Navigation & Audio My Nuvi 660 GPS, Kuda mounted and hardwired
Coordinator :: Alabama Motoring Society & South East
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 10,170
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From: Burning-Ham Alabama
That looks really nice and clean. Sorry about the bird. We had one last spring which spent several weeks attacking a side mirror. Ended up having to tie plastic grocery bags around the mirrors to keep the bird away.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,881
Likes: 6
A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Thanks daveag98 for the "dumb question" and ScottRiqui for clearing my ignorance.
When I took out both fuses, my GPS got no power either way the Add-A-Circuit was inserted, but when I took out one fuse my GPS was still getting power. When I flipped it, no power.
I now have the fuses facing up when the Add-A-Circuit is plugged in.
ScottRiqui, did I still miswire something since the GPS would not power with both fuses removed and Add-A-Circuit inserted either way?
Sorry everyone. I hope I didn't cause any wiring melt-downs.
When I took out both fuses, my GPS got no power either way the Add-A-Circuit was inserted, but when I took out one fuse my GPS was still getting power. When I flipped it, no power.
I now have the fuses facing up when the Add-A-Circuit is plugged in.
ScottRiqui, did I still miswire something since the GPS would not power with both fuses removed and Add-A-Circuit inserted either way?
Sorry everyone. I hope I didn't cause any wiring melt-downs.
Pointing up or down doesn't necessarily mean it's installed right. The one I used points down when it works properly.
Attachment 27051
Last edited by Minidrivr; Jun 10, 2008 at 06:07 PM.
According to the directions that come with the Add-A-Circuit, you install the fuse for your device without the first fuse. Power up the car and if it powers up the device you added, then you have it right. If it doesn't power up, you flip the add-a-circuit.
Pointing up or down doesn't necessarily mean it's installed right. The one I used points down when it works properly.
Pointing up or down doesn't necessarily mean it's installed right. The one I used points down when it works properly.
Installation Instructions
- Disconnect power source (I didn't).
- Select and remove fuse in your vehicle's fuse box (not to exceed 10 amps) with constant or switch able power capabilities that matches the power requirements of your accessory you're adding (radar detectors would be switch able).
- Insert new accessory fuse into slot.
- Install the Add-A-Circuit with only the accessory fuse in slot B, turn on the ignition to test the accessory. If the accessory does not power up, turn the Add-A-Circuit 180 degrees and reinsert.
- Replace the original fuse into slot A. Test both accessories for proper operation.
Last edited by lacning74; Nov 28, 2007 at 11:13 AM.
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,201
Likes: 8
From: Norfolk, VA
I think whether "up" or "down" is the correct orientation also depends on which vertical column of fuses the factory fuse you choose to remove comes from.
In other words, it's possible that if you use a factory fuse slot in the first column of fuses, the correct orientation may be opposite of the correct orientation if you place the add-a-circuit in the second column of fuses.
This is because the "hot" side of the factory fuse sockets might not always be on the same side, depending on which column you're looking at.
In other words, it's possible that if you use a factory fuse slot in the first column of fuses, the correct orientation may be opposite of the correct orientation if you place the add-a-circuit in the second column of fuses.
This is because the "hot" side of the factory fuse sockets might not always be on the same side, depending on which column you're looking at.
Gilsson antenna update
Despite not having a full view of the sky with my install, the external antenna definitely helps in the city. I haven't lost GPS signal since. For example, I used to get dropped signals when driving through the lower level of bridges such as the Queensborough.
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: Torrington, CT
You will need a Mini size Add-A-Circuit. I got it at partsexpress. It comes with fuses. Warning! Make sure you put it in the right side up. I had it upside down unwittingly. Thanks ScottRiqui for the post below.
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=071-585
I used this female lighter plug adapter:
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=265-570
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,881
Likes: 6
The add-a-circuit gives you a 12v wire from the fuse box. Depending on which fuse you use, it will turn on that wire with the ignition. The female lighter plug just adds another cigarette lighter outlet. But inside of it being visible like the one between the cup holders, this one can be hidden, behind the dash or other panels.
