Has anyone installed on their own? Do I need to remove the whole front fascia?
How to Install Illuminated Bowtie?
Electricky44
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2025 Equinox EV, AWD, 1LT, Comfort and Safety, Mud Flaps , Dual Level Charger
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I read through most of it, but somehow missed the actual connection part.
I'll scroll through again, but big picture, this is somewhat tedious and time-consuming, but not what I'd consider difficult.
I do this with C8 Corvettes at the office all the time when we install rear wings.
[YT]
2025 Equinox EV, AWD, 1LT, Comfort and Safety, Mud Flaps , Dual Level Charger
Joined
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I get how a forum works
Honestly, the amout of key strokes you've invested in teaching me some sort of lesson that I don't actually need to learn has far exceeded a simple "no, you have to splice" or "yes, the harness already exists on the car" that'd have saved a ton of effort and wasted time.
I asked because I skimmed the original explanation, didn't immediately see it, and rather than commit to reading the entire thing in detail long before I'm remotely considering removing my front bumper, it seemed reasonable to ask a simple question with a short answer.
So, yeah.. That's where I'm at.
Existing wires in the harness or are we splicing?
I understand new pigtail that connects to illuminated bowtie has 2 pins that have to be inserted into existing fascia connector
So I'm not following why the front fascia would need to be removed. Was this only for 2024, or for maybe a more optioned up vehicle?
Seems pretty easy to pop out the old bowtie with no disassembly. Time index 9:52..
Not sure where to tap the wiring if installing an illuminated unit, but removal and install seems like it would not involve any front fascia dismantling. Or what am I missing?
Seems pretty easy to pop out the old bowtie with no disassembly. Time index 9:52..
Not sure where to tap the wiring if installing an illuminated unit, but removal and install seems like it would not involve any front fascia dismantling. Or what am I missing?
The Lighted Bowtie is an accessory that is installed at dealerships. It requires the front facia to be removed to get easy access behind the bowtie to remove the brackets and the entire lightbar so the bowtie can be removed/attached, IIRC the lightbar sits on top of two brackets that need to be removed. also to better rout the wiring harness.
Not following why the lighted bowtie version would be any different, except for harness access and wiring. Most would gladly find another way to route the wiring and tap a signal somewhere else versus fascia removal.
I just went through the same thing for a Ford illuminated logo swap-out. Instructions said the same - regarding full front grill/fascia removal. But in that case all that could be completely avoided by just removing the hood latch to gain rear access to the emblem. Doesn't even seem like any of that is necessary with the Equinox EV based on the video posted. Unless something is different with different trims or model years. Our 2025 LT1 looks as easy as the video for emblem removal - just a long screwdriver. No light bar - wonder if that is the issue.
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If you read through my experience and look at the photos you'll see there's no way to get to the bowtie retaining clips because the lightbar is in the way. Believe me, I tried! The bowtie is secured with 4 clips and mine also had some heavy duty double sided adhesive.
Now....if you're willing to destroy the original bowtie like the guy in the video did you might well get it off without taking stuff apart. I think he's working on a base LT without the lightbar which at least removes a big obstacle and seems to allow a shot at the clips. With the lightbar it's impossible. Unless you straight up break it off like in the video.
My car was brand spanking new at the time and I'm not the "break it to get it apart" type. So I carefully took it apart instead. Necessary? I guess not. There's all manner of destructive tools that will get the bowtie off and leave the car relatively undamaged.
Let us know how it goes.
Thanks for that. Yes, I think lightbar vs. no lightbar is key for best emblem swap-out procedure. Looks quite easy to access from the back without the lightbar. We have a base Equinox EV like the video, and just those clips on the back of the emblem as shown. There is definitely no adhesive with ours - can wiggle it in place. Only wrinkle with installing an illuminated logo then is finding an appropriate wire to tap for power, and perhaps choices if going for parking vs. headlamps. But I'm cheap and the OEM illuminated logo is pretty expensive, so I may just be going with the blacked-out front and back emblems.
Dark Dan, thank you for your very extensive instructions, photos, circled parts with arrows, etc. After reading all of your post I checked my sanity and decided to not buy the illuminated bowtie.
Your write-up is a great contribution to the forum and I stand in awe of your work to educate all us. I installed a factory hitch on my EQEV earlier this year by removing the rear bumper cover and related parts. I made some rather lame posts compared to the details you put in yours. Taking pictures and notes while I'm doing the actual wrenching has always been challenging for me. And once the job is done I don't always have time to create a forum post. Thanks again! .
Your write-up is a great contribution to the forum and I stand in awe of your work to educate all us. I installed a factory hitch on my EQEV earlier this year by removing the rear bumper cover and related parts. I made some rather lame posts compared to the details you put in yours. Taking pictures and notes while I'm doing the actual wrenching has always been challenging for me. And once the job is done I don't always have time to create a forum post. Thanks again! .
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@Way2go I appreciate the very kind words.
I always regret not taking more pictures. Whether it's for something like this where I'm going to communicate to someone some kind or process/idea, or whether it's just for my own records or as a guide for "what went where and how" i usually overestimate my own memory. I get away with it because I've been wrenching on machines my whole life and have decent analytical skills but I'd make my life SO much easier if I just took a minute to take more photos. In the case of the bowtie I found I was skimpy on the lightbar mounting clips in particular, and while I'm not going to pull it apart again just to get a couple of pics, I do regret not documenting it better because it was one of the mysteries that had to be solved while standing outside the car wondering how it would come apart.
You could always ask your local shop for a quote on fascia R&R. They'd probably breeze through it without blinking an eye.
I always regret not taking more pictures. Whether it's for something like this where I'm going to communicate to someone some kind or process/idea, or whether it's just for my own records or as a guide for "what went where and how" i usually overestimate my own memory. I get away with it because I've been wrenching on machines my whole life and have decent analytical skills but I'd make my life SO much easier if I just took a minute to take more photos. In the case of the bowtie I found I was skimpy on the lightbar mounting clips in particular, and while I'm not going to pull it apart again just to get a couple of pics, I do regret not documenting it better because it was one of the mysteries that had to be solved while standing outside the car wondering how it would come apart.
You could always ask your local shop for a quote on fascia R&R. They'd probably breeze through it without blinking an eye.
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