Installing FM Modulator
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 221
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Installing FM Modulator
I'm installing am FM Modulator to be able to connect any portable MP3, iPod, etc,
It requires power so can I tap into the Cigarette Lighter wire? or will this drain the battery.
If I should tap into one of the radios wires, which one?
Thanks!
Here's the Modulator I'm installing:
It requires power so can I tap into the Cigarette Lighter wire? or will this drain the battery.
If I should tap into one of the radios wires, which one?
Thanks!
Here's the Modulator I'm installing:
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,902
Likes: 21
From: Oak Hill Virginia
Where are you mounting and how long is the wire that connects to the power source? If possible, I'd recommend tapping into the wiring harness located behind the kick panel in the passenger side footwell... The harness you want has three wires in it an orange, a yellow, and a black. The black is the ground and the other two are power.
One of the two power wires (I'm pretty sure it's the yellow one) is only hot when the car is either on or in the acc power position. That way it won't draw from your battery when they key isn't in it...
Good luck.
One of the two power wires (I'm pretty sure it's the yellow one) is only hot when the car is either on or in the acc power position. That way it won't draw from your battery when they key isn't in it...
Good luck.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 580
Likes: 0
From: New York NY
do NOT tap into a constant 12V wire such as the cigarette lighter wire. The modulator will constantly be on therefore draining your battery. I made this mistake when I installed a double din a few months ago. Needless to say my battery would die every few days (if i didnt start the car) and it took me months to realize this even though i am an electrical engineer
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
okay thanks guys! I'm going to look for that yellow wire and get the install going today.
I'll let you guys know how good this works. I've been wanting this setup for a while. Only spent about $28 for the modulator
I'll let you guys know how good this works. I've been wanting this setup for a while. Only spent about $28 for the modulator
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,902
Likes: 21
From: Oak Hill Virginia
I have my V1 and my Garmin power cord hardwired in the manner I described above. My ipod connects directly to my radio through my iPod2Car cable. Here are some pics of the harness that might help you. They are from my V1 install. Looks like it definitely is the yellow wire.
Here's the link to that install thread in case it helps you... http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...pliced-in.html
Here's the link to that install thread in case it helps you... http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...pliced-in.html
Last edited by cdkcorvette7; Feb 19, 2010 at 02:28 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,683
Likes: 144
From: Memphis Tennessee
I am a bit with the above post.
I hope you enjoy your modulator, but my experiences in the Memphis area have been far less than satisfactory.
I have to constantly change the station to find one that is not occupied. At best, the sound quality is acceptable, and to be honest, I just got tired of messing with it.
The "hard wire" method is much more user-friendly and after it is all hooked up, it is uch easier to enjoy.
Good Luck though, I hope it works well for you.
I hope you enjoy your modulator, but my experiences in the Memphis area have been far less than satisfactory.
I have to constantly change the station to find one that is not occupied. At best, the sound quality is acceptable, and to be honest, I just got tired of messing with it.
The "hard wire" method is much more user-friendly and after it is all hooked up, it is uch easier to enjoy.
Good Luck though, I hope it works well for you.