You would use an add-a-circuit to connect the female lighter plug to the fuse box. You'll need to connect the other wire from the female lighter plug to a ground. If you look at the picture of the the female lighter plug you'll see the wire coming off it is actually 2 wires right next to each other. Similar to a lamp cord. The screw inside the glove box on the right side works fine for the ground location.
Just ask more questions, we're here to help.
No problem. We're all new at these things at some point.
The add-a-circuit gives you a 12v wire from the fuse box. Depending on which fuse you use, it will turn on that wire with the ignition. The female lighter plug just adds another cigarette lighter outlet. But inside of it being visible like the one between the cup holders, this one can be hidden, behind the dash or other panels.
You would use an add-a-circuit to connect the female lighter plug to the fuse box. You'll need to connect the other wire from the female lighter plug to a ground. If you look at the picture of the the female lighter plug you'll see the wire coming off it is actually 2 wires right next to each other. Similar to a lamp cord. The screw inside the glove box on the right side works fine for the ground location.
Just ask more questions, we're here to help.
The add-a-circuit gives you a 12v wire from the fuse box. Depending on which fuse you use, it will turn on that wire with the ignition. The female lighter plug just adds another cigarette lighter outlet. But inside of it being visible like the one between the cup holders, this one can be hidden, behind the dash or other panels.
You would use an add-a-circuit to connect the female lighter plug to the fuse box. You'll need to connect the other wire from the female lighter plug to a ground. If you look at the picture of the the female lighter plug you'll see the wire coming off it is actually 2 wires right next to each other. Similar to a lamp cord. The screw inside the glove box on the right side works fine for the ground location.
Just ask more questions, we're here to help.
BTW, don't be an idiot like me and leave your GPS on the mount no matter how long. Mine got stolen in an hour on a busy street.
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: Torrington, CT
No problem. We're all new at these things at some point.
The add-a-circuit gives you a 12v wire from the fuse box. Depending on which fuse you use, it will turn on that wire with the ignition. The female lighter plug just adds another cigarette lighter outlet. But inside of it being visible like the one between the cup holders, this one can be hidden, behind the dash or other panels.
You would use an add-a-circuit to connect the female lighter plug to the fuse box. You'll need to connect the other wire from the female lighter plug to a ground. If you look at the picture of the the female lighter plug you'll see the wire coming off it is actually 2 wires right next to each other. Similar to a lamp cord. The screw inside the glove box on the right side works fine for the ground location.
Just ask more questions, we're here to help.
The add-a-circuit gives you a 12v wire from the fuse box. Depending on which fuse you use, it will turn on that wire with the ignition. The female lighter plug just adds another cigarette lighter outlet. But inside of it being visible like the one between the cup holders, this one can be hidden, behind the dash or other panels.
You would use an add-a-circuit to connect the female lighter plug to the fuse box. You'll need to connect the other wire from the female lighter plug to a ground. If you look at the picture of the the female lighter plug you'll see the wire coming off it is actually 2 wires right next to each other. Similar to a lamp cord. The screw inside the glove box on the right side works fine for the ground location.
Just ask more questions, we're here to help.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,881
Likes: 6
oh, ok i see, that was a very helpful explanation, thank you... so with these two parts, i can have my nuvi turn on with the car and charge without a visable wire....where do you run the wires too? Does the new hidden cigarette lighter wire fit behind the hollow kuda mount (so it can charge while mounted without seeing any wires?)
Nice thing about the Garmin mount is that the charger plugs into the base not the unit itself so it is very easy to remove and attach the Nuvi on. Other units you have to mount it and then separately plug the power in.
As in my picture you can see the power plug coming of the base of the mount. I ran it behind the driver-side dash trim (as explained by unixgal during the Kuda mount install) and down the steering wheel column. I actually fished the wire in between the steering wheel knee dash trim piece and out the back to the footwell (using a coat-hanger gently). I initially had just taped it to the undersurface (still not visually obvious unless you're looking down there). From there, you can run the wire towards your female cig adapter. I tucked everything in the space between the footwells behind and below the center console.
