12V ignition accessory wire

[jpmst3]

Hi All,

I have owned a Gen3 Roadster for a total of a 5 days. While the weather is crap in the northeast, I thought I wold endure the freezing temps in my detached and unheated garage to install a backup camera. The camera is a rearview mirror style model with front/rear cameras. It is as basic as you can get. I have worked on dozens of cars and can typically find a switched 12V power source in the passenger cabin in 1-3 minutes.

However, this thing is not the typical car, (in so many ways) as I am quickly learning. Despite twisting myself in a pretzel, looking under the dash (driver's side) and pulling/probing a couple of plugs, I cannot find a switch/ignition on power 12V power wire to tap into. Normally the cigarette lighter would be a candidate, but I forgot that ~20 years ago they are were a constant hot. I was hoping not to have to decipher a wiring diagram.

Does anyone have a location and color for a 12V wire that is switched on with the ignition?

I searched, but did not find much. If there is an existing thread, I apologize.

Thanks in advance for any assistance!

[ViperSRT]

Pretty sure my Gen 3 lighter socket is switched. I ended up having to use the unswitched receptacle in the console bin for use with my battery tender.

[jpmst3]

Pretty sure my Gen 3 lighter socket is switched. I ended up having to use the unswitched receptacle in the console bin for use with my battery tender.

Thanks, I will check it again.

I thought I checked both sockets and they both were hot all of the time.

[jpmst3]

I just went out and checked them both again, unfortunately they are both un-switched/constant power.

That would have been waaaaay too easy. :mad:

[Steve M]

On my Gen 4, I had to do an "Add-a-Circuit" fuse tap on the Gauges circuit.

https://i.ibb.co/cFdpRGM/7-Add-a-Fuse.png

You can also do yourself a favor by adding a fuse block in the cabin - the wire from the engine bay goes into this, and I add circuits that need to be switched +12V as needed:

https://i.ibb.co/LDKNhSJ/Fuse-Block.jpg

[jpmst3]

Thank you for the reply.
That would definitely do it, great solution!

I just can't find an easy way through the firewall to route the wire(s). I have an add-a-fuse kit with the camera, but I can't find a path. :(

[Steve M]

It ain't easy, but there is a way.

Check out the pics in this post from my shift light install:

https://driveviper.com/forums/threads/17051-gen-4-shift-light?p=296461&viewfull=1#post296461

Right next to the brake booster was the easiest way I found. It is a tight fit, but I've done it a couple of times without having to remove anything. It is far easier with the side sill removed, but that takes substantially more effort.

Edit: I'm assuming there is no difference between a Gen 3 and a Gen 4 when it comes to this. Please let me know if that is not the case.

[jpmst3]

Thanks Steve, I will try to locate/verify that path during the daylight tomorrow. Since this is my first Viper, I am really in the dark about changes/updates amongst the model years.

All I know is, I damn near broke my back just trying to see under the dash...I am no spring chicken these days. ;)

I just keep thinking that there has to be am accessory wire somewhere in the cabin which would make things much easier. I can find info for Dodge trucks but nothing for the much more rare, Viper. If nothing else, i will tear into the interior some more regardless of what path I have to use.

[Steve M]

Thanks Steve, I will try to locate/verify that path during the daylight tomorrow. Since this is my first Viper, I am really in the dark about changes/updates amongst the model years.

All I know is, I damn near broke my back just trying to see under the dash...I am no spring chicken these days. ;)

I just keep thinking that there has to be am accessory wire somewhere in the cabin which would make things much easier. I can find info for Dodge trucks but nothing for the much more rare, Viper. If nothing else, i will tear into the interior some more regardless of what path I have to use.

Don't be afraid to remove the driver's seat - if I have to do anything under the dash, that seat comes out.

[jpmst3]

Great point! I'm not sure why I never thought of that approach, that would do wonders. :t0135:

Thanks for another great suggestion!

[jpmst3]

I FINALLY found an accessory wire. :)

My god, I must have checked 50-75 wires for a simple simple switched source. I found it in a small square block with the handle lock that slid and locked into a metal tab. It was a medium blue with tan stripe, if I recall.

I was just about to into full animal mode and remove the seats, etc. I found it on my last attempt. Sheesh.

[jpmst3]

Steve, I did find the large grommet you were referring to. It appears to be similar if not the same in the Gen 3. I was about to go that route, until I got lucky.

[Steve M]

Glad you were able to get it sorted without resorting to major surgery. Sometimes you just need a good night of sleep.

[jpmst3]

Glad you were able to get it sorted without resorting to major surgery. Sometimes you just need a good night of sleep.

Agreed, sometimes a step back can bring everything back into perspective. That was a saga, but just a minor inconvenience in the grand scheme.

Thank you for your posts and suggestions!