Looking for Power in Center Console

gy954

I thought it would be easy to locate a 12VDC source once I pulled the cup-holder/switch piece out. Not so. Can anyone help. And by the way, what are the two unused connectors in there?

Chteelers

I used a red wire from one of the unused connectors. Just cut back some of the electrical tape, and used a wire-tap crimp on a red wire. I really just guessed that red would be power (I wasn't exactly defusing a bomb). Turns out it is power only when headlights are on, but that worked fine for me since I always have my headlights on.

370ZilverZ

The best way to "look" for power is to use a volt meter and test for it. That way you know when the power is available for your needs. Is it Battery power (available at all times directly from the battery), Ignition sourced (only available when the ignition is on) or System power (available when a particular system is energized). This way you don't have any surprises down the road with dead batty or your new system not functioning at all times you require it. Like previously stated, you can always tap off of the unused connectors. If you do not have heated seats, I would guess that the unused connectors would have provided a connection to the heated seat switches on the console. I hope this helps.

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370ZilverZ Journal

BMW Z4

Boost_lee

I used power and ground from the second cigarette lighter that is in the center console storage compartment

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My TT Z

gy954

I bit the bullet and removed the center console today, so that I could tap into the console power-outlet supply line. Not as hard as I'd feared; not as easy as I'd hoped. The results are that I now have powered switches which will feed additional goodies (e.g., DRLs).

Attached Images

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