A picture would be more useful. When I get back from vacation, I'll try to remember to take some for you.
As in my picture you can see the power plug coming of the base of the mount. I ran it behind the driver-side dash trim (as explained by unixgal during the Kuda mount install) and down the steering wheel column. I actually fished the wire in between the steering wheel knee dash trim piece and out the back to the footwell (using a coat-hanger gently). I initially had just taped it to the undersurface (still not visually obvious unless you're looking down there). From there, you can run the wire towards your female cig adapter. I tucked everything in the space between the footwells behind and below the center console.
A picture would be more useful. When I get back from vacation, I'll try to remember to take some for you.
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: Torrington, CT
The new cig lighter socket may fit inside the Kuda mount. But the easiest would be to put the new cig lighter socket behind the panel where the fuses are; right side of the passenger foot well. There is plenty of room in there. Then run the power adapter wire that comes with the Nuvi from that point, around behind the glove box. From there you'll have to get a little creative to hide the wire. At some point you'll have to bring the wire out from behind the dash and connect it to the Nuvi's mount. When you install the Kuda you'll need to pull off one panel next to the glove box. You might be able to hide the wire in there some how.
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: Torrington, CT
Nice thing about the Garmin mount is that the charger plugs into the base not the unit itself so it is very easy to remove and attach the Nuvi on. Other units you have to mount it and then separately plug the power in.
As in my picture you can see the power plug coming of the base of the mount. I ran it behind the driver-side dash trim (as explained by unixgal during the Kuda mount install) and down the steering wheel column. I actually fished the wire in between the steering wheel knee dash trim piece and out the back to the footwell (using a coat-hanger gently). I initially had just taped it to the undersurface (still not visually obvious unless you're looking down there). From there, you can run the wire towards your female cig adapter. I tucked everything in the space between the footwells behind and below the center console.
A picture would be more useful. When I get back from vacation, I'll try to remember to take some for you.
As in my picture you can see the power plug coming of the base of the mount. I ran it behind the driver-side dash trim (as explained by unixgal during the Kuda mount install) and down the steering wheel column. I actually fished the wire in between the steering wheel knee dash trim piece and out the back to the footwell (using a coat-hanger gently). I initially had just taped it to the undersurface (still not visually obvious unless you're looking down there). From there, you can run the wire towards your female cig adapter. I tucked everything in the space between the footwells behind and below the center console.
A picture would be more useful. When I get back from vacation, I'll try to remember to take some for you.
2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: So Ca
Nice thing about the Garmin mount is that the charger plugs into the base not the unit itself so it is very easy to remove and attach the Nuvi on. Other units you have to mount it and then separately plug the power in.
As in my picture you can see the power plug coming of the base of the mount. I ran it behind the driver-side dash trim (as explained by unixgal during the Kuda mount install) and down the steering wheel column. I actually fished the wire in between the steering wheel knee dash trim piece and out the back to the footwell (using a coat-hanger gently). I initially had just taped it to the undersurface (still not visually obvious unless you're looking down there). From there, you can run the wire towards your female cig adapter. I tucked everything in the space between the footwells behind and below the center console.
A picture would be more useful. When I get back from vacation, I'll try to remember to take some for you.
As in my picture you can see the power plug coming of the base of the mount. I ran it behind the driver-side dash trim (as explained by unixgal during the Kuda mount install) and down the steering wheel column. I actually fished the wire in between the steering wheel knee dash trim piece and out the back to the footwell (using a coat-hanger gently). I initially had just taped it to the undersurface (still not visually obvious unless you're looking down there). From there, you can run the wire towards your female cig adapter. I tucked everything in the space between the footwells behind and below the center console.
