[elcompaLalo]

I tackled a mod that I was very eager to get done on my Silverado yesterday and thought I would do something similar to hardwire my GPS to the Malibu. I hate having wires and plugs all over the car, I like a clean/uncluttered dash when driving.

Has anyone hardwired a GPS in their car, and if so how did you do it?

Here is a link to my "How To", GMT900 Cargo light mod
My plan would be to use the Add-a-circuit to supply power in an easy/safe way, by cutting off the cigarette lighter plug and hardwiring it. I have a spare one so I am not worried if I had to use the unit in another vehicle.

 

[Silver LTZ]

I hardwired my radar detector. Wasn't hard at all. There are wires you can hook it up to in the passenger foot well next to the radio.

 

[elcompaLalo]

I hardwired my radar detector. Wasn't hard at all. There are wires you can hook it up to in the passenger foot well next to the radio.

Care to go into more detail on those wires SilverLTZ? And maybe a pic?

If you think it would simplify what I am trying to do.

 

[DrivenDaily]

I have the power supplies to both my Garmin and Sirius wired to auxilliary outlets and a time-delay relay. It keeps the outlets powered for a time when I turn the key off or start the car, preventing them from rebooting. I didn't cut or disable the factory outlets (1 front, 1 rear) to do it, and they're stuffed under the center console to keep things neat.

 

[Silver LTZ]

Care to go into more detail on those wires SilverLTZ? And maybe a pic?

If you think it would simplify what I am trying to do.

Sorry no pics, I did it months ago. But if you pop off the panel to the right of the radio/HVAC on the passenger side you will actually see hookups marked like a battery. I did the same thing on my old G6 GTP. If you don't wanna do it a good audio shop should do it for about $50.

 

[elcompaLalo]

Thanks for the info guys, I will poke and prod the wiring this weekend and see what I can do.

 

[DrivenDaily]

Thanks for the info guys, I will poke and prod the wiring this weekend and see what I can do.

ChevyFreak posted the schematics on DropBox.com. I bought them a year ago for $20 and have been using them since. When I mentioned that I had them, he had me send them to him and posted them.

When you pull the cover off the right side console there is a BCM with 3 plugs on it, plus some fuses. Shine a light on the black surface and you will see J1, J2, and J3. When you look at the schematics and it indicates BCM with wire colors and pin numbers, it will also indicate X1, X2, or X3, which is the plug number where you'll find the wire. Helps a lot finding them!

The schematics are for 2008 models, but the only difference I've found so far from that to my '09 is the repeater turn signals that I don't have. Everything else has been a perfect match.

 

[elcompaLalo]

ChevyFreak posted the schematics on DropBox.com. I bought them a year ago for $20 and have been using them since. When I mentioned that I had them, he had me send them to him and posted them.

When you pull the cover off the right side console there is a BCM with 3 plugs on it, plus some fuses. Shine a light on the black surface and you will see J1, J2, and J3. When you look at the schematics and it indicates BCM with wire colors and pin numbers, it will also indicate X1, X2, or X3, which is the plug number where you'll find the wire. Helps a lot finding them!

The schematics are for 2008 models, but the only difference I've found so far from that to my '09 is the repeater turn signals that I don't have. Everything else has been a perfect match.

Alright! Would this info be public or would I have to contact ChevyFreak for it?

 

[DrivenDaily]

I just signed up for DropBox. It's free up to 2GB. I have the schematics in there. Try this:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/4191695/08_chevy_malibu_complete.pdf

 

[elcompaLalo]

Sweet! Let the mod begin, thank you very much.

 

[TonyBu]

Hey Compa, when you get some time could you post a how to with pictures if possible? for those of us mech/elect challenged?

 

[elcompaLalo]

Hey Compa, when you get some time could you post a how to with pictures if possible? for those of us mech/elect challenged?

Sure, I guess I could do that. Pretty simple mod, I will give it my own touch though. My plan is to install a new power socket to plug in to under the drivers side dash. Plug it in as usual and run the cord behind the dash so its not all over the place. That way I will still be able to move the GPS from one vehicle to another if I wanted to, a not so permanent mod if you will.

 

[TonyBu]

Looking forward to it. My plan is to keep the "save and sound" plan from OnStar $12.95 month and use my Garmin for Nav.

 

[elcompaLalo]

Nice, I put that plan into effect last year as well. Just hate seeing wires all over the place when I drive.