How do I wire my GPS using accessory switch on dash
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 170
Likes: 1
From: Monroeville, Pa.
How do I wire my GPS using accessory switch on dash
Got a Garmin and Ram mount for Xmas for my 07 Electra Glide Classic. I was intending on using the cigarette lighter to power the unit but when I turn full lock left the wire from the plug hits the gas tank and blows the fuse. Not so sure of myself when it comes to electrical issues on my bike, thats why I'm looking for help. Any advice or how to do comments would greatly be appreciated. I have 1 accessory switch on my dash that isnt being used. No Idea how to hook up GPS using it. I do all my own mechanical work on the bike including mileage service, just stumped when it comes to electrical. Willing to do it with some help, I just would rather not take it to the dealer...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,602
Likes: 721
From: Bellevue, NE
The other end of that unused switch is at the base of the tank and in front of the battery. If you pull your seat you'll see the connector.
You might want to consider tapping into the backside of the cigarette lighter (inside the fairing) and wiring in a second cigarette lighter in there, then just leave your charger plugged into it all the time. Or you can tap in to the wiring on the headlight harness. Both will power on with the ignition switch.
You might want to consider tapping into the backside of the cigarette lighter (inside the fairing) and wiring in a second cigarette lighter in there, then just leave your charger plugged into it all the time. Or you can tap in to the wiring on the headlight harness. Both will power on with the ignition switch.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 3
From: Cheltenham, UK
One key thing to be aware of is that the cig lighter GPS unit generally contains some necessary electronic circuitry - usually changing the 12vdc bike supply to a stable 5v supply for the GPS unit.
I have seen examples of people advising that you cut the plug off and wire through the switch - don't do that.
This leaves you with basically 2 options:
Wire another cig lighter socket through the Aux switch and hide this socket somewhere, then use the connector cable that came with your GPS. This is the cheapest solution and is perfectly OK, although I generally don't trust the reliability of cig lighter connections. If you do this make sure you tape / strap the plug securely in to the socket
Option 2 is to look on the net for a hard wired cable solution to replace the electronics in the cig lighter plug. These typically look like a black box with 12v flying leads on the one end and a connector for your satnav on the other end.
Once you have decided on this we can look at how we progress from there
I have seen examples of people advising that you cut the plug off and wire through the switch - don't do that.
This leaves you with basically 2 options:
Wire another cig lighter socket through the Aux switch and hide this socket somewhere, then use the connector cable that came with your GPS. This is the cheapest solution and is perfectly OK, although I generally don't trust the reliability of cig lighter connections. If you do this make sure you tape / strap the plug securely in to the socket
Option 2 is to look on the net for a hard wired cable solution to replace the electronics in the cig lighter plug. These typically look like a black box with 12v flying leads on the one end and a connector for your satnav on the other end.
Once you have decided on this we can look at how we progress from there
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,963
Likes: 1
From: Fredericksburg, VA
Supplemental 12v Power Point
Easy to install power point allows an additional 12 volt power source for electrical accessories powered by a cigarette lighter type socket. Features a water-resistant cover with laser-etched Bar & Shield logo.
91843-97
Fits '94-later FLHR (except FLHRCI), FLT, FLTR, FLHX, FLHT, and Trike models.
MSRP US $19.95
Just use the wires and disregard the cigarette part.
Easy to install power point allows an additional 12 volt power source for electrical accessories powered by a cigarette lighter type socket. Features a water-resistant cover with laser-etched Bar & Shield logo.
91843-97Fits '94-later FLHR (except FLHRCI), FLT, FLTR, FLHX, FLHT, and Trike models.
MSRP US $19.95
Just use the wires and disregard the cigarette part.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 3
From: Cheltenham, UK
Also worth asking why you want to use the aux switch at all? There are a number of points inside the fairing where you can pick up the ignition live and tap in to - easier than bringing the aux wires in to the fairing and really you don't need a switch if you take it off the ign live
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 170
Likes: 1
From: Monroeville, Pa.
Really want to make this as easy as possible. Dont want to take fairing off if at all possible.
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 334
Likes: 5
From: Central IN
Wallyworld & use the USB cable. What I use for mine.
If you can charge a device from your PC with an USB cable, this will work.
If you can charge a device from your PC with an USB cable, this will work.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 3
From: Cheltenham, UK
I have also used this device, worked a treat and very compact. Use the USB cable that came with the device
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 539
Likes: 5
From: Penna
Also worth asking why you want to use the aux switch at all? There are a number of points inside the fairing where you can pick up the ignition live and tap in to - easier than bringing the aux wires in to the fairing and really you don't need a switch if you take it off the ign live