Refreshed Model 3 - 2021 - Switched power for radar detector?

[imschur]

Has anyone found a source of switched 12V power in the 2021 Model 3's yet? I was looking for one for my radar detector, and while I tore open the driver's footwell, nothing like the old 6 pin connector could be found at all to tap into, so I resorted to pulling the thick blue wire out of the bundle and tapping into it (not the one that was twisted - in my case with purple, not white).

It seems to be working fine, but I'd prefer to find switched power, as to not use the Auto Power function I'm currently using on my Escort.

 

[Mean Dean]

Has anyone found a source of switched 12V power in the 2021 Model 3's yet? I was looking for one for my radar detector, and while I tore open the driver's footwell, nothing like the old 6 pin connector could be found at all to tap into, so I resorted to pulling the thick blue wire out of the bundle and tapping into it (not the one that was twisted - in my case with purple, not white).

It seems to be working fine, but I'd prefer to find switched power, as to not use the Auto Power function I'm currently using on my Escort.

I am wanting the same. Wish Tesla had a customer support system that would provide this answer instead of having us hunt for one.

 

[nametaken]

I ordered a long power cord off of Amazon and mounted it to the right side of the mirror up high, and just ran the cord tucked away under the trim into the arm rest, it powers on about 85 percent of the time, but every now and then I have to just unplug and plug back into the "lighter" in the arm rest. Works great for me.

 

[HippieHanks]

I ordered a long power cord off of Amazon and mounted it to the right side of the mirror up high, and just ran the cord tucked away under the trim into the arm rest, it powers on about 85 percent of the time, but every now and then I have to just unplug and plug back into the "lighter" in the arm rest. Works great for me.

How long did it need to be?

 

[im_marc_p]

Did anyone ever find a 12v switched to tap into for 2021 Model 3?

 

[id436eg9045]

You all may want to have a read through this thread. If you go through the whole thing you'll see where folks have arrived for this.

12v Switched?

Took delivery of my model 3 yesterday. Blue/white LR Dual Motor 18in Aeros Absolutely loving it!! My first question is about the 12v. I have a Valentine 1 plugged in (for now until I hardwire) and it doesn’t seem to ever switch off. I’ve walked away and locked the doors and waited a few...

teslamotorsclub.com

 

[Vintrick]

This video is from Aug 2019 on a 2019 M3 but may still be relevant.
Tesla model 3 - How to get switched 12v for accessories
They refer to a "skinny 18-20 gauge RED WIRE" on the passenger side kick panel.
I would agree with those who suggest using a relay and I would also place a fuse within 18" of the battery connection.

 

[jacksterCali]

12v switched power for Radar Detector. this might work for model 3 as well.
the only issue is you will need someone who own Model Y to order the harness from Tesla. need the vin #.

 

[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. It taps power off the center console 12v power and actually follows a page out of the manual for tapping accessory power.

 

[studealing]

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. It taps power off the center console 12v power and actually follows a page out of the manual for tapping accessory power.

Is this connecting to the cigarette lighter 12V which for my 2021 M3 isn’t switched? I couldn’t really figure it out from the video (but it was really helpful for how to remove the trim), you seem to move from the area of the lighter socket to the rear USB socket at the back of the centre console. Is this where you’re taking the switched 12V from? I’m only trying to wire in some ambient lighting so that it goes off when the car shuts down, at the moment I have to turn it off by the app or the button on the cigarette lighter power adapter.

 

[terranx]

Anyone know if the USB-C ports are switched, and if so if they support 12V via USB-PD? If so, maybe something like this would do the trick: Amazon.com: Pd Trigger Module USB Pd Trigger Module USB-C Type-C Pd Trigger Module USB-C Type-C Pd 12v Dc Fixed Voltage Power Trigger Module 5a Pd 2.0 3.0 Power Delivery Decoy Board (5 Pack) : Electronics

Shouldn't be too hard to 3d print an enclosure that incorporates an RJ11 female jack

Edit: Doing some digging, there's some conjecture that late 2022 cars can do 12V/3A off the front ports, but it seems like they all can do at least 9V 3A. Per the V1 Gen 2 specs, the allowed voltage range is 6 - 35v. In which case, perhaps getting a 9v adapter like above instead of 12v would do the trick for wider compatibility. If the ports are switched, that might be the way I go

 

[Forts]

In my 21 M3 I'm using the 12v plug in the centre console. I find that it typically powers down about 10 minutes after I exit the car, and turns on as soon as I open the door to get in. I've also occasionally seen it powered up at random times when I haven't been interacting with the car, but it's not been an issue to this point (about 5 months).

 

[Gokk]

In my 21 M3 I'm using the 12v plug in the centre console. I find that it typically powers down about 10 minutes after I exit the car, and turns on as soon as I open the door to get in. I've also occasionally seen it powered up at random times when I haven't been interacting with the car, but it's not been an issue to this point (about 5 months).

Hey mate, can I ask if your cigarette lighter is still turning on and off for you? I just stuck a cigarette lighter style phone charger in to test and walked away grub the car. It’s been 30 mins and it’s still on. Is yours still turning off after 10 mins? I have a 2022 m3 rwd, thanks

 

[Gokk]

In my 21 M3 I'm using the 12v plug in the centre console. I find that it typically powers down about 10 minutes after I exit the car, and turns on as soon as I open the door to get in. I've also occasionally seen it powered up at random times when I haven't been interacting with the car, but it's not been an issue to this point (about 5 months).

Ah, update - I went and checked again and now is off. So it takes somewhere between 30mins and 1 hour to power off. Not sure if my 300w amp being left on for that long will drain my battery….

 

[ChaseISRC]

Just installed air ride on my 2021 M3 and my system shuts off when I closed my doors to leave the car, and turns on when I open the door to get in. (previously it stayed on all the time when hard wired directly to the 12v plug in the center console alone).

I watched this video which helped a lot:

He doesn’t show which brown wire for our 2021 model, but in the comments section he mentions in the center console wiring harness accessed from the back seats low center kick plate area there is a plug with wires coming in on the left side and going out the right side.
I had 3 brown wires, and he says use the very thin brown wire which is next to a very thin blue wire on the left side of the plug. I did this with the same relay he has, and pulled power and ground wires the same way he did from the 12v center console plug.

Hopefully this helps someone.