day weekend. I'll install it for you.

Email me at support@tcover.net for details.

--Scott

this is a great post, i'll be getting one myself once i get my system and then just do it all at once. I will be putting in the AVN 5435 as well.

Want mine installed by Scott also!

Also, for the AVN installs... You have to re-drill your mounting holes about 1/4 inch closer to you (which moves the radio back 1/4 inch) to get the door to close with the AVN. An unexpected benefit was that there is more shade on the display so watching DVD's is more bearable during the day.

ah... I want it now but no experience in drilling at all, anyone who has this and live around Atlanta?? lol

So I'm wondering: does this work with remote start and stuff? I mean, I don't exactly *turn* the keys.

I just installed this in my tC, very nice option and very cool. It took me about 5 hours or so cause I stopped a couple times, I also took my time with drilling the holes to be exactly in the center. Other than that, it was pretty a much straight forward install.

Nice! Kinda scared to be drilling and stuff! I get very impatient!

Might try this tho!

Update please. How is everything working out? Does it still open and close at the same speed when you first got it. thanks, planning on getting one soon.

-Mark

to punkemoskaHXC:
as long as your radio comes on when you remote start. the door will open as well. It all depends if the install of the remote start required the accessory wire connected.

whoa, this post is back from the dead. NM

II've had this since is came out... no issues whatsoever.... it's the perfect modification for the tC... especially running double din screens and such.... peace of mind.

I have had it a while as well.....i had it updated with the new software and things are great....one of my most complimented mods!!! Still trying to get the show mode to work....wedrivescions any problems with you show mode....Amazing product guys!!!

I have had it a while as well.....i had it updated with the new software and things are great....one of my most complimented mods!!! Still trying to get the show mode to work....wedrivescions any problems with you show mode....Amazing product guys!!!

Yeah I cant get my show mode to work either...

Hope scott is still around reading these threads!!!
Maybe he can help???

Ive had mine and I think I had the first show mode version... It works wonderfully... Just have to make sure you do the programing right.

My Show mode works perfect.... middle down middle down until it stops moving with your switching (5 Times)... then it just slowly moves up and down... people at shows love it...

thats cool if you can spend the $$

What $$? it's cheap... compared to everything else :P

I'm on my second one and I can't even program it, it doesn't really bother me that I can't program it, it still opens and closes, sometimes it gets stuck and I have to pull it down a little to get it to close but thats all good. I haven't even tried 'Show Mode' yet, I would like it to work for this Sunday, got a show to go to. I'll have to try it out.

I have one, no problems. If i were to be really picky I'd wish the servo were a little quieter. Perhaps I'll carefully cover the body of the servo with dynamat or similar.
wonder if that would void the warranty?

hes got a video on how to program it on his site.. well he use to should still be there though

quiter? man u hear the thing for like 2 seconds... lol

What do you flip the switch over and over?

Just got one as well, and just installed it. Mine won't enter programming mode either. Aside from that it appears to work fine though.

When you do the Off-Acc-Off thing 4 times in 4 seconds, what's supposed to happen? My tcover just stays closed. Yes, the switch is down.

Only thing is, after it opens/closes I hear the motor running for a few seconds before stopping. I assume that's what programming is supposed to fix.

I've made sure the orientation of the switch is right (it is), just can't enter programming mode.

I have never been able to enter programming mode also. I did it exactly how the instructions say and I installed it exactly how the manual says. This can not be a random event since a few people have had this problem. Is there a fix for this?

write him a email... sounds like somthing is wrong that you did... When you enter programing mode it will open all the way up. to its max...

Just watch the vid he has easiest way to learn.

yeah, followed the video, still doesn't work. Rechecked all connections, everything is perfect.... still doesn't work.

I emailed him, a couple of days later he gave me his cell phone number which went straight to voice mail. Left him a message. Still waiting to hear back from him.

OK, Just got off the phone with Scott. He spelled it all out. Here's some things that aren't in the FAQ or the Manual about programming mode.

1. If you pop the switch down and do Off-to-Acc 4 times, the tCover does NOT go into "halfway" mode or "open" mode. What you need to do AFTER you do the Off-to-Acc 4x thing is move the switch to the center and do center-to-up a bunch of times.... and I mean a BUNCH of times.... while watching the tCover closely. You'll see the tCover move in REALLY miniscule amounts upwards. at this point you know you are in lower limit programming mode.

