Switched accessory port

[ponkotsu]

I'm tired of plugging in and unplugging my GPS. So I want to add a switched accessory socket under my dash. No doubt I can find a point pretty easy, but has anyone any suggestion of where I can access something most easily without tearing the dash apart? Maybe I can tie directly into the fuse panel? Maybe there is an unused fuse?

 

[bobflood]

I'm tired of plugging in and unplugging my GPS. So I want to add a switched accessory socket under my dash. No doubt I can find a point pretty easy, but has anyone any suggestion of where I can access something most easily without tearing the dash apart? Maybe I can tie directly into the fuse panel? Maybe there is an unused fuse?

I lean toward taping into the power lead for the radio.

 

[koda2000]

I lean toward taping into the power lead for the radio.

i had the exact same thought. the lighter wire would even be easier to identify, but if you want to go off a fuse, i've seen these little gadgets at AutoZone that let you add a fused wire by piggy-backing off and existing fuse. just find a fuse that's hot with the key ON.

BTW, to get at the lighter wire you only have to remove 2 screws from over the EATC and pull the panel out. the radio will come out with the panel.

 

[bobflood]

Does the lighter lose power when you turn off the ignition (I can never remember!!)? I thought the OP wanted to hook up his GPS to something that went off when the vehicle was turned off.

 

[koda2000]

Does the lighter lose power when you turn off the ignition (I can never remember!!)? I thought the OP wanted to hook up his GPS to something that went off when the vehicle was turned off.

good point. i think on Fords the lighter stays hot even with the key off. in that case, the radio power wire would be a better choice.

 

[obie]

good point. i think on Fords the lighter stays hot even with the key off. in that case, the radio power wire would be a better choice.

Yeah, lighter is always hot. Good way to drain a battery if you forget to unplug something and don't drive it for a few days... Not that I would ever do something that dumb!