Overhead cluster 12v ignition switched power pin outs

I traced these down to install a switched 5v USB power supply under my overhead cluster panel to power my dashcam and Bluetooth GPS. Caution: These are small gauge wires are can't be used for heavy loads, e.g., radios, etc.!!! I wouldn't use them to charge a laptop or something larger! You assume all risks doing this, please use caution to avoid shorts or overloading due to the risk of damaging your electrical system.

I am installing this 12v to 5v USB regulator under the cluster in the headliner from Amazon:

GEREE Waterproof DC Converter 8-22V to 5V 3A/15W Dual Power Adapter DC to DC Buck Converter Step Down Power Supply Module Car Power Converter Double USB Cable Connector Car Charger 12V to 5V

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00OXZ06I4/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Note: according to the manufacturer, these regulators are waterproof, so buy a second one to put in one of your bed cubbies with a inline on/off button on the hot wire for USB power back there!

After pulling off the cover using nothing more than my fingers under the edge closest to the windshield and then the furthest (pull hard), the following wires are used for switched 12v power only:

The switched power wires power the mirror. I used them to power my dashcam while the ignition is on, and they are are found glued to the underside of the headliner to the left and in front of the cover hole:


Switched 12v - in the two photos below, the brown wire is positive and the white/black striped wire found paired with the brown wire is negative. Use these two, not the white wire paired with the blue wire found in the same bundle.




This shot below shows the same wires in the mirror plug - brown is positive and white/black is negative:





When finished, I am hot gluing all of the loose connectors and wires back onto the headliner to prevent rattling overhead before closing everything up.

Have fun!

 

Just did this last night. Love it!

 

This is a great DIY, if this were Reddit I'd give you gold

 

Perfect! This is my planned project for next weekend (hate the dangling wires to the dashcam), and I was wondering what wires to use

 

What other uses does this have beside dash cam? Just curious. Thanks

 

No idea. Thats all i needed it for.

 

I use the second USB output on the overhead converter to power my Garmin GLO Bluetooth GPS transmitter-

$109 Garmin GLO Portable GPS and GLONASS Receiver with Vehicle Power Cable

https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Portable-GLONASS-Receiver-Vehicle/dp/B00AYAZENY
i keep it mounted up high near the mirror so it gets a good position lock. It sends my GPS position on my wifi only iPad or to my phone when I'm running my Topo Maps app in the boondocks when there's no cellular reception.you could use it to power a overhead Bluetooth speaker/mic, camera, GoPro, or even a portable wireless HD...

 

Pretty cool! Was just thinking about adding one to my truck yesterday.

 

Tapped into the brown and black/white wires for a dash cam. Worked like a charm.

 

Subbed

 

Do you happen to remember if the Blue wire in the mirror plug is constant? I'm thinking if it is, I'm going to cut that wire and wire the switched wire to that to disable home link from working without ignition.

 

Sorry, I didn’t touch the blue - it may be hot for the auto dimming mirror or Home link circuit- check voltage on it before using it, might be 5v.

 

Just ordered from the link. Definitely excited about cleaning up my wiring that is getting a little out of control. And just to be clear; its a 2 USB source that can power 2 small devices such as a dash cam, and a GoPro, right?
Thx

 

You guys are good about removing the panels and bezels, I'm always afraid of cracking them!

Quick q, what kind of dash cam did you get and it sounds like you're using it just for driving and not security since its not on all the time?
Someone else posted pix of guys trying to break into his truck while he was riding.....I would think that would be a good use for a cam.

Also that usb converter is waterproof but the outputs are not.....seems like an odd combo.

Theft cam thread.....https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/attempted-break-in-or-worse.520541/

 

Just finished hooking everything up to the 12 V ( light pink positive-green wire negative )constant for my dash cam to allow the parking sensor to be enabled. Unfortunately for some reason my DRL‘s won’t turn off when the USBs I connected. Both my dash cam and my go Pro Power up when the vehicle is on but the DRL stay on even after locking it walking away. only way my DRL’s turn off is if I disconnect the USBs.
No Bueno.

 

Weard- mine didn’t do that, but I posted a warning above based on your heads up. Sorry about that!! It appears that something is powering the DRL relay so the timer can’t turn off the DRls after you locked up. Perhaps best go to a different constant power source for now or run a single 12v hot wire up from below. For the second (ground) wire, you could safely use a ground to the frame in the overhead to keep it short.

I have not tested all the other console leads, and unfortunately the only other one I did test to use has a variable dimming voltage for the dimmer lights and so it really couldn’t work.

 

I don’t have a GoPro, but as it runs on USB, that adapter should work for charging it OK depending on your 12v source.

 

I’m using this camera that also records speed and location as it has internal GPS : https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/ya/ref=ya_aw_oh_od?ie=UTF8&ac=od&oid=114-1898706-6885843

Yes, I am only using it as a driving camera but it’s motion sensitive programable for use as a daytime security cam too (night vision on it is so so, best with headlights on too).

As a security cam though, I’d get one that has a secure recorder separate from the camera, but that would be pricy - although that breakin video captured the thieves very well with a standard dashcam and survived the idiots attacking the truck.

You are right, the USB outlets are open !! There are some “marine grade” USB panel mounted units with slightly more water resistant covers, but I didn’t want to drill holes in by cubby walls for them, and decided to use tape to seal the plugs better when not used. I did use the panel mount one for in my trailer - it is more dust and water resistant than the cable based one and has a great input voltage display I use to help monitor the trailer batteries:

BlueFire 4.2A Dual USB Charger Socket Power Outlet 2.1A & 2.1A with Voltmeter for iPad iPhone Car Boat Marine Mobile Blue LED Light

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01F3I117E?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd

 

No worries. I'm glad someone like you has the cajones to dig into this electrical system to create some well needed comfort mods. I'll tap into the mirror wires instead, and rely on the dash cam internal capacitor to pick up any events that might occur. But for now, thanks again for getting this DIY out on the streets. Standing by for updates or otherwise...

 

Any updates on this? Anyone else run into problems with DRL?