How do I get into the back of the console power outlet?

[nittanydoug]

I'm still new to the vibe world and I'm working on figuring out the search function on this forum (it's a little different than I'm used to.) I want to put a "hidden" power source behind the dash so I can hardwire in my gps. I can't figure out how to get the HVAC controls and the other peices out below the radio. I can get the radio out no problem. How do I remove those peices of trim and what wires am I looking for once I get in there?

[lovemyraffe]

There is all the wiring for another power outlet inside the center console. I put it in and used it to power my Sirius. I ran the power cable under the center console, up through the dash and out by the radio.

[nittanydoug]

Sound like I can bust out the fish tape and do that. Might be be easier that way. Where did you run the wire? Under the carpet?

[lovemyraffe]

I wasn't concerned about the 3 inches of wire that would be showing between the center console and the dash. I just ran the wire on top of the carpet and then up underneath the shifter and out by the radio.

[nittanydoug]

Did you pull out the HVAC controls? Are you running the stock HU? I'm still going back and forth on swapping it out but the whole deal with the M&T package sounds like a pain.

[joatmon]

Http://Forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=5940 although ragingfish's pictures are MIA

[lovemyraffe]

I left the HVAC controls in, but did have to pull the HU. It takes a little bit of fishing around to get the wires up, but it is possible. When I pulled the HU, I dropped one of the mounting screws and later found it in the strange compartment under the shifter.I'm still running the stock HU, and am debating whether or not to change it.

[epcIII]

There's a thread here somewhere where a member posted step-by-step pics on how to take out everything (hvac, radio, etc...). I have to run now, but if you can't find it, or no one else does, I'll look for it later.

[epcIII]

This thread has some pics of the screws holding in the center console to where the cig lighter wire is (scroll down to NovaResource's reply): http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=1682 And here's a thread that tells how to remove the trim around the radio, hvac, etc...: http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=5940 The pics are missing but the instructions are still easy to follow.**Warning--from what I read, it's hard to actually take out the HVAC piece (not the trim, but what is under the trim)--other people broke stuff trying to get it out.

[nittanydoug]

Thanks! I might try to tackle that tonight!

[joatmon]

another alternative would be to just buy one of those "add-a-circuit" things, use it to tap power off at the fuse block. You could then fish the wires around where you need them without taking the dash apart.Guess it depends on where you are mounting the GPS. Around here, cops say to make sure that your GPS (or any other smash and grab easily pilferable portable electronics) leave no clues when not in use. Even to the point of making sure that you don't leave any tell tale rings on the windshield from suction cup mounts.

[nittanydoug]

That's good in theory to remove/hide them. Doesn't always make them easy to use though..