At this point, you can start programming the lower level by going from center-to-down on the switch.

Once this was clarified, everything pretty much fell into place, except for:

2. Once you finish Lower programming mode, you need to do the upper programming mode by doing the Off-to-Acc mode once. The same rules apply as #1 - you can go from center to up or center to down to adjust this - so adjust it to your liking. But after doing this mode, you do the Off-to-Acc thing again and enter speed mode...

From here, you don't "toggle" from up to down on the switch. ALWAYS stop at the center and play around a little bit. You'll understand the logic after you've gone from Top-to-center, then from Center-to-Down, etc.

So basically, the issue for me was that I expected far more movement in programming mode. As it turns out, the motor he used is very capable of doing quite precise movements, which means the movement will be completely nil at first, but you WILL see movement eventually with doing center-to up/center-to down toggles.

An excellent product indeed, and i'm glad I worked out the kinks. I gave Scott some suggestions on his FAQ/Manual to help him along. At one point he asked if I felt the programming mode "movements" should be more obvious - but I said no - It would be better to have very fine control for the average modder :)

Hope this helps!

IceNine does your show mode work now too ????

Yep, it works.

i guess i am going to have to try to re-program mine and hope that helps then!!??

that is BAD A$$

Nice work!

I definitely want to do this mod, it sounds awesome! Can you manually open and close the cover also though? I'd be afraid someone in my car accidentally does that.. I guess I'll search around to see if that was mentioned anywhere

no, it can not be openned manually. Your friends won;t have a chance to open it since it will be open before they even have a chance to.

Ah good to know, ty! Do you recommend this mod?

I love it. I had a problem with the programming (my fault) and I called the guy who made it and he sat on the phone with me for half an hour helping me like around 9pm. I ordered another one and installed it on my friends car. I also needed it cause my AVIC-Z1 barely fit so I needed this. It definiftly gets alot of attention. go for it

I love it. I had a problem with the programming (my fault) and I called the guy who made it and he sat on the phone with me for half an hour helping me like around 9pm. I ordered another one and installed it on my friends car. I also needed it cause my AVIC-Z1 barely fit so I needed this. It definiftly gets alot of attention. go for it

Scott is an awesome guy, Mine recently stopped working, I sent it back to him and he replaced it for me no questions asked!!!!

I love it. I had a problem with the programming (my fault) and I called the guy who made it and he sat on the phone with me for half an hour helping me like around 9pm. I ordered another one and installed it on my friends car. I also needed it cause my AVIC-Z1 barely fit so I needed this. It definiftly gets alot of attention. go for it

Scott is an awesome guy, Mine recently stopped working, I sent it back to him and he replaced it for me no questions asked!!!!

Definitely sounds like a cool guy.. did you have to do the entire install again then? Was it much quicker the second time around?

I assume this mod might bug out any of my factory warranties?

Definitely sounds like a cool guy.. did you have to do the entire install again then? Was it much quicker the second time around?

I assume this mod might bug out any of my factory warranties?

It shouldnt? Its all fuse up etc so if something happens it shouldnt harm anything... Actually Scott was nice enough to set it all up for me, I just plugged it in and I was done!

im really interested in this! But i dont wanna mess up when i start the drilling and whatnot?

hmm, considering this.,

I just got this installed. Its neat at first but some things I didnt like about it is that the door doesnt open and close smoothly like I thought it would (its shaky). I also thought it was weird that when I turn the key to turn on the engine, the cover would open, stop and then open all the way...

Other than that its okay... just not what I thought it was from watching the videos. :| I am just a little dissapointed, hope he releases another version that could fix the little problems.

either you didn't program it correctly, you installed it improperly (perhaps too much slack in the rod that connects to the motor) , or you have a defective unit. mine doesn't do any of that.

contact scott and he can walk you through next steps.

either you didn't program it correctly, you installed it improperly (perhaps too much slack in the rod that connects to the motor) , or you have a defective unit. mine doesn't do any of that.

contact scott and he can walk you through next steps.

