UHF Cable through Firewall

[Bidla Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bidla]

I need a bit of advice on running a UHF cable through the firewall of my 2008 model. I've done an extensive search and can not find a thread on this subject.
I intend to feed the co-ax cable from the engine bay through into the passenger side compartment, but am unsure of where to push it through and how. There is 1 large grommet on the LH side firewall that takes a large wiring loom into the cab, and a smaller grommet closer to the LH guard. The larger grommet has what appears to be 3 molded square "patches" around its face with the main loom going through the centre. Are these for cutting out? The rubber feels very thick and it would be hard to cut through it. The smaller grommet is close to the guard and has 2 molded sealed nipples protruding from its face, also with a smaller loom entering through its centre. Do you snip the protruding rubber off on of the nipples for access and then widen the nipple to accomodate the co-ax connector? This is also a bit of a problem in that the co-ax cables contector is about 8mm across, so what is the best way to get this through the grommet and into the cab? I don't want to cut off the connector and have to re-connect -I'm not that handy!
Also, is it best to remove the glovebox for access to help get the cable through? I did read in another thread that it may be wise to remove the passenger side airbag fuse prior to removing the glovebox to stop any mishaps. Is this standard practice?

[dustie Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dustie]

Suggest you don't cut the nipple, but make a hole. Then wrap/attach a piece of flexible wire, strong enough to push through to the other side of firewall. You will see the cable coming through the firewall. Then pull through, just be careful not to pull it too hard, otherwise you may snap the connector at the end of the coax.

I didn't remove the airbag fuse when I did mine. Removing of the glovebox does help, depending on where you intend fixing the radio head unit.

Good Luck

[Bidla Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bidla]

Thanks Dustie,

I was viewing some other threads this arvo and saw this link:

http://www.pradopoint.com/viewtopic.php ... light=seat

There are some good close up photos of wiring going through grommets, albeit on the opposite side to where I'm going. I'll take it nice & easy as you suggest and see how I go.
I've put the remote head unit under the ash tray and the main unit is going under the passengers seat. I'm not to sure whether to then run the co-ax under the carpet to the seat or direct it down through the center console and then out under the seat. Suggestions?

[dirttracker Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dirttracker]

Bidla,
The left side kick panel comes off to reveal a funnel shaped boot, in and up high. This will be the entry point for the coax. Under the bonnet the second smaller boot is the way to go. while others have said don't cut the nipple, I think that's what it for and you can tape over the coax and the nipple for a good seal. You can push the coax through but instead a wire with the end turned over and taped could be used if in doubt. Once it is through 300/400 mm or so. look for it in the cabin within the boot. You will get the idea and find it easy once you get used to the surroundings.

Good luck

[Bidla Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bidla]

Thanks Dirttracker,

Appreciate the extra advice. As a sideline I enjoyed scolling through your trip photos. Big Red certainly looks like a challenge!!