A picture would be more useful. When I get back from vacation, I'll try to remember to take some for you.
this may a redundant question....I got a nuvi 680 and ordered the Kuda mount today. The question is... when you add a circuit in order to hard wire the nuvi, you need to get a cig lighter socket with pigtails. Then plug the cig lighter plug that came with the nuvi into the socket and hide it all somewhere.
lacning,
this may a redundant question....I got a nuvi 680 and ordered the Kuda mount today. The question is... when you add a circuit in order to hard wire the nuvi, you need to get a cig lighter socket with pigtails. Then plug the cig lighter plug that came with the nuvi into the socket and hide it all somewhere.
this may a redundant question....I got a nuvi 680 and ordered the Kuda mount today. The question is... when you add a circuit in order to hard wire the nuvi, you need to get a cig lighter socket with pigtails. Then plug the cig lighter plug that came with the nuvi into the socket and hide it all somewhere.
Let me know if you need anything else.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,881
Likes: 6
Yup, especially since you need the Nuvi 680 orginal cig adapter in order to receive the MSN updates. Though I used the one below, I think Radioshack has a female adapter that has the ground and positive more easily identifiable. Also, any autostore will have an Add-A-Circuit. Living in the city, it's harder for me to get out to these kind of stores. Wish I had a place like Fry's Electornics around.
Let me know if you need anything else.
Let me know if you need anything else.
They might be hard to see, but you can feel them. If you look closely at the picture, it is the wire on the top. You can just make out the ribs in the wire.
Last edited by Minidrivr; Dec 30, 2007 at 09:48 AM.
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: Torrington, CT
Nice thing about the Garmin mount is that the charger plugs into the base not the unit itself so it is very easy to remove and attach the Nuvi on. Other units you have to mount it and then separately plug the power in.
As in my picture you can see the power plug coming of the base of the mount. I ran it behind the driver-side dash trim (as explained by unixgal during the Kuda mount install) and down the steering wheel column. I actually fished the wire in between the steering wheel knee dash trim piece and out the back to the footwell (using a coat-hanger gently). I initially had just taped it to the undersurface (still not visually obvious unless you're looking down there). From there, you can run the wire towards your female cig adapter. I tucked everything in the space between the footwells behind and below the center console.
A picture would be more useful. When I get back from vacation, I'll try to remember to take some for you.
As in my picture you can see the power plug coming of the base of the mount. I ran it behind the driver-side dash trim (as explained by unixgal during the Kuda mount install) and down the steering wheel column. I actually fished the wire in between the steering wheel knee dash trim piece and out the back to the footwell (using a coat-hanger gently). I initially had just taped it to the undersurface (still not visually obvious unless you're looking down there). From there, you can run the wire towards your female cig adapter. I tucked everything in the space between the footwells behind and below the center console.
A picture would be more useful. When I get back from vacation, I'll try to remember to take some for you.
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: Torrington, CT
ok, i'm a little worried, i just put my car back together, and when i turn the car on and off, the GPS stays ON, i used fuse F32, so shouldn't the GPS be turning on and off with the ignition?
Also, which fuse should be used with the add-a circuit (it came with a few to chose from ranging from 3-10 amps), i used the 7.5 amp because that's what was in slot F32 initially, was that the right one?
Also, which fuse should be used with the add-a circuit (it came with a few to chose from ranging from 3-10 amps), i used the 7.5 amp because that's what was in slot F32 initially, was that the right one?
Last edited by celica414; Dec 31, 2007 at 07:31 PM.
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: Torrington, CT
1) Starting from the fuse box, went up into the passenger vent
2) Within the passenger vent i grounded the wire to the large bolt and placed the lighter end there (there was lots of room for the large end to fit in there)
3) Wires than go through the red colorline trim
4) Under the speedometer ring
5) Back out to the end of the colorline trim
6) The wire exits and can be hidden along the edge of the steering column
Here's a rough sketch for now!
AND THE FINAL PRODUCT:
Last edited by celica414; Jan 1, 2008 at 09:56 AM.
