How can I hardware my electronics.

Tucson4runner

Tucson4runner

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Hey guys I did do a quick search on my tapatalk app and on Google bit I though something specific to 4runners would help me more. I've got a 2000 limited and I have my xm, radar, and now gps all hooked up to my outlets up front and I've decided that since none of them will be leaving my runner anytime soon I want to run them to direct power and leave my outlets for other things. What's the easiest way to wire up these things? I would be cutting the outlet plug off of them and splicing the wires I just don't know where to go from there. Any input would be great. Thanks
 
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I'm looking to hardwire my GPS into my truck as well, I bought the Garmin cable off Amazon, but it won't be here for a week or so. I believe you can use an "add-a-fuse" for this kind of project, and pull power straight off the fuse panel, but I haven't really looked into it too much yet.
 
Depending on the location just run a line in parallel to an active circuit.

I have my radar detector placed directly underneath the rear-view mirror. I unit's clipped the power line and connected each wire to each side of the light MAP Light light bulb. It is very clean and looks great.

See below


*** corrected ***
 
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IanB said:
I'm looking to hardwire my GPS into my truck as well, I bought the Garmin cable off Amazon, but it won't be here for a week or so. I believe you can use an "add-a-fuse" for this kind of project, and pull power straight off the fuse panel, but I haven't really looked into it too much yet.
Click to expand...

Garmin cable? What's different about it? The Garmin gps I have only came with socket power.
 
brianemc2_42 said:
Depending on the location just run a line in parallel to an active circuit.

I have my radar detector placed directly underneath the rear-view mirror. I unit's clipped the power line and connected each wire to each side of the light MAP Light light bulb. It is very clean and looks great.

Also it was really easy to do. Since the bulb is a 'clip in' style, you don't need to solder the wires, just clip them on each side. This will make a parallel circuit that is safe.
Click to expand...

You know, I'm going to school for this exact stuff you'd think I'd be able to apply it. But not able to yet. Got a write up? On either that or the add a fuse thread? Thanks.
 
On a 1997 4Runner, above the mirror is the map light assembly. On my truck there are two lights, each with a button. You can remove this assembly by pressing against the back with a screw driver.

On any 3rd gen, once you get this assembly off you will see the 1-2 bulbs. They should be the 'clip in' type. Those bulbs are in-line with a circuit, meaning they are basically a resistor that lights up, without the bulbs the circuit is open. Both sides of the bulb will have positive (+) V potential. Therefore you can attach your (+) wire at either side of the bulb.



Instructions:
Pry back the bulb holder clip and slip in the (+) wire from your Radar Detector, then find a good grounding point (like a screw attached to the body) and connect (-) black (often striped) wire from the Radar Detector. Reassemble and try the hide the wire.

*** Do NOT attach the (-) black cable to the other end of the bulb. Doing so won't cause a fire, but the Radar Detector will not work since the path of least resistance is probably through the light bulb. The Radar Detector must have a clean separate ground.


It was pretty easy for me to hide this wire since it is only 2" long along the windshield. My Radar Detector is 2" below the mirror.

Hope this helps. It has been A LONG time since I took EE classes.

:bluejump:
 
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I have a radar hard wired. I bought the cable off Ebay similar to what is posted above. It has two wires, hot and ground. I used a mini add a circuit to pull power from the fuse panel. Just snap this in where a switched fuse is, put in the fuses, connect the red wire, and then connect the black to a ground and you're done. Pretty easy, just need the right parts. Here's what I used, they're available at most auto parts stores.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001QRSBW0/ref=redir_mdp_mobile?ref_=sr_1_3&qid=1326147219&sr=8-3
 
I hardwired my PassPort 9500xi and mounted it under the rearview mirror. It was pretty easy, hardest part was taking the time to hide wires.
I had the kit from bestbuy that is made specifically for my detector.

I used the 3M quick-connect/wire splice piece to tap into the 12V cigarette lighter + line and then used one of the blanks in the center to put the control piece. ran the telephone looking piece up under the dash through the driver's side A-pillar up across (tucked into) the headliner to the rearview mirror.

Feel free to PM me or respond for any other questions, it looks awesome how I did it and was very basic.
 
This is just my opinion but if you are going to mount a device directly under the mirror (radar detector) then they way I described above is probably the optimal way. This is assuming you want it very close to the mirror / directly underneith.
 
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brianemc2_42 said:
This is just my opinion but if you are going to mount a device directly under the mirror (radar detector) then they way I described above is probably the best way. I don't see how running a cable anywhere else would be better.
Click to expand...


No offense taken, was simply stating the way I performed my install and why I liked it. I re-read yours and it sounds great and less work as far as having to hide wires, if any.
I had to do mine through the cig power wire because I needed it to also be close to 1 of the 2 blanks I have in the center behind the shifter knob. My radar has an extra piece with buttons as part of the hardwire kit to silence the radar, store info, etc. and it's much easier to have your hand down there rather than reaching up to the unit each time, especially while driving.
 
snowbrdr033 said:
No offense taken, was simply stating the way I performed my install and why I liked it. I re-read yours and it sounds great and less work as far as having to hide wires, if any.
I had to do mine through the cig power wire because I needed it to also be close to 1 of the 2 blanks I have in the center behind the shifter knob. My radar has an extra piece with buttons as part of the hardwire kit to silence the radar, store info, etc. and it's much easier to have your hand down there rather than reaching up to the unit each time, especially while driving.
Click to expand...

I have the same radar as yours do you have a pic of the set up? I was thinking I was just going to lose the buttons near the cig lighter.
 
4-Ripcord said:
Add additional power outlets behind the dash and run the cables in a stealthy way. See my build.
Click to expand...

Ah back to your build ive read through it a few times I actually remember your power outlets now. I think I will be doing that. I also want my cb in my ashtray like yours
 
run a 14 guage min wire from the batt to the inside, then use a relay, have it output to all the accessory when the key is in acc, otherwise on position works too, but in acc u can play with it, might have a stronger drain tho. i would do on only as trigger.
 
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