12 Volt Power Outlet

[FiftysLost]

Hi all.
I have a GPS that I will put on the dash using the Garmin Bean Bag. I didn't like the idea of running the wire down the dash and the center console to the outlet in the storage compartment. I found the outlet at Walmart for $10. I'll show this one http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2459115&cp=2568443.2568455.262 9363.1258923 so you get a better look at it. It has 2 screw holes for mounting under dash and comes with 3m tape if you'd rather. I used the screws. I removed the existing screw under the dash (just left of the console) and drilled a 1/8 pilot hole into the plastic for the left hand hole. I had to open the holes in the adapter to allow for bigger screws. This position clears the air ducts. The hook-up was a short run to the fuse box where I used a "Mini Add-A-Line" which I got at Advance Auto like this one http://cgi.ebay.com/Lot-3-ATM-Mini-A...item255968b0cc hope this helps someone.

 

[B3AST]

Hi all.
I have a GPS that I will put on the dash using the Garmin Bean Bag. I didn't like the idea of running the wire down the dash and the center console to the outlet in the storage compartment. I found the outlet at Walmart for $10. I'll show this one http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2459115&cp=2568443.2568455.262 9363.1258923 so you get a better look at it. It has 2 screw holes for mounting under dash and comes with 3m tape if you'd rather. I used the screws. I removed the existing screw under the dash (just left of the console) and drilled a 1/8 pilot hole into the plastic for the left hand hole. I had to open the holes in the adapter to allow for bigger screws. This position clears the air ducts. The hook-up was a short run to the fuse box where I used a "Mini Add-A-Line" which I got at Advance Auto like this one http://cgi.ebay.com/Lot-3-ATM-Mini-A...item255968b0cc hope this helps someone.

I'm planning on doing the exact same thing but it's for the purpose of powering my droid which sits in a wal mart purchased mount attached to an air vent. (and potentially my radar)

 

[FiftysLost]

I'm planning on doing the exact same thing but it's for the purpose of powering my droid which sits in a wal mart purchased mount attached to an air vent. (and potentially my radar)

Since the cigarette lighter hole had no cover I found this http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170580221946
It was cheaper than a cover or plug and if it's actually not junk then it's a win, win.

 

[MikeERideWNC]

I hate wires hanging, also.

If you pop the reading lights and the phone microphoone out of the roof, you will find several wiring harnesses.
I have the CXS without sunroof.
So there are two decent sized 12V power wires there in a harness at the very front of the roof.
Unfortunately, they have power even when the car is off.
I placed two poweroutlets in the headliner and ran the cables out where the wire to the rearview mirror run.

This allowed me to mount my Passport and Garmin on the windshield next to the mirror for easy viewing.

Pictures added.
My original set up had the Passport cord plugged in to a aux jack in the headliner.
But my 8500 x-50 has an auto mute feature which you can't hear the first few beeps with the radio up,
and the alert light is difficult to see when it changes from Highway to alarm.
I bought the remote install cable and it has the same control as the plug, but it can be mounted anywhere.
I 3m taped to to the roof light. When the LED flashes Red it is very noticable.
I was going to wire Red LEDs into the cover where the phone mic is but lost interest.

 

[shoman90]

I haven't monkeyed with it yet, but I bought a 12V extension cord from Radio Shack like this: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3896269 I plan on running the cord out the cable slot on the driver's side of the console........around the back of the console to the passenger side and concealing the cable under the console trim as permits. I'm then going to fasten the female 12V end just under the dash where the glove box meets the console. There could be variations or mods to this plan as I really haven't looked at it yet......but think it's doable. Radar detector, phone, and possibly my Nuvi 680 in there if I need to find something in a hurry. The on/off switch is nice and it's only for trips.....so if I can't make it work very aesthetically ....no big deal. It will only ever be temporary.

While I was aware there was no 12V receptacle in the standard place...it was a little disappointing. Regardless of the original intent for lighters, many people do run things from the old standard lighter location. It would have seemd a simple thing to do to incorporate a 12V receptacle into the design....perhaps even in the area I intend to use if it couldn't be conveniently put in the standard console location.

