I just got a new DVD entertainment unit for my ML. It is all self contained and looks like a minature tablet PC. I have installed it behind the headrest and taped into the standard 12v dc plug on the front passenger side footwell.
Unfortunately, this is a switched power source. I need to find an always on power source to run a full 12v.
Does anyone know of a good source? I did a search and saw some good tips for radar detectors, but didn't find anything for an always on and somthing low under the dash or in the center armrest.
RickT, I did the same thing but mine has 12V always, you must have been tap to the wrong wire. I will take some picture tonight if you want to know where I hook my power at. I have power all the time but I installed a toggle switch behind the seat, so anytime my kids wants to watch movie they just fip the switch to turn the power on.
See the toggle switch on the back of passenger seat
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2000 ML320 Black Opal
2003 C320 Sport Sedan Bordeaux Red
1996 Honda Civic...
1991 Black Nissan Truck
2005 Honda CR-V EX AWD...New Add on to my Toys...
Trek, Full Suspension Mt. Bike
and a Dog, name Abby;-)
"Life is Short, Let's Enjoy It"
What year ML do you have? In our ML, the passenger footwell 12V supply is always on. As a matter of fact, I have been having a hard time to find an easily accessible switched 12V to power a hardwired FM modulator that I want to mount underneath the glove box to use as an input for my iPod.
BTW, it is a pretty cool modulator, with an auto-sense, so you don't have to mount a remote switch to switch it on or off - it automatically starts modulating when it senses audio input. That's why I need a switched power line. I don't want it to drain the car battery.
Thanks for the info so far. I have a 99 ML 320 and both the cigarette lighter and the 12v in the passenger footwell are switched -- when the ignition is off, they have no power.
Anyone have any other ideas for a power source?
Below are a few pics of my recent installation. As you can see I mounted it off cent and am thinking about changing it. Anyway, if anyone is interested in this unit, you can find in online at bestbuy for $350.
Try the dome lights in the front or the lights in the grab handles above the rear doors, they have 12v even when the engine is off.
On 98's there are 3 colors, white (door trigger), red (constant) and brown (ground). You would want red and brown. Don't know if 99 has the same wire colors.
I thought about the dome lights, but didn't want to have to remove the B-pillar molding. I was also unsure if they could handle a full 12v and about 1400 mamp. Anyone else have any thoughts?
RE: I think your seats work without the key in place in which case
That may be the best since they also have a shutoff after some time. Any reason why you'd want this powered all the time? If it has a remote on/off it will certainly drain the battery, it's just a question of whether an overnight park will be enough to kill it or if you need a month of disuse before the truck won't start.
You can probably run a power line along the floor to the front passenger fusebox (I don't remember when that was introduced).
RE: I think your seats work without the key in place in which case
Well, I first looked for the fuse box in the passenger footwell and discovered that I don't have one. I guess that is a MY 2000 add-on.
I considered the electric seat power source, but as you know it is on a timer and still turns off.
The reason I wanted constant, always on, power, is because the DVD unit has a memory feature that will return to the exact same spot on the disc, when you turn it back on. This feature requires that the unit have a constant power source. Otherwise, you have to reload the DVD and go through the regular intro and menu selection each time you turn the car off and start again.
Thanks for the tips. Anyone have any other thoughts?
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