Installing GPS
03-27-2010, 11:16 PM
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Installing GPS
Im picking up a Garmin Nuvi within the week, partly cause iv wanted one for a while, and so im set for the big meet on May 2nd at MSU! My question is, im plan on putting it either above or below my radar detector on the top left of my windshield. Iv got the radar mounted flush to the top of the window, with the wire running in the A-Pillar (removed it and ran the wire), so question 1.) Should it go under the radar, or should i move the radar down and mount the gps above it. (I could also move it towards the center of the windshield as much as necessary). And question 2.) Does anyone have a garmin nuvi and know if it comes with enough cable to run it from the outlet in the center armrest, under the seat, and up the A pillar to the gps? If not what are my other options? Im trying to keep it as stealth as possible.
Sorry if its confusing, and thanks for any help! Heres a link to the specific model im getting... http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Garmin+-...&skuId=9470556
Sorry if its confusing, and thanks for any help! Heres a link to the specific model im getting... http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Garmin+-...&skuId=9470556
03-28-2010, 04:40 AM
#2
ck local laws regarding placement of devices-
Ca recently decided gps units can only go in the lower corner of the front glass- many people place them right in the center or low center of glass- where it creates a giant blind spot when you turn,, or cant see person crossing the street in front of you
You can buy cord of any length thru internet stores or local gps place.
gpsworld comes to mind
keep it as far from the radar as possible would be my thinking- less metal around detector allows it to work better
same logic of not putting detectopr behind the wipers--or install plastic wiper arms~
call the gps place and ASK what they would do- experts on the subject
Ca recently decided gps units can only go in the lower corner of the front glass- many people place them right in the center or low center of glass- where it creates a giant blind spot when you turn,, or cant see person crossing the street in front of you
You can buy cord of any length thru internet stores or local gps place.
gpsworld comes to mind
keep it as far from the radar as possible would be my thinking- less metal around detector allows it to work better
same logic of not putting detectopr behind the wipers--or install plastic wiper arms~
call the gps place and ASK what they would do- experts on the subject
03-28-2010, 08:09 AM
#3
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Well im in PA so that law dosnt mean anything out here lol. And now im thinking maybe the lower left corner, away from the detector and saves some cord to.
03-28-2010, 09:56 PM
#7
Three Wheelin'
i bought another cigarette lighter charger for the nuvi and took it apart so I could get to the positive and negative wires.
I cut off about 3 inches ( the part that goes into the cig. socket. I soldered two wires to the existing wiring in order to extend it. I then wrapped it with black electrical tape. I also needed to retain the converter thats in the cig adapter. It takes 12v but then drops it down to 5v so it can charge the navi.
I know it looks tacky but its tucked near my steering column. Not like its visible anyway but i didnt want to not do it as opposed to driving around with a cord dangling across your face.
I also put a fuse holder ( doesnt really need it but i doesnt hurt )
I found a switched/ignition empty slot in fuse panel. I purchased a fuse tape and used that as my switch turn one for a relay. This relay triggers power to my radar, turns on my amp & crossover & navi.
I cut off about 3 inches ( the part that goes into the cig. socket. I soldered two wires to the existing wiring in order to extend it. I then wrapped it with black electrical tape. I also needed to retain the converter thats in the cig adapter. It takes 12v but then drops it down to 5v so it can charge the navi.
I know it looks tacky but its tucked near my steering column. Not like its visible anyway but i didnt want to not do it as opposed to driving around with a cord dangling across your face.
I also put a fuse holder ( doesnt really need it but i doesnt hurt )
I found a switched/ignition empty slot in fuse panel. I purchased a fuse tape and used that as my switch turn one for a relay. This relay triggers power to my radar, turns on my amp & crossover & navi.