This was installed by Scott...

hmm.. from the description of your problem it sounds like the door is fighting with the motor. i noticed something similar. in the manual it suggests removing 1 of the tension gears and i decided not too. but once i did, it moved much more smoothly. see if that might be your problem.

i'm surprised scott didn't say anything after the install and left it in that condition.

hmm.. from the description of your problem it sounds like the door is fighting with the motor. i noticed something similar. in the manual it suggests removing 1 of the tension gears and i decided not too. but once i did, it moved much more smoothly. see if that might be your problem.

i'm surprised scott didn't say anything after the install and left it in that condition.

Scott was a nice guy, I did ask him why it was shaky he said that because of the low speed I have it set it does that... I believe Scott installed it like the way the manual was, so I dont think theres any problem, but I'll give that a try. I thought on the DIY it says it works better with both gears?

yeah, i found the opposite to be true. the gears provided too much tension in my case. after it was removed, it was smooth, and i have it set to be super slow too. i like that and you don't hear the motor as much.

yeah, i found the opposite to be true. the gears provided too much tension in my case. after it was removed, it was smooth, and i have it set to be super slow too. i like that and you don't hear the motor as much.

I also think it looks better when its slow, but do you have that problem of where it gets shaky. I also didnt like the fact that when I turn the key (let the needles finish sweeping then turn on the engine) that the door kinda stalls or open and closes twice. I like to pressurized my car before I start it in the morning and its going to be a problem with the tCover...

no the only time it was shaky was when i left the gear on because the motor couldn't get enough torque.
pressurized? do you mean run the a/c? i'm not sure i follow. that shouldn't make a difference. but you can try it without running the a/c to test.

before you rip the gear off, play with the programming..does it still do the mambo if you speed it up a touch? maybe you can find a low speed that works. if it still does that at a faster pace then i'd say something is buggy with the component or install.

^ thanks for helping me. I like to pressurized the system before starting the engine, giving it time to pump all the fluids and such before i start the engine. Rather then just starting it from turning the key the entire way.

My tCover was installed with only one gear because Scott gave me a bag of the left over parts and it was in there. I decided to put it in and give it a try. I noticed that when the cover comes down its smoother but when it comes up its the same. Im still not happy with it so Im thinking maybe putting some grease on the gears.

Overall, I am not 100% satisfied with it for the time and money I put into it. I suggest people interested in this to hold off and wait for a better revision. For the people who already have this, does the door close smoothly?I think the motor is just not smooth or strong enough. It does not open smoothly like the OEM door does which from the video looks like. The noise issue with the motor doesnt seem to bother me, but I wish this unit can open the door smoothly like it advertise.

Hopefully Scott can give some input on this. I will email him later on today and see what he says.

actually that is his 2nd version. i think you just have a bum install. but scott is a pretty decent guy and worked something out with me on the phone. so he should be able to help you.
i think it is a quality piece. my only gripe was that it was shipped in a priority mail puffy pack instead of a small box.

does it hiccup when you speed it up?

actually that is his 2nd version. i think you just have a bum install. but scott is a pretty decent guy and worked something out with me on the phone. so he should be able to help you.
i think it is a quality piece. my only gripe was that it was shipped in a priority mail puffy pack instead of a small box.

does it hiccup when you speed it up?

Well the tCover needs a 3rd version with a stronger or smoother motor. This unit was installed by Scott himself, so I doubt it was a bum install. I have been talking to him through email but have not found a solution yet. As for setting a different speeds, the faster it is the smoother it is. I think its just too fast to notice anything though.

So jetlounge yours does not do this at all? Its silky smooth?

mine is smooth.....and i run both gears. mine is on medium-ish speed.

I think what you are talking about when you turn the key to on b4 you start the engine and your gauges sweep and you radio cover goes up, then when you start your car cover goes down for a sec then when the engine is on it goes back to open right? If that is the case it is normal. The cover works off of switched radio power. so when you start your car there is no power to your radio just like when you turn your car off. so it starts to close for a sec then when power goes back to the radio it opens up. In the demo video he goes from key off to start in one fluid motion so no half close and back up again.

can you still manually open the cover whenever you want?

no, it can not be openned manually. Your friends won;t have a chance to open it since it will be open before they even have a chance to.
It was on page 3....... :doh:

mine is smooth.....and i run both gears. mine is on medium-ish speed.

