Need help with CANBUS hack for LED HUD

Anyone out there know of a good way to hack into the CANBUS to be able to activate the LED array that is used for the HUD on ACC cars? I have access to wiring diagrams and once it says it is CAN controlled it is above my head!

Basically, what I'd like to do is use the HUD for my hardwired radar detector setup. Escort detectors have an output on the their SmartCords that will flash an LED when the detector is going off, but I'd like to wire it up so the HUD acts as that LED instead. I'm confident I can get the correct wires out of the cord just fine (haven't dug into it yet), but getting them to activate the HUD doesn't seem as simple as I had hoped. I thought I could just tap into the LEDs directly; didn't realize until i pulled the diagram that the Heads Up Display module is all one piece and is CAN controlled!

Anyone have any idea how to tap into the CAN for the module? The diagram shows the HUD module has 4 wires going in; V-Pwr (hot on ignition), Ground, CAN+, and CAN-. Is there any way to tap into the CAN+ and CAN- with traditional means to activate the LED array? Not sure how CANBUS works really; I assume it is sending signals rather than pure voltage like I'm used to with old school wiring!

Thanks for the education on that! Yeah I agree finding a way to tap the LEDs directly would be much easier. I haven't dug into it yet to see but I have a feeling getting to the HUD module is going to be a PITA...all up in the dash like that. I'll do some more research and give it a shot! I may actually just put a separate array right above or below the factory LEDs and use a different color to differentiate it, but I also like the idea of utilizing the existing LED array for a cleaner look....IF it is even possible (also don't want to risk messing up the HUD module...sure it ain't cheap!)

Well in case anyone else is curious....I found how to remove the HUD module in the service manual (and I feel dumb because it is the easiest part to remove ever). You just pry up on it on top of the dash with a non-marring tool (I used the plastic trim tools I have) and it pops right off! Remove the connector and there it is.

Anyway, I looked through the circuitry and even tried to activate the LEDs directly using a power supply, but just ended up frying the end LED...whoops. Used a diode tester on my Fluke meter to test them individually, and for some reason they don't appear to be wired in series anyway, so that makes this pretty challenging.

I'm changing gears now that I'm learning this, and going to try putting my own LED strip inside this HUD Module but in blue color (instead of red), and wiring that up to my radar detector. That way the look will still be clean on the dash, plus I'll have a different color to differentiate the two types of notifications I'm looking to do I'll take some photos of the process if this works out.

I thought about doing an RGB strip in there in case I want to use this HUD for something else in the future, but don't really want to mess with controllers right now. Just ordered a 50cm blue strip from Diode Dynamics which can be cut down (factory strip is about 6"/ ~15cm). Crossing my fingers it will fit inside the module so I don't have to mount it on top of the plastic cover and have it looking all tacky!

Hey any updates on this.?

Am I missing something? HUD on cars with ACC? I don't see anything on my car or in the manual.

Thats550 said:

Hey any updates on this.?

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I ended up wiring it up with a a separate LED strip but used the same existing HUD housing. Actually like it better anyway, as I used blue LEDs for my radar detector notification while the ACC is still the same red led from the factory.

here’s a video of it. I think I did a DIY thread on here for it but it was so long ago!

ACC Video

_zOmbIE_ said:

Am I missing something? HUD on cars with ACC? I don't see anything on my car or in the manual.

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It’s not a true HUD, it’s only a red LED strip that lights up when you are being warned of an impending front end collision. You should see it in the dash.

Here’s the thread I did for the mod: https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/threads/additional-led-hud-mod.90852/#post-2007909