leonpro

<a href="http://www.proclipusa.com/?sectionpath=238&pageid=11677&processor=content&p_ origin=238&p_sectionid=238&p_pageid=11681&p_proces sor=&p_asp_processor=&p_action=&p_ppagecategoryid= &p_pagecategoryid=&p_pcategoryid=&p_categoryid=&p_ sitecategoryid=&p_year=&p_countryid=0&p_leftorrigh t=">ProClip Female Car Power Adapter</a>

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/85848/proclip.jpg">

I purchased a ProClip cigarette lighter plug (female car power adapter model 945008) so I have an extra 12V outlet which I will use for a GPS in order to minimize clutter of wires versus using the original center console outlet. This will help me keep all of the wires behind the radio.

I do need help in figuring out how and where I can tap a power source that will:

1. Minimize splicing / No splicing
3. Handle the extra load of a GPS

Can I tap into the radio or is it better to tap into the fuse box?

I want a power source that shuts off when I remove the key, unlike the original cigarette lighter which is constantly powered.

Thanks.

Audi Junkie

Bend the wire over the edge of the fuse blade and shove it back in. Olde School.

leonpro

Sounds good. :P

Denim'03

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/42386/fuse-tap-use.jpg"></center><p>Pick up a some fuse taps.

MikTip

Source? URL?

Denim'03

<ul><li><a href="http://www.crowbarelectricalparts.com/Fuses_and_Fuseholders.htm">Fuse taps</a></li></ul>

leonpro

Yes, I've used these once before. Wonder where I kept the rest of the taps.

Audi Junkie

Wow, that makes ALL the difference.

jlew39

Please let us know which fuse you use. Pics?

GDawgA4

I bought a TomTom One GPS unit and wanted to hardwire the cigarette adapter charger to the car, instead of having wires dangling. So I went to Radioshack and bought a 12v power socket that you can hardwire to the car for power.

This is what I bought:
<a href="http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062272&cp=&origkw=car+power&k w=car+power&parentPage=search">Here</a>

*I assume no responsibility nor will be held responsible if you damage your vehicle or anything goes wrong* BTW, you might need your radio code, I didn't need mine, though. It powered on fine, didn't ask for a code.

Here it is:

First thing is to remove the negative lead on the battery.
Start by removing the fuse panel cover:
<img src="http://www.1point8turbo.com/12v/12v03.JPG">

Notice the bolt right above the fuses, the bolt below the fuses and the bolt that holds the knee bolster. First remove the bolt that holds the knee bolster:
<img src="http://www.1point8turbo.com/12v/12v04.JPG">

Remove the bolt above the hood release cable:
<img src="http://www.1point8turbo.com/12v/12v05.JPG">

Remove the last bolt above the gas pedal:
<img src="http://www.1point8turbo.com/12v/12v06.JPG">

Now, gently push/pull down next to the headlight switch:
<img src="http://www.1point8turbo.com/12v/12v07.JPG">

Do the same with the right side of the steering column:
<img src="http://www.1point8turbo.com/12v/12v08.JPG">

Once you've loosened up the knee bolster, gently lay it down on the floor:
<img src="http://www.1point8turbo.com/12v/12v09.JPG">

Next, remove the VAG-COM connector, there are two tabs. Push both connects towards the connector block and remove.
<img src="http://www.1point8turbo.com/12v/12v10.JPG">
<img src="http://www.1point8turbo.com/12v/12v11.JPG">

Do the same with the foot well light. There is a tab on the right side of the light, push that in and push the light downwards. Then, rotate 90 degrees so that you can pull the light up and through the cutout.
<img src="http://www.1point8turbo.com/12v/12v12.JPG">

Now, time to remove the fuse box. There are the two bolts I mentioned earlier, remove those. There are also two tabs next to the bolts, push those in and the box can be removed.
<img src="http://www.1point8turbo.com/12v/12v13.JPG">

Once you have the fuse box in your hand, there are two tabs (shown below) that allows you to open the cover of the fuse box to expose the wiring.
<img src="http://www.1point8turbo.com/12v/12v14.JPG">
<img src="http://www.1point8turbo.com/12v/12v15.JPG">

I tapped into fuse number 5, which is 10amps. Fuse 5 is for the multi-function switch, maintenance monitor and something else. Its ignition switched so its not constant power. Connect the wire tap to the wire coming out of fuse 5 and connect the power wire of the 12v socket. Use pliers to press tightly to make a good connection.
<img src="http://www.1point8turbo.com/12v/12v16.JPG">

Connect the ground wire (the soldered spade included already will not fit on the bolts around the fuse area. Just cut the spade connector off and strip the jacket. Then you can ground it to one of the bolts used to hold the fuse box in. DON'T TRY TO PLUG ANYTHING IN AND POWER IT ON WITHOUT GROUNDING IT FIRST.
<img src="http://www.1point8turbo.com/12v/12v17.JPG">

Now you can connect the negative lead back to the battery terminal and test the connection. Connect your cigarette adapter to the 12v socket you just hardwired. Success!
<img src="http://www.1point8turbo.com/12v/12v18.JPG">

View of the fuse tap after cleaning it up.
<img src="http://www.1point8turbo.com/12v/12v19.JPG">

Close up the fusebox as it was before opening it and re-install it to its original position.
<img src="http://www.1point8turbo.com/12v/12v20.JPG">

This is where I grounded the 12v socket, to the bolt that holds the bottom of the fusebox.
<img src="http://www.1point8turbo.com/12v/12v21.JPG">

Here is all the wiring, sitting above the fusebox, in the empty area.
<img src="http://www.1point8turbo.com/12v/12v22.JPG">

Hope this helps you!