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03-28-2010, 10:24 PM
#8
Team Owner
I'm going to be hardwiring my Nuvi 650 one of these weeks using this:
http://www.gilsson.com/garmin_gps/cables/GHS-B.htm
I think, but am not positive, that the 205W would use this one (converts 12V to 5V and connects to the mini-USB connector on the unit).
http://www.gilsson.com/garmin_gps/cables/GUSB5V-B.htm
Add an Add-a-circuit to the mix and all you have to do is route the cables.
http://www.gilsson.com/garmin_gps/cables/GHS-B.htm
I think, but am not positive, that the 205W would use this one (converts 12V to 5V and connects to the mini-USB connector on the unit).
http://www.gilsson.com/garmin_gps/cables/GUSB5V-B.htm
Add an Add-a-circuit to the mix and all you have to do is route the cables.
03-29-2010, 09:44 AM
#9
Drifting
iTrader: (13)
1) Keep your radar detector below the tint line in the windshield---esp if it also is a laser detector.
2) I like the lower left of the windshield, as well. Will make for an easier run of the wires.
3) Extended cords can be found online for hard wiring into your car.
4) Use an Add-A-Fuse connector in slot #32 in the drivers footwell fusebox. There is also a grounding bolt in that area for the negative connection.
2) I like the lower left of the windshield, as well. Will make for an easier run of the wires.
3) Extended cords can be found online for hard wiring into your car.
4) Use an Add-A-Fuse connector in slot #32 in the drivers footwell fusebox. There is also a grounding bolt in that area for the negative connection.
03-29-2010, 04:13 PM
#10
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Iv got an add a fuse that I tried to use for my radar detector hardwire but i couldnt figure it out, its got two fuse slots on it, do I put one in both? And what size fuses for a nuvi? Its also only got one wire coming from it... I think ill do what I did with the radar and cut the end of the radar cable off, and splice in an extension. How long was the cord that came with your nuvi? Im really lost on this haha, the add a fuse threw me for a loop
03-29-2010, 04:15 PM
#11
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
And fly, what number slot did u use in the fuse box? Mine is also an 06. Can I get a new cig lighter and just attach that to the add a fuse, ground it, and then plug the gps cord into that?
03-29-2010, 05:16 PM
#12
Drifting
iTrader: (13)
Iv got an add a fuse that I tried to use for my radar detector hardwire but i couldnt figure it out, its got two fuse slots on it, do I put one in both? And what size fuses for a nuvi? Its also only got one wire coming from it... I think ill do what I did with the radar and cut the end of the radar cable off, and splice in an extension. How long was the cord that came with your nuvi? Im really lost on this haha, the add a fuse threw me for a loop
The Add-A-Fuse is rated for 10A, but I think you should use a 7.5A for your application.
Slot #32 is an ignition switched power source, meaning it loses power when you turn off the key. Your devices will not drain the battery.
Last edited by dwb993; 03-29-2010 at 05:20 PM.
03-29-2010, 06:29 PM
#13
Three Wheelin'
not sure which fuse slot i used but you can take a test light and check the connection for power upon ignition turn on.
From there I got a fuse tap and used that as a trigger for my relay to power on my devices.
theres a 10mm bolt right by the hood release you can use as a ground.
03-29-2010, 06:50 PM
#14
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Im scared to cut the power wire on a brand new gps... lol DWB couldnt i do the same thing to add an extra cig. lighter? that way if my dad ever needs the gps i can just pull it outta the car
03-29-2010, 09:36 PM
#15
03-29-2010, 09:44 PM
#16
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
03-29-2010, 10:03 PM
#18
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Well im thinking I can use the fuse tap I have, wire that to a new cig. lighter outlet, mount that under the dash, and run the stock wire from that to the gps. That way I dont have to start chopping stuff up. Correct me if im wrong but is that a good plan?
03-29-2010, 10:31 PM
#19
Team Owner
That should work fine as long as you can find a place to secure the new lighter outlet.
03-30-2010, 06:59 AM
#20
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Alright that is what ill do, If I cant find a good ground bolt in the fuse box (I dont see one) can I ground it to one of the mounting bolts under the drivers side seat?
03-30-2010, 08:49 AM
#21
Team Owner
Shouldn't need to go that far for a ground -- there's supposed to be one near the trunk release. I'm just going to find one behind the dash somewhere.
