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HARDWARE & SETUP · PUBLISHED

Prepare for a first installation

A practical checklist before you follow the official hardware setup instructions.

Original author / contributors: Community editorial synthesis; linked comma.ai / openpilot referencesOriginal source ↗

Gather the right references

Have your exact vehicle compatibility entry and the official setup guide open. Identify your device and harness. Hardware generations and vehicle trim matter; avoid following a video merely because its dashboard looks similar.

Work while parked

Park safely and allow time to finish without rushing. Follow the official sequence for your hardware, including cable routing, mounting and any required preparation. Keep cables clear of vehicle controls and airbags. Stop if a connector or step does not match your hardware; do not force it.

Finish the on-device setup

Follow the device prompts for software installation and calibration. Use the maintained instructions for the selected software project. Do not treat a screenshot of someone else’s settings as a universal configuration.

Record the result

Note the device, harness, software project and version. If setup fails, photograph the exact message with personal information removed, then post what step failed and what you already checked. Hardware or warranty concerns should also go through comma support.

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