OneEyedHito said:
Does anyone know how I could hardwire my Cigarette lighter adapter TomTom cable directly into the fuse box? I am willing to cut the plug end off of the adapter to do this, but I need some direction if possible.
Thanks,
1IH [/B]
I bought a cigarette to USB adapter for $4 from Harbor Freight. I then pulled it apart and soldered 2 wires on to the terminals. I cut the end where the spring/fuse [don't need the fuse with the add-a-fuse] was off with a dremel which made a nice lip for some some split loom which I zip tied around the body. This also helps keep the whole thing together as pulling it apart makes it so the little plastic tabs don't hold as strongly.
Then I took the piece below the steering wheel off (10mm bolts I believe) and used a "flexible grabber" tool (Harbor Freight also has these for like $2 but I think I spent $6-7 on mine at AutoZone) to pull the wire down through from the top of the dash. I used a "add a circuit"/"add a fuse". I think the one I used I picked up for Napa for like $15 but then found out Autozone has the same thing for $6. The first Autozone I checked didn't have them though. Autozone has them in with the fuses and I believe it was made by Buss and in their standard yellow packaging.
I cut the little blue butt connector off and used a pink 3m heat shrink one with epoxy as I prefer these as they are more weather resistant and sturdy although for this use it doesn't much matter.
After connecting the power to the fuse I then made a hook in the ground wire and loosened a bolt going in to the body near the fuse panel, looped the hook around the bolt and tightened it back up.
The wiring is all hidden. The cigarette part is a bit bulky and stays up on the dash. I have it tucked in to the corner though and you can't see it if you are back in a regular driving position.
When I have my TomTom in I just hook a USB cable in to that and then in to my TomTom. Then when I take the TomTom out I just take the USB cable with. I can also use this set up with my cell phone or any other device that needs USB power. If I need to I can also add in a passive powered USB hub and use that for power distribution. That can get to be a large mess of cords up on the dash though.
I prefer this way rather than hard wiring in the cord to the TomTom because then most of the cord is removable. I don't take my TomTom unless I'm heading out to unfamiliar areas because I hate having it in my vehicle as I've had a stereo and stuff stolen from my Audi, $4000 worth of amateur radio and MP3 player gear stolen from an old Ford that someone slim-jimmed open, and a few weeks ago over spring break for the local trash someone threw something through the window in my 4Runner [but took nothing].
This again also gives me the flexibility to power my phone, Mp3 player, bluetooth headset, whatever else. Then when I don't have anything in I don't have wires anywhere, just the USB base down in the corner near my VIN plate.
I'm still looking to get a RAM mount pedestal thing or something to mount my radar detector and TomTom to [RAM has a holder just for the TomTom one] so that I don't have to use the suction cups.. for both safety reasons and also so the suction cups or cup marks don't broadcast "break in to this vehicle.. GPS in glove compartment" even though I take the GPS out completely.
Hopefully that extremely long explanation gives you some ideas, thoughts, whatever.. if you need pics let me know.
