2020 Model 3 switched 12V source already used *need alternative*

[vogz]

Took delivery of my 2020 P3D+ last week. I've been slowly doing some work on it and ran into a snag attempting to hardwire my radar detector. According to threads on here, and the YouTube channel Ingineerix there is an unused 12V switched power source behind the drivers side kick panel. Apparently that is no longer the case as that source in my new Model 3 is being used by something else. I don't have enough dexterity to get tools up there to tap into the red wire and don't know if I want to not knowing what it powers.

Any other ideas?? I'm already worried about a speeding ticket since I quickly don't realize how fast I'm going in this thing.

Thanks!

Obligatory pic of the new ride. Loving it other that this issue!!!

 

[todd2fst4u]

Follow the wire down and tap it in the driver footwell area. That’s what I am doing to power my valentine v1.

 

[vogz]

Follow the wire down and tap it in the driver footwell area. That’s what I am doing to power my valentine v1.

Do you have any pictures of where the wire runs exactly? I wasn't able to follow it when I was in there yesterday.

 

[Timbo2]

If I remember correctly it is for a trailer hitch. My guess is that it now goes to a harness that is now pre-wired on your car.

My bet is you can pull it out with no issues if you don't use a hitch. However, to confirm you'd have to remove the the panel under the rear bumper and see if there is wiring in place that is no longer energized with the connector removed.

 

[todd2fst4u]

Do you have any pictures of where the wire runs exactly? I wasn't able to follow it when I was in there yesterday.

It runs down towards the floor from where you took a photo of it. It’s mixed in with a bunch of other wires heading the same direction.

 

[vogz]

If I remember correctly it is for a trailer hitch. My guess is that it now goes to a harness that is now pre-wired on your car.

My bet is you can pull it out with no issues if you don't use a hitch. However, to confirm you'd have to remove the the panel under the rear bumper and see if there is wiring in place that is no longer energized with the connector removed.

good info! I’ll check that out too. Definitely won’t be running a hitch.

View attachment 496016 View attachment 496017
It runs down towards the floor from where you took a photo of it. It’s mixed in with a bunch of other wires heading the same direction.

thank for the pics, that’s perfect!

 

[vogz]

Install is done! Thanks todd2fst4u! I definitely had to dig in that harness to find the wire, but it’s all working now.

 

[baba]

@vogz
Did you remove the hitch wire?
Is it constant power or does it switch off when the car is off?

 

[vogz]

@vogz
Did you remove the hitch wire?
Is it constant power or does it switch off when the car is off?

I didn't remove it, I just tapped into that wire further down in the kick panel area for easier access. It's switched 12V.

 

[baba]

After the update of 2020.16.2 1 my lights are still on after i close my car.
Some one else that has this problem?

 

[Idkorcare]

There is a post on i think the main page “12v switched” that a few were discussing it on but basically same issue and basically makes the power now the same as the penthouse and power outlets best i can tell so its only off when car is asleep

 

[Kenneths031174]

todd2fst4u
is the 12v acc turn on when press the break?and turn off when the driver leave the car?

 

[charlieaf92]

Do you remember what size splicer/tap you used by any chance?

 

[vogz]

Do you remember what size splicer/tap you used by any chance?

I don’t remember the size of the tap, but the wire looks to be 12 AWG, so a tap compatible with 12 AWG wires should work.

 

[charlieaf92]

I don’t remember the size of the tap, but the wire looks to be 12 AWG, so a tap compatible with 12 AWG wires should work.

Great, thank you!

 

[molino21]

A little late here but anyone coming across this thread in the future I have an alternate way of powering switched 12v and put together a tutorial video. Much easier to find the correct wire but does require a bit of disassembly of the center console: