goofy gps cable hiding

[aareyn]

I got annoyed at looking at my gps power cable, and where it is located (by the e-brake), so I took apart my interior and added a second, hidden lighter to hide the wire with. Hope this helps somebody, it took me about 20 minutes.

It used to look like this:

[aareyn]

so I ran the cable from the lower driver side section of the windshield, inside the weather stripping, down inside the cover under the steering wheel, where I let it sit so I could do my next step.

[aareyn]

If it seems like I don't know how to add text between pictures, you're right.

Next, I figured it would be easier to link the new power source/ lighter into the positive on the old lighter, as I didn't feel like searching for a source in the junction box in the dash. So I unbolted the bolts in the center console so I could lift it a little bit, then I popped off all the little panels under the e-brake and shifter, remembering to unplug the traction control switch and stock lighter. with the lighter wires exposed, I linked into the positive (grey) cable, then ran it inside all the places I just exposed. Then I taped the new lighter to that metal brace under the steering wheel (ground) and attached the positive wire. Put it back doing the reverse of above, and your cable is hidden.

[aareyn]

Looks cleaner, I can reach it now, and it turns on and off with the vehicle. simple.

[Francos Yaris]

I did something similar, but a lot less involved. I ran the gps wire down the driver door under the weather strip like you did, but from there i ran a different route. I bought a new lighter with leads on it, took the positive lead and rigged it to the fuse for the lighter already in the car and hooked the negative to a ground bolt near the brake pedal. The lighter and the actual connection of the gps to the lighter is all hidden under the dash and looks clean. Mine also turns on and off with the car.

[SAV912]

Like your work.

This looks similar to what I did with my radar detector. I HATE HATE HATE cords over the dash. So distracting. My detector sits up next to the rearview mirror. The cord goes along the top of the windshield where it meets the headliner, then down the driver side A-pillar and then is grounded at the kickplate under the steering column above the pedals, and the positive lead is tapped into the radio fuse. Turns on and off with the car. No cords visible.

Ingenuity is awesome.

-C

[aareyn]

@francosyaris: I did title this thread goofy...
I'm used to having my lighter under the steering wheel, and I'm going to need my firewall port(where my fuse box is located on the other side, as I'm sure yours is as well) for my amps, so this seemed easier.

@sav912: I agree, I love electronic gadgets and I hate the wires that control them