I think what you are talking about when you turn the key to on b4 you start the engine and your gauges sweep and you radio cover goes up, then when you start your car cover goes down for a sec then when the engine is on it goes back to open right? If that is the case it is normal. The cover works off of switched radio power. so when you start your car there is no power to your radio just like when you turn your car off. so it starts to close for a sec then when power goes back to the radio it opens up. In the demo video he goes from key off to start in one fluid motion so no half close and back up again.

yea I understood why it did that, but i didnt like how it was like that. Yes it is normal because the 12v is tap from the radio harness. But I am wondering it theres a way to tap the 12v to the HVAC (a/c, hazards, fans) control unit. Because the power doesnt cut off like the radio when the car is cranking. Thus the door will never open and close twice. I just need to find the right wire to tap into from the HVAC harness. Do you know which wire the 12v accessory is on that harness?

mine is silky smooth too...off of 1 gear and the slowest speed setting. and it is also tapped on the accessory line feed. i don't get the herky jerky on an engine crank.

and yes, you can open the door manually if you really wanted to..but this is not recommended.

mine is silky smooth too...off of 1 gear and the slowest speed setting. and it is also tapped on the accessory line feed. i don't get the herky jerky on an engine crank.


Did u tap from the radio harness or the HVAC harness? Scott replied to this situtation is to just increase the speed, but I like the slow speed.... :eyebrow:

i hear ya, the slow speed is sexy.

i tapped from the radio harness. i actually have a few components off of that lead. i don't get any cranking problems on them.
honestly, the problem you are describing is what i had when i had the 2 gears on. so if you only have 1 then perhaps it is too tight. here is a test to see if its the door or the motor. disconnect the rod from the door, but leave the power connected. now turn on the car. if the motor moves along its arc in a smooth motion then its fighting with some part of the door. if the movement is jerky with no load, then its the motor or component. also check where the rod connects to the fiberglass right angle that connects to the plastic piece attached to the motor. watch that movement when the door opens..is there any slack in any of the pieces that stops the motion at the apex?

i hear ya, the slow speed is sexy.

i tapped from the radio harness. i actually have a few components off of that lead. i don't get any cranking problems on them.
honestly, the problem you are describing is what i had when i had the 2 gears on. so if you only have 1 then perhaps it is too tight. here is a test to see if its the door or the motor. disconnect the rod from the door, but leave the power connected. now turn on the car. if the motor moves along its arc in a smooth motion then its fighting with some part of the door. if the movement is jerky with no load, then its the motor or component. also check where the rod connects to the fiberglass right angle that connects to the plastic piece attached to the motor. watch that movement when the door opens..is there any slack in any of the pieces that stops the motion at the apex?

Scott installed it with only one gear. I did put the second gear on when I noticed the problem. Having two gears made the tCover close a bit smoother but it still opens like its struggling.

Thanks jetlounge for the tip but I dont feel comfortable with testing the tCover. It was scary enough installing the extra gear. I dont think theres any problem with the install because the person who designed the tCover installed it. I will try greasing the gears this weekend and see if that helps. I am already unhappy that I had to pay a premium to get this thing installed and yet having to find a way to fix the problem myself. :(

Hi All,

I've been following the thread and I am trying to work it out with REaL.. I installed his tCover on Saturday and I left one damper in, as suggested in the manul. However, as some other tCover owners have suggested, it may be better to remove the second one as well.

I think it is wrong of REaL to suggest that people hold off purchasing a tCover; I've sold over 125 tCovers and this is the FIRST time anyone has complained that the tCover isn't "smooth." He should at least let me attempt to fix the apparent issue before telling others to wait. This is not appreciated...

As all of my current customers know, I am very reasonable and I want to make sure that everyone is happy with the tCover.

--Scott Nortman, Bridge Electronic Design

I think it is wrong of REaL to suggest that people hold off purchasing a tCover; I've sold over 125 tCovers and this is the FIRST time anyone has complained that the tCover isn't "smooth." He should at least let me attempt to fix the apparent issue before telling others to wait. This is not appreciated...

As all of my current customers know, I am very reasonable and I want to make sure that everyone is happy with the tCover.

--Scott Nortman, Bridge Electronic Design

I don’t believe I did anything wrong by telling people my situation. Wouldn't people want to know if there might be any problems with a product? I know I would. Also by posting this I am able to get help from other fellow owners. For example, there was a mention about a little noise from the motor, which I expected and had no problem with it.

There was no mention of any sort of how smooth the tCover would open and close and I provided that to the community by stating my experience with it. I have never seen the tCover in person before I had this myself. I just wanted people to know what to expect.