 

[B3AST]

I hate wires hanging, also.

If you pop the reading lights and the phone microphoone out of the roof, you will find several wiring harnesses.
I have the CXS without sunroof.
So there are two decent sized 12V power wires there in a harness at the very front of the roof.
Unfortunately, they have power even when the car is off.
I placed two poweroutlets in the headliner and ran the cables out where the wire to the rearview mirror run.

This allowed me to mount my Passport and Garmin on the windshield next to the mirror for easy viewing.

Pictures added.
My original set up had the Passport cord plugged in to a aux jack in the headliner.
But my 8500 x-50 has an auto mute feature which you can't hear the first few beeps with the radio up,
and the alert light is difficult to see when it changes from Highway to alarm.
I bought the remote install cable and it has the same control as the plug, but it can be mounted anywhere.
I 3m taped to to the roof light. When the LED flashes Red it is very noticable.
I was going to wire Red LEDs into the cover where the phone mic is but lost interest.

Pretty slick man!

 

[FiftysLost]

I hate wires hanging, also.

If you pop the reading lights and the phone microphoone out of the roof, you will find several wiring harnesses.
I have the CXS without sunroof.
So there are two decent sized 12V power wires there in a harness at the very front of the roof.
Unfortunately, they have power even when the car is off.
I placed two poweroutlets in the headliner and ran the cables out where the wire to the rearview mirror run.

This allowed me to mount my Passport and Garmin on the windshield next to the mirror for easy viewing.

Pictures added.
My original set up had the Passport cord plugged in to a aux jack in the headliner.
But my 8500 x-50 has an auto mute feature which you can't hear the first few beeps with the radio up,
and the alert light is difficult to see when it changes from Highway to alarm.
I bought the remote install cable and it has the same control as the plug, but it can be mounted anywhere.
I 3m taped to to the roof light. When the LED flashes Red it is very noticable.
I was going to wire Red LEDs into the cover where the phone mic is but lost interest.

Did you find any wires (even small ones) that would turn off with the ignition? I am thinking of a backup camera and don't think the monitor would draw much juice.

 

[MikeERideWNC]

I tested all of the wires in the unused harness and there were only two red ones with 12V constant.

At this point I am used to turning off the RADAR and GPS.
Usually, I pull them off the windshield when parked anyways.

 

[shoman90]

Here is my home made mount for 12 volt stuff. Pretty basic, but very functional. I sandwiched a couple pieces of flat stock together with a couple small washers in between for a gap. I bolted the smaller piece of metal to the 3 way plug. The longer piece of 2” flat stock goes inside the console cover. I added a piece of soft side Velcro at the top of that piece on the back side of it to insure no slippage. Being bolted together only at the bottom allows me to swivel the unit up…. towards the work so to speak. The cable is tucked under the console all the way around to the driver’s side. The only piece exposed is the riser up to the cable slot in the console. Probably about 6”. Excess cord from the extension is tucked neatly behind the plug in the console. None of the very limited storage space is lost. With my seat back where I ride. People in the back seat downstate last week end never saw it. The nice thing about this mount is that I can slide it off the front console completely when not traveling and tuck the female 12V end up behind the glove box….completely out of sight. Not the prettiest, but it fills the bill for radar detector, phone, and additional hand held GPS if needed for alternate info. I’m sure the same idea could be utilized much more aesthetically if one wanted. Who knows, maybe I'll even purdy it up some now that I know the plan worked well. I think Buick was remiss in not having a 12 volt source on the dashboard side of the car.







I have never liked GPS units on the windshield….too much visibility lost. At night, it becomes more glare on the windshield. I have made some very simple, very adequate mounts for our GPS needs prior to this car….which is the first we’ve ever had with a factory nav unit.

The below is basically a modified Hoffman 1.5” electrical knock out plug with Velcro. I’m sure something similar would work for anyone thinking like me about visibility. Very simple to make.