03-30-2010, 05:24 PM
#23
Three Wheelin'
there is a bolt right in front of the hood release lever. You'll have to remove the kick panel to see it.
Here's what you do.
Pull off the weather strip. This runs around the door frame on chassis. Just pull up around the area the kick panel is ( its simple to place back. It'll be easier to put the kick panel back in place with this off since there's a notch there for the panel.)
Remove the fuse panel door thingy.
Then gently pull on the kick panel and it should come off.
Look in front of the hood latch release and you'll see a 10mm bolt.
Use that for your ground.
If the rain lightens up i'll take a video of removing the panel and such.
spare cig lighter = 2 or 3 bucks
cig charger = .75cents - ebay
ohh and its a mini fuse tap you'd have to use.
Here's what you do.
Pull off the weather strip. This runs around the door frame on chassis. Just pull up around the area the kick panel is ( its simple to place back. It'll be easier to put the kick panel back in place with this off since there's a notch there for the panel.)
Remove the fuse panel door thingy.
Then gently pull on the kick panel and it should come off.
Look in front of the hood latch release and you'll see a 10mm bolt.
Use that for your ground.
If the rain lightens up i'll take a video of removing the panel and such.
spare cig lighter = 2 or 3 bucks
cig charger = .75cents - ebay
ohh and its a mini fuse tap you'd have to use.
03-31-2010, 12:52 AM
#25
I think getting a hardwire kit instead of all of this other stuff would be better, just like dwb said.. Then you will have 2 wires .. One that you can plug into ANY cig lighter in ANY car (this will not need to be in the TL) and then the other one will be hardwired into the cig lighter power of your TL.... SO whenever you are in the TL you can just plug it into your wire that you hardwired into the cig lighter wires.. you will only need to tap into 2 wires.. the power and ground of the cig lighter.. alot easier then what you are trying to do.. and plus it will be hidden everytime you put the GPS in the TL.. use wire taps if you dont feel comfortable splicing and soldering wires.. and with wire taps it is completely reversible .. The other wire will be used when you want to use the GPS in another vehicle..
03-31-2010, 08:03 AM
#27
It WILL require you to take apart the center console which isnt hard.. I can remove center armrest, and run wires through the center console in about 20 minutes now.. How are you planning on running the cig lighter for the power? Are you going to have the wires showing all the time?
03-31-2010, 08:26 AM
#28
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
It WILL require you to take apart the center console which isnt hard.. I can remove center armrest, and run wires through the center console in about 20 minutes now.. How are you planning on running the cig lighter for the power? Are you going to have the wires showing all the time?
03-31-2010, 10:34 AM
#32
Drifting
iTrader: (13)
Accessory power. There may be a few other things that run off of it, but I'd have to check my manual at home tonight to confirm.
Make sure you have your Navi and radio codes and disconnect the negative battery terminal before messing with any wiring.
Make sure you have your Navi and radio codes and disconnect the negative battery terminal before messing with any wiring.
03-31-2010, 01:18 PM
#33
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Alright guys, twenty mins, and its done 
went perfect, no problems. Im updateing this on my droid but ill post pics when i get inside, gotta was the car first... thanks for the help guys!
went perfect, no problems. Im updateing this on my droid but ill post pics when i get inside, gotta was the car first... thanks for the help guys!
03-31-2010, 01:42 PM
#34
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Alright guys so here ya go. Went downtown after class and spent 18$ on parts. I took the kick panel off and pulled the #32 fuse. Used my krimping tool to do the connections, grounded it on that bolt. Hide the wires and it works perfect. heres the pics....
04-01-2010, 01:42 PM
#35
I have a Nuvi and I am using the mount that's designed for the air vent. I picked up one from Amazon. It sits in the corner of my right-side center vent so the display is mostly seen over the compass in my base. I've been very happy with it so far....just a thought to avoid the windshield visibility issue.
04-02-2010, 09:28 AM
#38
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
I havnt picked up the GPS yet, I had to make an insurance payment so im short on cash but iv got a mulching job coming up of 2, 6 hour days at 10 bucks an hour so ill get it then.