Constant 12v power source? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

13lade · 06-11-2010, 07:59 PM

I have tried about 10 different searches, and I can not seem to find the answer... so forgive me if this has been covered already.

I would like to run a constant 12v power line to my power outlet above the USB port..... I often need to leave my cellphone recharging in the car.

I assume there must be a constant 12v to the radio, but I figure someone has already found an easy spot to tap this, since I am sure I am not the first person to want this.

Any help or direction to the DIY for this would be GREATLY appreciated!

dragonZ28 · 06-11-2010, 08:07 PM

Try the cigarette lighter. Use a test light and probe the hot wire. If you get light, you found a constant 12V source. Just be careful... constant power sources are always on a timed switch, such as your cigarette lighter. Batteries don't like constant drains while the alternator isn't turning.

skuttduck · 06-11-2010, 08:09 PM

Both of them are not on all the time. I think it is designed so you don't drain your battery.

This is a crazy idea... However, the main battery power cable is only inches from your power outlets. That will be hot all the time.

13lade · 06-11-2010, 08:48 PM

My Nissan Armada and my Chevy Express conversion van both have a constant 12v power outlet/cig lighter....both very convenient for cellphone chargers. I would love to have the same for the Camaro.

Skuttduck... you say "the main battery power cable is only inches from your power outlets". Can you give me more details? Is this is the same thing as the BIG "+" Cable under the hood? If so, then I dont think I want to mess with that

Michael_Js · 06-11-2010, 09:08 PM

There are multiple power lines above the glove box that are always on - I tapped into 1 for my glove box light. There are red wires and red with white stripes wires of various thickness above there. Not sure if they run across under the dash on the driver's side, but I bet they would.

Very easy to get to - remove the glove box (no tools needed), remove the cover above the top of the glove box (4 or 5 screws) and there's a huge gathering of wires there. Pick your wire

Not hard to run into the center console...

skuttduck · 06-11-2010, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 13lade

My Nissan Armada and my Chevy Express conversion van both have a constant 12v power outlet/cig lighter....both very convenient for cellphone chargers. I would love to have the same for the Camaro.

Skuttduck... you say "the main battery power cable is only inches from your power outlets". Can you give me more details? Is this is the same thing as the BIG "+" Cable under the hood? If so, then I dont think I want to mess with that

Yes the big positive cable runs inches from your power outlets. It would work if you tapped it. I however think that would be a serious warranty void if you did that.

13lade · 06-11-2010, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skuttduck

Yes the big positive cable runs inches from your power outlets. It would work if you tapped it. I however think that would be a serious warranty void if you did that.

Good point. Not an option then.... Have you any idea on how hard it would be to get to /tap the constant power to the Radio?

skuttduck · 06-11-2010, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 13lade

Good point. Not an option then.... Have you any idea on how hard it would be to get to /tap the constant power to the Radio?

I've not pulled the radio out yet. Been in and out of the doors, and behind the glove box. Like what Michael_JS said, it's pretty easy to get to the wires behind the glove box, and run it to your power outlet.

13lade · 06-12-2010, 11:51 AM

Glad you mentioned Michael_JS post.... I clicked on the 'last reply' button and it took me right to yours. Didnt even see his. Thanks to both of you for the reply and assistance!

06-11-2010, 07:59 PM	#1
13lade Drives: '11 SIM 2ss/rs LS3 #13363 iom seats Join Date: May 2010 Location: NoDak Posts: 262	Constant 12v power source? I have tried about 10 different searches, and I can not seem to find the answer... so forgive me if this has been covered already. I would like to run a constant 12v power line to my power outlet above the USB port..... I often need to leave my cellphone recharging in the car. I assume there must be a constant 12v to the radio, but I figure someone has already found an easy spot to tap this, since I am sure I am not the first person to want this. Any help or direction to the DIY for this would be GREATLY appreciated!

06-11-2010, 09:08 PM	#5
Michael_Js SoCal C5 Family Member Drives: 2010 Camaro SS/RS - Black w/IOM; 6M Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: San Diego, CA, USA Posts: 5,299 View My Garage	There are multiple power lines above the glove box that are always on - I tapped into 1 for my glove box light. There are red wires and red with white stripes wires of various thickness above there. Not sure if they run across under the dash on the driver's side, but I bet they would. Very easy to get to - remove the glove box (no tools needed), remove the cover above the top of the glove box (4 or 5 screws) and there's a huge gathering of wires there. Pick your wire Not hard to run into the center console... __________________ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2010 Black 2SS/RS; 6M; IOM, GFX, sunroof; ADM Race CAI; Zoomers CB; Viper Alarm; Pdaft F&R sways, Adj Endlinks, Rtrailing arms, Camber kit, strut brace, Front Trailing Arm Bushing; SLP Skip-Shift Elim; Tinted lights/windows; Hurst Short-throw; LoJack; Door & Dash ABL Mods; ********; JBA Shorty headers; AACStyle LEDs; Stillen DS rotors, Hawk Ceramic pads; Havoc Blk Chrome wheels: 20x9s; Lingenfelter Blk Al Pedals; RevXtreme Catch Can; Goodridge SS lines; Ported TB; RK Sport hood; Hotchkis chassis brace; KW V3 coilovers;

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06-11-2010, 08:07 PM	#2
dragonZ28 Drives: 2001 T/A, 2010 2SS/RS, 2006 Z06 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 2,428	Try the cigarette lighter. Use a test light and probe the hot wire. If you get light, you found a constant 12V source. Just be careful... constant power sources are always on a timed switch, such as your cigarette lighter. Batteries don't like constant drains while the alternator isn't turning.

06-11-2010, 08:09 PM	#3
skuttduck Drives: 2010 RJT 2LT Camaro Join Date: May 2009 Location: East Lansing, MI Posts: 2,530	Both of them are not on all the time. I think it is designed so you don't drain your battery. This is a crazy idea... However, the main battery power cable is only inches from your power outlets. That will be hot all the time.

06-11-2010, 08:48 PM	#4
13lade Drives: '11 SIM 2ss/rs LS3 #13363 iom seats Join Date: May 2010 Location: NoDak Posts: 262	My Nissan Armada and my Chevy Express conversion van both have a constant 12v power outlet/cig lighter....both very convenient for cellphone chargers. I would love to have the same for the Camaro. Skuttduck... you say "the main battery power cable is only inches from your power outlets". Can you give me more details? Is this is the same thing as the BIG "+" Cable under the hood? If so, then I dont think I want to mess with that

06-12-2010, 11:51 AM	#9
13lade Drives: '11 SIM 2ss/rs LS3 #13363 iom seats Join Date: May 2010 Location: NoDak Posts: 262	Glad you mentioned Michael_JS post.... I clicked on the 'last reply' button and it took me right to yours. Didnt even see his. Thanks to both of you for the reply and assistance!