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: Torrington, CT
Did you have to pull the vent out?
partially, there were 2 out of 3 screws removed (one behind the plastic panel to the right of the secret compartment (shown below) and another within the vent (to access this screw, you have to remove the panel covering the side of the vent (near the weather stripping), it's removed by pulling of a small circle cover, and than you pull the rest of the panel out)...this gave me enough wiggle room to get the wires underneath it)
How did you snake the wire through the colorline trim?
I removed the top screw so i could get underneath it
Also the plug for the Nuvi is bent so is there enough room to plug in behind the vent?
This is what i plugged in behind the passenger vent:
Last edited by celica414; Jan 1, 2008 at 09:48 AM.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs
Kuda's for Christmas!!
Well, it looks like we all got Kudas for X-mas....I did.
Anyway, I have been reading everyone's postings and also followed Unixgal's excellent instructions. Very, very good....many, many thanks. The only area that gave me trouble on this part was the reinstall of the top two "ears" above the speedometer trim. I didn't realize that they had to slide (with some mild force) between the threaded retaining clip and the access hole from upper dash vent. It probably didn't help that it was 5 degrees out and I was attempting this in a very poorly lit garage (pretty sure my 12 year-old learned some new words).
Now for the bad news. I actually fried my Nuvi 350!! Here's what I did. I bought one of the add-a-circuits at Napa but instead of using the female lighter socket, I thought I could wire the original lighter power cord directly to the add-a-circuit. The end of my factory lighter from Garmin had snapped and would no longer retain a fuse. So, I cut the cord just above the lighter plug. The cord consisted of an outer jacket with stranded wire surrounding an inner insulated stranded wire. The Napa boys told me the inner wire is always the hot wire that touches the center contact in the lighter socket. I then fed the center wire down to the fuse box as described in this thread and connected it to the add-a-circuit. I peeled the outer threaded wires back to the glove box ground screw and turned the car on. An instantaneous "zap" and the Nuvi was dead.
(I tried everything including technical help from Garmin with no luck).
I really like the install because I actually drilled an extra hole in the Kuda mount and fed the snipped end of the power cord through it. As a result, I only left about 1.5 inches of wire at the mount and it looks great. Any ideas what I did wrong with the wiring???
Anyway, I have been reading everyone's postings and also followed Unixgal's excellent instructions. Very, very good....many, many thanks. The only area that gave me trouble on this part was the reinstall of the top two "ears" above the speedometer trim. I didn't realize that they had to slide (with some mild force) between the threaded retaining clip and the access hole from upper dash vent. It probably didn't help that it was 5 degrees out and I was attempting this in a very poorly lit garage (pretty sure my 12 year-old learned some new words).
Now for the bad news. I actually fried my Nuvi 350!! Here's what I did. I bought one of the add-a-circuits at Napa but instead of using the female lighter socket, I thought I could wire the original lighter power cord directly to the add-a-circuit. The end of my factory lighter from Garmin had snapped and would no longer retain a fuse. So, I cut the cord just above the lighter plug. The cord consisted of an outer jacket with stranded wire surrounding an inner insulated stranded wire. The Napa boys told me the inner wire is always the hot wire that touches the center contact in the lighter socket. I then fed the center wire down to the fuse box as described in this thread and connected it to the add-a-circuit. I peeled the outer threaded wires back to the glove box ground screw and turned the car on. An instantaneous "zap" and the Nuvi was dead.
(I tried everything including technical help from Garmin with no luck).I really like the install because I actually drilled an extra hole in the Kuda mount and fed the snipped end of the power cord through it. As a result, I only left about 1.5 inches of wire at the mount and it looks great. Any ideas what I did wrong with the wiring???
You assumed that the input to the Nuvi is 12V but it is not. Check the cigarette plug end of the Nuvi power cord - there is a printed label on it - and you will see that its output is 5V, not 12V. In other words, the cigarette plug end of the Nuvi power cord steps the voltage down from 12 to 5. You electrocuted your Nuvi with too much voltage.
Last edited by JAB 67; Jan 1, 2008 at 06:21 PM. Reason: clarification
