Not sure if someone has posted something like this before since it's kinda simple, but just in case...

Okay, this isn't a TRUE hard wire, but instead adding a "behind the dash" accessory power port. The reason for this is due to the fact that many GPS units have something to step down the voltage as part of the "lighter" plug in. So if you clip that off, you might fry your GPS trying to run 12V to it. To solve this, you can simply add another power socket behind the ashtray one.

First, go buy some wire taps (the kind where you can splice in mid-wire) - I got mine at Fry's electronics

Second, go get an "outside" 12V power socket. Reason I say outside is because those already have a plastic shield around them so you don't have bare metal sitting behind your dash with current going through it. I got mine at Wal-Mart for $8.

Whip out the phillips screwdriver and you are ready to go...


First, pull out the ashtray (you can do this by popping off the center console piece that has the shift boot - just clips out, no screws, then unscrewing the two screws that hold down the ashtray - then just pull out).

You'll see the plug running to the lighter. There are two wires, Yellow and Black w/Red stripe. Yellow is your positive, Black w/Red Stripe is your negative. Now, take your extra power socket and run the wires from the back of the dash to the ashtray. I placed my socket facing backwards (towards the firewall) on the passenger side since there was more room there (see picture below for placement). Take your wire taps and tap into the appropriate wires (check the package/instructions of your power socket to figure out the color of the wires on yours). Since I ran from the passenger side, I used a coat hanger to pull the adapter cable from the passenger side to the driver's side. Then I tucked the cable around the gauge cluster and ran it through the gap by the steering wheel. Afterwards, I just tucked the power socket/adapter plug up into the dash (I used some velcro too just to secure it more but still have the option to pull it out). The upside is, you have an extra power socket you can use without having to open your ashtray for stuff like laptops and stuff, or, like me, I bought a 3 way adapter so if I want to do that stuff, I can plug it into that socket and still have my GPS powered while still having two other things plugged in (I only put that in when necessary). Pics below:

NOTE THE WIRE SPLICE:




HERE'S THE SOCKET I USED:




ZOOMED OUT TO SHOW PLACEMENT:




PLUGGED IN THE ADAPTER FROM THE GPS:




USING THE CLOTHES HANGER TO PULL THE WIRE THROUGH TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE:




WIRE COMING OUT TO DRIVER'S SIDE:




WIRE GOING TO GPS UNIT - TUCKED AROUND GAUGES:




CLOSE UP OF WIRE RUN:

 

looks good. do you have problems with sight obstruction, with the gps screen right there?

 

Not at all, it sets barely above the gauges, it's exactly where I want it, where I can just look down a bit and see my route without taking my eyes too far off the road. I'm about to have the lo-tek gauge pod right next to it (it's being put in right now), so all my "info" will be in one place.

 

I'm suprised you didnt run the wire up the driver's or passenger's side A pillar. You can reach the inside of the pillar from the access door about 10 inches up the floor and the thread the wire to the top of the dash. just a thought.

 

Wouldn't have been practical where I have it. Either one would've had my wire extending across my dash (as the GPS is mounted in the middle). On top of that, with the run I did, I had just enough wire to do it. Any other run would've required I extend it somehow. This has the wire come out right at the spot where I have it mounted.

 

Ah, then I understand. I'm not knocking your install, think it looks great. If I ever install a GPS in my car I think I'll move it closer to the the driver's A pillar just for a bit more "hidden-ness" to the whole thing.

Splicing wires is a right of passage for all rx8 owners! :-)

 

Question:

How do you hide the GPS unit to reduce the chances of theft? I never leave my GPS unit out in the open, because I'm worried someone's gonna come smash my windshield and take my unit.

 

Yup, I always take it and put it somewhere. If I'm not in the car, it's not out in the open.