I don’t think it was wrong of me to tell others to hold off. All I simply did was a quick review of the product. This post is a DIY, not a Sponsored post after all. I want fellow tC owners to be happy with the tCover. Not be in my situation and realizing that it isn’t up to expectation.

125 tCovers sold isn’t enough to show that it is a problem free product. I might be your first complaint about the issue but what happens if you sold 1000 units? I think you should appreciate that I came out and brought this problem to your attention.

-Bryan

Mine stopped working recently, had Scott swap it out. The 2nd one works, but for some reason won't enter demo mode. Weird thing is, Demo mode worked once, but after exiting demo mode and trying to go back into it, the tCover opens, but the demo mode doesn't actually start.

Others are having this issue as well - any of you guys manage to solve the problem without having to ship it back?

^^
that's funny. i can't get into demo mode either. I have the same issue as you. I told Scott it was like a LOCK UP mode, the reverse of the LOCK DOWN mode he has programmed.
i have to swap it out.

so yours just stopped working completely? how long have you had it in?

My LAST one stopped working (not completely, it was like it was in lockdown mode, but was stuck there).

This one works, just demo mode does not.

Sounds like a common problem.

mine works smoothly on 1 step up from the slowest setting ... i haven't even bothered trying to get in in demo mode though ...

Scott hasn't responded to my last email... I asked him if there's a solution to this besides having to swap it out.

It honestly sounds like it's a bug in the firmware or something. It worked once for me, but then after exiting demo mode, it would go into that "lock-up" mode subsequently after I ran it through another programming sequence....

I wonder if there's a "factory reset" somewhere...

^^
I've been in contact with Scott and should have a piece in by tomorrow. he's taking a look into it.

I'll be at e-town on Sunday if you want to connect

Yeah, he just told me how to do the factory reset. Going to try that tonight.

Karl, how do you do the factory reset? My Demo Mode won't work either, this is the 3rd one I got from Scott and the Demo Mode didn't work when I got this one. Let us know if the the reset works or not.

ya i can't get mine to work either, sent it back to him, got it back, still doesn't work.... mine won't even go up and down all the time so i dunno what the deal is...

From his email:

"You need to short pin 5 of the programming header to GND, pin 6 while power is connected.

This can be done with a standard 0.1" shorting jumper (or similar)."

Let me know if this works for anybody.

i thought you were going to be the guinea pig.

yeah, if I can get back there before VIP. Got a LOT of stuff to do!

my t-cover stopped working some days ago. Emailed t-cover tech support, but no reply yet. I tried IceNine's method of using a standard jumper, but it's still not functioning at all. Now I really don't have any idea what to do...-_-;;; I wonder why t-cover's tech support is not returning my email at all???

He'll get to it, sometimes it just takes a few days.

The T-cover is a great novelty, but it has some flaws for sure. The firmware needs a little work as it has at least one major bug that I know of (demo mode not working after upper limit, lower limit and speed programming).

^^
yeah but that's a small price to pay. i told him it would have been better if he never even mentioned a demo mode.

to ams04, did you check your fuses and connections?

to ams04, did you check your fuses and connections?

radio fuse in fuse box? it seems ok cuz the radio is still working...any other fuse I have to check?

and what kind of connection are you referring to..??

there are 2 fuses iirc on the tCover board..old school tube fuses.
My original board actually had a bent clip that caused the fuse to move while i was driving and cut out. you can start there i suppose.

oh and the connections...from your switch to the board, and especially the ACC on wire..check all of your wires.

Mine still works and I was one of the first with the demo (really show mode) I gave him the idea... lol

Correct it opens when you turn it on closes when u turn it off. It has some other settings as well listed in my write up.

Quick question. Where did you mount the toggle switch and how did you run the wires from the radio bay to where the switch is mounted?

there are 2 fuses iirc on the tCover board..old school tube fuses.
My original board actually had a bent clip that caused the fuse to move while i was driving and cut out. you can start there i suppose.

Found out that one fuse was blown. I went to RadioShack to buy a new one, but couldn't find out what amp it was... the old one said 1/10 A. Does this mean 10 amp? or 0.1 amp???

