I'm doing a basic Carputer install in the glove compartment. I need switched power (only on when the car is on) as an input to the power supply which will also be in the glove compartment.

Where can I get a signal for this? I was thinking of using the cigarette lighter. Is the wire running to the cigarette lighter in the center console (where the shifter, etc is)? Or do I have to remove some other panels to get at it?

My worst case scenario is running a wire from the head unit all the way to the glove box.

Thanks for any info.

 

There is a lighter right next to the glovebox too you can use.

 

Yeah, that's the one I was going to go with. I guess there's a wire I can splice going to that cigarette lighter socket. My question is how to get to that wire. Right now I'm trying to figure out how to route everything I need to the glove box behind the passenger seat.

I'm a noob as far as all this goes. I appreciate the help.

 

You can reach right up under the dash and grab it with your fingers IIRC.

There is a locking jack that connects to the back of the lighter. Use a 3M Scotchlock connector to splice into that wire - I think the blue color is the proper diameter.

 

Just pry up on the bottom part of it and it snaps right out. There is about 2" of slack in the wire when you get it out.

 

Haven't opened up the glove box yet but you can just drill a tiny hole in the side or back of the glove box and run all your wires through there. The power wire that goes to the cig lighter should be right behind the lighter piece itself. All this info is based on my installation in my old integra, not with the Z but you should get an idea of how to do it.. OR you can always ask this Z member since he's doing the same thing as you:

https://my350z.com/forum/audio-builds/212129-my-carputer-setup-streetdeck.html

 

That's the info I was looking for. Thanks for the quick replies everyone.