Hardwiring Garmin?

[Sean89]

I just bought a Garmin and I would like to hardwire it. Has anyone here done it? I need to read up more on it but I think I read that it takes 5 volts. If anyone has done it can you post some pics and or give some details about what you did?

Thank you.

[bronco7794]

what garmin unit did you get... that would help... garmin makes hardwire cables for some of their units..

[Sean89]

I think its called 265 WT. Its mag gray just like my car



Thanks!

[bronco7794]

try something like this

http://gilsson.stores.yahoo.net/caforganu680.html

they have a hardwire cable that will work... the older Garmin units would take 12vdc direct but the new units are designed to run off USB power so they need 5vdc.... I have also seen people use a cigarette lighter to usb adapter and just use a usb cable...

[Sean89]

So those things convert my 12v cig lighter to 5v? I have read that adding another cig lighter port might be a good option. Is this true?

[bronco7794]

well you already have to 12v outlets in the car... what you could do if you really wanted to would be to remove the outlet in the lower console and wire another one to the back of it and leave it under the dash and just use the cable you have already have...

[Sean89]

I dont think I asked my question correctly. What I was trying to ask was if the factory power cord converts my 12v to 5v for the garmin? In that case I should be able to tap into the fuse box and add a 12v outlet down there. Then I could run a cable down the pillar into it correct?

The only problem with that is there is a box on the power cord (im guessing a converter if the above mentioned theory is correct) that I would need to hide.

[bronco7794]

yes you could add a 12v outlet anywhere and plug the garmin cord into and it would be just fine... or you could get one of the hardwire kits and eliminate the possibility of the cigarette plug coming loose...

Originally Posted by Sean89

I dont think I asked my question correctly. What I was trying to ask was if the factory power cord converts my 12v to 5v for the garmin? In that case I should be able to tap into the fuse box and add a 12v outlet down there. Then I could run a cable down the pillar into it correct?

The only problem with that is there is a box on the power cord (im guessing a converter if the above mentioned theory is correct) that I would need to hide.

That is the traffic receiver. If you bought the 265WT that unit comes with free lifetime traffic updates, the chunky black thing inline on the power cable if the FM receiver used to get the traffic data.

[Sean89]

I did get the one with the traffic. So what you are saying is if I dont use that cord I wont get that?

[njerald]

Unbelievable......................

Originally Posted by Sean89

I did get the one with the traffic. So what you are saying is if I dont use that cord I wont get that?

Yes, traffic signals are only received when you are connected to a 12v power source using the supplied FM receiver/power cable.

[Sean89]

Hmm, never would have figured it would be in the power cable. Looks like I will have to use that cable after all "/

njerald, way to get your post count up! You seem to have a tough time believing things.

[johnnyzee]

try to take the power from your cig lighter fuse output (as it was designed for a bit of extra load).

You need the whole cord as the cigarette lighter end has the adapter/converter in in it (obviously).
so then, solder wires to your power cord of the garmin (the cig lighter end) for the + and - . Otherwise, buy a female cig outlet and use the new socket to solder wires to and hide the connection somewhere (under the dash)?. Make sure the cig lighter is not on 'constant power', meaning that power is shut off when you remove the keys. I think our camrys are not given constant power to the cig lighters.

good luck.

[Punks_Not_Dead5]

Correct no constant power once the ignition is off..but you'll probably still have to turn the unit off manually..atleast i do...but mine isn't hard wired. Just plugs into the cig lighter.