I just installed my tCover earlier today for my '06 tC. The install was pretty smooth. However, the tCover has let me down a lil' bit. My door doesn't seem to open all the way up OR close all the way down. So, it kinda looks like BLAH both opened and closed. I was very meticulous with the install and double checked all the measurements. I did the program mode and tried to program it the upper and lower limits, but even programming it didn't want to go up and down all the way. Any of you guys have the same problem? Any fixes?

Finally got some 0.1 amp fuse to replace the old one, but the cover is still not moving...
it seems the board does get the power because it gets hot and power LED is on when the key is in ACC mode...
Now I'm really lost about how to fix this thing...

:ponder:

so all in all, is this worth purchasing? i like the idea, but it seems it has some problems...

there's no problems from what i've seen
i've installed a few and it's a really nice addition.

the only issues i can only assume that people encounter are improper installations or something.... and with the ridiculously detailed instructions and many pages that it comes with... it's hard to mess it up.

the new version is great for shows as well since it offers that "show" mode.

the price? i think it's very well made and engineered together. i say it's worth the price you pay.

yeah, $100 aint so bad. but a few of these guys say their "show" mode isnt working and theyve had to send it back. I dont want to buy a headache you know...

well... as long as they know what they're doing, and you're sent the right version.. then there shouldn't be any issues.

just make sure you're installing it correctly and you have the right one.

i know.. i've had my share of "brain farts" :doh:

Has anyone put this in with one of the larger double din units like the avic d3?

Has anyone put this in with one of the larger double din units like the avic d3?

Wondering the same thing...

i am having issues with this thing, it works only with the switch and not with the Key ignition. Does it need to be programed before it operates normally?? I messed with it for 2 hours today with no luck getting it to work with ignition on/off. I have double check... triple checked... quad checked every single connection, and it is fine, all wires connected to their respective spots, even used a test light and a meter to check what i was connecting to. My friend has the same issue as me, he was sent a new module and had the same results as the first. Need someone to help me out before i torch this damn thing. So again, DOES IT NEED TO BE PROGRAMED FIRST BEFORE IT WILL WORK WITH THE KEY?????? HELP!!!!

not that i've seen.

you really need to check the instruction manual... the guy that designed it made those instructions redundantly detailed.

make sure to check what version you have as well... the newer ones program themselves the first power-up.

i have the newer version, i have read the instructions word for word, It only works with the switch, and not when i turn the key

Do you guys know if this will work in an 08 tC? i really want to get one but i'm afraid it won't work.

it will

thanx thats all i needed to know... i'm going to try to make a diy video for yall... if i can finda friend to help me.

Lol thats pretty neat!

have fun with the install, its pretty hectic to install and i still couldn't get it to work yet, and tCover will not send me a new one till he gets the old one back.. i have yet to uninstall it, to me it was a waste of money for something that didn't work and everything was installed correctly.

On my kit, I had to replace the servo once I jump start the car and the override switch don't work no more even after replacing it. Otherwise if I replace the servo ( $15) it will open and close no override.

Oh yea I have the Tcover with Avic-Z1

mine only worked with the switch. did not open and close with the ignition switch, it would open only with the switch if i put it in the up position, if i put it in the middle position it would close, the down position.. nothing. that was my problem, and the explanation of possible things wrong by TCover made no sense either way. Everything was hooked up right, Double, Triple, Quadruple checked with everything between a meter and a test light. And he wouldn't send me a new one without getting the installed one first, made no sense to me, if your product isn't working you send a replacement right away to not get bad response for the product, not make the customer uninstall everything and wait another 2 weeks for a new one to get there. Eventually i will take it out, its on my To-Do list for the winter.

bump

mine only worked with the switch. did not open and close with the ignition switch, it would open only with the switch if i put it in the up position, if i put it in the middle position it would close, the down position.. nothing. that was my problem, and the explanation of possible things wrong by TCover made no sense either way. Everything was hooked up right, Double, Triple, Quadruple checked with everything between a meter and a test light. And he wouldn't send me a new one without getting the installed one first, made no sense to me, if your product isn't working you send a replacement right away to not get bad response for the product, not make the customer uninstall everything and wait another 2 weeks for a new one to get there. Eventually i will take it out, its on my To-Do list for the winter.

be glad that yours closes all the way. i cant get either of the 2 kits i bought to close all the way or go into lower limit program mode :tap: :tap: ... scott is hard to get a hold of too... im thinking about ordering a new radio cover/hvac piece or buying a used one and sending it and the 2 tcover kits i bought to him and having him install it and send it back...

