Electronic rust protection module

[Gimli]

Let me preface this with this note: I am not looking for feedback on the choice of module or rustproofing method. If you don't have something related to the following questions to add, please abstain from commenting.

Not that we got this out of the way, let's start. I recently bought a CounterAct rust protection module. I went to install it yesterday and that's when I hit a snag.

Proper operation of the module requires that both the module and a remote pad they provide be installed on grounded, conductive surfaces either in the engine bay or the trunk of the car, about 36 inches apart. Here's the problem... pretty much NONE of the surfaces in either the engine bay or the trunk are conductive OR grounded! I've never seen that in a car.

Now I know my dealer offered to sell and install a similar product (for 4x the price!) so I will be asking them next time I visit but I know there are other dealers on this site which may be able to answer this: where would you install the unit for proper operation? Are there any grounded, conductive surfaces I may have overlooked which would meet the requirements of the unit?

 

[zedbyers]

this is a first for me. never heard of anything like this for a car before. seems like a waste of money in my mind, but hey.....

i know, i know, i didn't follow the very clear directions at the start of the original post, but i couldn't resist...........

 

[MattP]

Gimli,

I may have a couple of suggestions for you. There are two exposed metal areas in the cabin next to the fuse boxes (drivers and passenger sides). Additionally there is a lot of room on the passenger side to the side of the glove box. THe best way to get at it is by removing a panel below the glove box (takes only three screws to remove).

I found this area when mounting the internal connection for my radar detector and needed a ground connection. I have not got behind the dash on the drivers side though. Access through the fuse box is tight.

Additionally, do you have a V6? If the speaker cover is not fitted in the trunk there is a lot of exposed metal here you may be able to mount to, though I have not checked if this is grounded, but it should be.

Hope this helps.

 

[Gimli]

Thanks for the suggestions MattP, I'll look into it. I have a V8 w/tech but I'll still have a look under the speaker cover in the trunk to see if that may be an option.

 

[Cshutt972]

I'm interested in installing some rust protection, but I don't wanna go with the dealership's offer - it's really overpriced. If I go to an independent local guy, am I at risk of voiding my warranty?

 

[Cshutt972]

I've never heard of that happening to a car. I looked into it a little bit and found a couple articles that maybe you will find useful...

I found a great article in the globe and mail (http://www.theglobea.../article535224/) showing how overpriced the erp's are when the dealer sells them. so i decided to check out the krown blog to hear their thoughts on electronic rust proofing (Thinking of Electronic Rust Protection? Think again..) and came across the list of products recommended by the Automobile Protection Agency - thought I should post it here for folks:

http://www.apa.ca/se...ustproofing.asp

They give a pretty good run-down on how dealers profit but drivers are overcharged with these devices. They also list some trusted rustproofers from Canada.