So I'm no electrical wizard, and have decided that I need to hardwire my Garmin Nuvi into the truck - already using the 12V accessory plug for satellite radio - and really don't like that, but can deal with it. I like to have the GPS unit on the windshield above and to the left of the instrument cluster - easy to see, and not obstructing anything. Can I wire this directly into the fusebox on the panel below/left of the steering wheel, and how would I do this. This would be a very clean install as the wire can easily be routed through the mold on the side of the dash. Can anyone help me on how to wire this, or if it is possible? I'd like for it to be on a switched power circuit, so that it shuts down when the ignition is turned off. Any help is appreciated!

I am going to do this soon.
I found that RadioShack, online only, sells the Garmin power cord with the 90 degree plug (for Nuvi

Go to like a Radio shack or parts place and pick up a female cigarette lighter plug.... You can plug your power supply from the Navigation into this socket, and hide it under the dash. As far as getting power, I would suggest tapping power off the existing outlet.

I'll be hardwiring in my Nuvi 660 pretty soon also. Since the power cord has the traffic receiver built into to it, I didn't want to cut the existing power cord. I went to RadioShack and bought this 12v power socket that I will tap onto the underside of existing console 12v socket.


12VDC Car Power Accessory Outlet - $7.99

And I'll use some of these tap in sqeeze connectors

Wire Tap-In Squeeze Connectors (7-Pack) - $1.99

These are pictures of my current setup but it is still not hard wired...I'll get to it soon though.

The mount is made by Proclip USA

Thanks for the replies, guys - looks like some good ideas. The one issue is that I'd like to avoid tapping the existing 12v access, and instead somehow tap into the fuse panel on the lower panel to the left of the steering wheel - this would keep the wiring out of sight as I have the nav unit at the far left mounted on the windshield, just above the dash (driver's side). Is there any way to tap into switched power via this fuse box? I want to keep the wire as short as possible, route it up the inside door molding accessing power into the fusebox. It may not be possible - I may have to access the 12v powerpoint, but if possible, I'd rather not.

You'll have to use mini fuse taps.

Do I just find an unused fuse and go that way? Then, assemble the minifuse, crimp it to the power cord to the GPS, and I'm done?

Thanks for all the help.

I would recommend disconnecting the negative terminal from the battery since you'll be working inside the fuse box.

As far as which fuse to tap into, I'm not sure what model 4runner you have, so I can't really say. For me, I wired in some led strobe lights into the fuse box using the same kind of mini taps. I chose to tap into the power seats because 1) the lights don't require much power 2) I highly doubt that I'll be adjusting the seats and running the lights at the same time & 3) the power seats always have power = power for my lights when 4runner is off.

So, look for a fuse that cuts off the power when the 4runner is off & also make sure that the fuse that you choose has enough power to run your gps.

Oh I forgot to mention...The red lead will go to the fuse box and the negative (black) lead you'll have to ground to the body of the car.

Hope that helps.

I just finished hard wiring my Nuvi 660 to the underside of the center console and it fired right up. I really like the way it came out, a nice clean install.


Edit: I totally forgot about the 2nd socket option that you can tap into, so I went ahead and attached a second socket (since I don't have the ash tray option & don't smoke) for my xm radio to the other harness...both work like a charm!

Sorry to revive an old thread, but I'd like to hardwire my NUVI 760. Do you have any pics?

TIA

I just put two 2-way radios in my 4runner. I ran an 8 guage lead to the battery through a gromet that is almost directly behind the steering wheel in the engine compartment, easy to find. It dropped the lead right into the driver foot well. Ran that to a terminal block in the center console where I tapped the two radios from with inline fuses on each. I still have room left on the block if I ever mount my nuvi.

Able makes a 3 socket 12V jack box that I've also tied into the block.