:question: interesting.. i haven't had any issues yet from the ones i've installed... each kit worked great.

i've heard a few stories about a few bad installs... but i don't know much details about those.. if it was the install itself or a bad kit... *shrug*

mine stopped working awhile ago, it was the replacement that he sent me... I give up on the product, i just don't feel like constantl taking that thing out.. i just left it in there and close it manually for now on...

Hmm, dunno why many are having problems... I've had mine for 3+ years with no problems at all.

The hardest part of the install was getting the pivot point drilled in the right spot, so measure, eye, and work the door by hand a couple times before you drill until it looks right.

mine only closes and doesent open...and the switch doesent work...any ideas?

mine only closes and doesent open...and the switch doesent work...any ideas?

When gripping the arm of the servo, could you physically move it open and closed easily?

yup..i got it to work....just needed a little grease on the joints

thanks for the help

yup..i got it to work....just needed a little grease on the joints

thanks for the help

that's what she said

lol soo tru

anyone who has this, all the wires on the switch broke off, and I am trying to find the order in which they go from top to bottom, any help with this would be greatly appreciated.. I also did a cool mod to the tcover by adding a high torque metal gear servo, quiet and fast.

Where did you pick up the new servo? Does it just replace the old one?

Where did you pick up the new servo? Does it just replace the old one?

You can use any RC car servo as long as its about the same dimensions. The original one i think is a"hi-tec" servo, pretty standard rc car stuff.

radio shack? or a rc car specific place?

radio shack? or a rc car specific place?

Not rat shack, they won't have them. Just measure up the mount points and visit local hobby shop. looks like a 1/10 scale servo at a glance.

oh, and if anyone finds a way to make these quieter, post it up. I've already dynamat'ed mine and it didn't do much...

I used to be into RC car racing a lot, so I had a really high dollar servo, threw it in and it is really quiet. You can go into a hobby town and look them up, just look for any steering servo, and decide on how much you want to spend. Does anyone have the three wire combo to the switch? I think from the top it is yellow, red, black.

is this worth buying? seems like theres alot of problem with it

No, I never got mine to work so I gave up.

nope... never got mine to work either. I even called the developer and still got nothing... that was like two years ago...

I'll take em off your hands for you

Mine is still working just fine with no maintenance needed, I put it in around late 2004/2005

dang i wna get it but damn so many people sayin it doesnt work. anyone from socal that has experience with this wana help me?

lol nvm just installed it its surprisingly easy just the drilling part that scared me cant beleive i almost paid someone 150 just to put it in for me but i got through it and it works fine didnt use any super glue just in case i want to go bak to spring action will this mess it up in the long run? and what is the programming for other than speed? cause it fully opens and closes fine

Where did you get it from?

tcover.com

see? told ya it wasn't that hard.. just more time consuming.

the super glue thing in the instructions is more like a thread-lock type thing and isn't permanent.. not needed i suppose.. but it wouldn't hurt to add it.. certainly a safeguard... esp. in the long run... i'd just go back and add it.

read the manual.. you can adjust the full open and closed positions along with speed... the position adjustment is for tweaking really.

haha thanks bro i read the thing like 5 times just to make sure i know how it works. so the fully open and fully close adjustment isnt mandatory? mine opens all the way and closes all the way fine the first time i hooked it up. As far as speed goes i like the way it is now

if it doesn't need adjusting.. well.. you're good. lol.

when i drilled my 90 degree bell crank i just eyed it too when the door was closed i think its lower than its supposed to be so one more time just to be sure ,the programming for the door is to make like a stop limit on how far up the door opens and how far down th door closes? kinda dnt wna program it if not neccessary i dnt wna mess it up.How far up did th ones you installed go up and down before you programmed it?

Does anyone know where I can purchase one of these.

To be honest, the support for these is almost completely gone, I bought one and could not get it working properly, so I scrapped it. Could not get a hold of any tech support. I think they just plain gave up.

I have one I haven't installed yet, thinking of installing it...or maybe not

I have one I haven't installed yet, thinking of installing it...or maybe not

how long have you had it?
Also, how much was it?

Um, I've had it at least a year and a half. I bought it off of someone who also never installed it. I don't remember how much I paid for it. I was waiting for, among other things, the right on/off rocker that would fit in the cigarette outlet.