98 LS400 wiring question
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: PA
98 LS400 wiring question
Hi guys.
So I did get that H/K unit (the iPod broadcaster) that I'd asked about - for $20 plus shipping (brand new!) it seemed like a pretty decent deal. Experimented with it, it's not bad, but here's the catch: having owned a few cars with badly hacked wiring harnesses, I insist on doing this job in a way that doesn't beat up the harness or the dash. No cutting.
Looking at my wiring diagrams, it occurred to me that my car doesn't have two fused options: it doesn't have air suspension, and it doesn't have the factory phone. Would there be an unused wire from one of those circuits? I can get ground and +12v ignition hot from the cigarette lighter in the center console, just need +12v always hot. Suggestions? Yeah, I know I could wire it directly from the battery, but I'd rather avoid that if at all possible. I hate opening the hood to see my own wiring right on top of everything else...
Suggestions appreciated - thanks in advance!
So I did get that H/K unit (the iPod broadcaster) that I'd asked about - for $20 plus shipping (brand new!) it seemed like a pretty decent deal. Experimented with it, it's not bad, but here's the catch: having owned a few cars with badly hacked wiring harnesses, I insist on doing this job in a way that doesn't beat up the harness or the dash. No cutting.
Looking at my wiring diagrams, it occurred to me that my car doesn't have two fused options: it doesn't have air suspension, and it doesn't have the factory phone. Would there be an unused wire from one of those circuits? I can get ground and +12v ignition hot from the cigarette lighter in the center console, just need +12v always hot. Suggestions? Yeah, I know I could wire it directly from the battery, but I'd rather avoid that if at all possible. I hate opening the hood to see my own wiring right on top of everything else...
Suggestions appreciated - thanks in advance!
Lead Lap
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,595
Likes: 271
From: Kansas
The only part of my phone kit install that I didn't do myself was to attached its switched and unswitched power wires -- wasn't in the mood to stuff myself in the driver side footwell of my 2000 LS400. The pro installer who did the work told me that he connected the phone kit wires to existing wires at the ignition switch. I just now crawled under the dash but can't see where he attached the wires -- would have to remove the underdash trim panel to see.
Might be time for you to break out the 12V test light and start checking wires around the ignition switch. I'm not sure you could bribe me enough to remove the trim panel and crawl under there again to look.
Might be time for you to break out the 12V test light and start checking wires around the ignition switch. I'm not sure you could bribe me enough to remove the trim panel and crawl under there again to look.
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: PA
I can do that. Thanks for the heads-up! The 12v auxiliary source in the center console has a 12v tap that (IIRC) is ignition-hot, and of course ground too, so all I really need is a constant +12v. If all else fails I'll just run a fused wire inconspicuously to the battery terminal - but ugh! 
Lead Lap
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,595
Likes: 271
From: Kansas
I attached a DC extension cord (chopped off its plug) to the wire leading to the power port inside the console of my 00 LS. I tapped into the wire between the shift lever and the console box. The console wood is held in by friction fittings and is easily removed.
If I had known they existed, I would have used an add-a-circuit fuse holder to get switched power from the underdash fusebox. Add-a-circuit fuse holders are made to power accessories. Some varieties of these fuse holders keep the underdash fuse box cover from snapping back on. The ones that have the fuse holder in-line are better IMO.
I'll attach a photo of one but its the type that can interfere with some fuse box covers.
If I had known they existed, I would have used an add-a-circuit fuse holder to get switched power from the underdash fusebox. Add-a-circuit fuse holders are made to power accessories. Some varieties of these fuse holders keep the underdash fuse box cover from snapping back on. The ones that have the fuse holder in-line are better IMO.
I'll attach a photo of one but its the type that can interfere with some fuse box covers.
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