Dumb question, I know. I am installing and FM modulator in my 2008 Prius. It requires power. Where do I run the black and red wires? Are there pictures or diagrams that would guide me to the exact spotto splice a power wire? I am handy around the house but working on a car is a different world for me. Thanks!
Additional notes: Here is the modulator if that makes a difference: Amazon.com: Scosche FM-MOD02 Universal Audio Input FM Modulator for iPod, Satellite Radio or Portable Music Player: Car Electronics I'd prefer to hook it up to switched power--so it turns off when the key is removed--but I don't care too much, since it has a lighted power indicator to remind me to switch it off. I did install an aftermarket stereo in my 1971 VW campervan, so I thought I could do this, but the Prius wiring is nothing like that 40-year-old VW!
I was wondering the same thing. I was looking at hardwiring my extra Droid with the Torque app and Bluetooth scanner.
Will it work if it's only ON when the car is in "ready"? Then the most obvious choice could be to tap into the cigarette lighter*. My previous owner had tapped into a constant +12V somewhere. I found this when dismantling the dash where I found an extensioncord with a cigarette-lighter-socket and a 12VtoUSB cigarette lighter plugged into it. Luckily the powerdraw was minimal, as the darn thing was ALWAYS on... *: either just use a plug in the middle storage area or dismantle the dash and tap into the actual wire feeding it. I would not know a better solution.
I read somewhere if you wire it to the one under the radio console it will work (always ON part.. i don't know) - there was something said about wiring it into the one in the center console that made it not a good option. I'll try to find the link.
I thought they were both always off when the key was removed, but I hardly ever use the one next to the radio. So not sure...
As mentioned b4, the 12V outlet is switched and easy to get to. I would recommend that. The wires are accessible from the bottom of the dash (no removal required).
Thanks, friends. I will poke around the 12V outlet this weekend see if I can figure out how to tap into it without breaking anything. I take it that I would splice my wires into the existing ones? Do I need to solder them back togther, or can I wrap and tape the way I would speaker wires?
I would use the wire taps you buy at an auto parts store. No soldering or taping required. This should be fine for this application.
