looking for switched 12v source??
 

I got a pair of headreast DVD/Monitors for my wifes 05 X5. I wired them the the rear aux jack ( cig lighter jack ) which seems to be a constant 12v source. It worked fine the first day, but now I'm having problems with them powering on . I'm not sure if its because when the truck goes into sleep mode or what . I was hoping that would work so my kids can turn it on without the truck being turned on . So , anyway, I was hoping somebody knows where theres a switched 12v power wire under the dash that I can use to power these up. The units have a 30amp inline fuse on the red power wire. Thanks in advance ,

Do you have a multimeter? If so, it should be relatively easy to find especially inside the car. I used one when I converted to an electric fan. If not, maybe a wiring diagram will show you a fuse to tap into. Other than that, maybe another member can chime in with a solution, Im sure someone has hardwired a radar detector or something.

I don't know about under the dash, but above the dash the home link buttons are a switched source. I use it for my radar detector.

i really dont wanna run 2 wires from seats to homelink...

I wouldn't want to either, there is most definitely a better solution. Check in the rear fuse box, there is bound to be something back there that will work, and you wont have to run it as far.

The reason I'm looking for under the dash is because the wiring for the headreast comes out in the bottom corner of the seats near the center console. its easy to just run the wires up the center console under the dash .

Ok, tap into one on the fusebox above the glove compartment. Not sure off the top of my head what would be 12v sw, but it will be easy to find it.

I guess ill look for something that is on when the car is on and tap into that . . :dunno:

If you dont have a multimeter, you can buy one for less than $20 and use in in the future for anything else. I have a fluke 88v, but you dont need anything near as nice for something this simple.

Well,under the dash on the far left side was a small plug with 4 wires . One of them was a switched 12v . I used a t-tap and wa-la, power.. The headrests are working perfectly now. I'll update in a week or so if there are any problems or not.. Thanks for the help guys. P.S. , I did use a multi-meter to find which wire had power with key in no#2 position.:thumbup: