Cool.. Too easy... so tell me what you want... do you just want a cigarette lighter plug in there? (I can also show you how do do an Ipod interface)

Do you own a dremel, and do you feel comfortable running a few wires. do you have a soldering iron?


I've got a parts list for ya, just need to know exactly what we're lookin at as far as skill level, tools, and needs.


I can keep everything fairly simple, just need to know where your at.

 

Hmm, I think my '05 doesn't have the cassette storage, I'll have to look tomorrow.

Ideally I'll be getting the full console and getting rid of the extra seat, since I will likely never have a need to carry 6 people, and if I do, I'm not sure I want someone sitting in that middle front seat anyway, so I'd rather have 5 passenger seating.

 

My primary need is the cigarette lighter plug, so that i can charge my cell phone, but if it is better to just run the 3.5 mm jack at the same time, while every thing is tore apart, I wouldnt be against it. That might help me keep my mp3 player out of sight.

I might be able to get access to a dremel. I do have a roto-zip at work (and a full cnc lathe and mill too). If I dont have a tool, I probably will end up buying it. I also can get ahold of most any type of wiring devices, soldering iron, butt splices (I prefeer using these if at all possible over soldering) , and other types of electrical tools also. This cant be any more difficult than wiring a trailer up with lights.

I appreciate your help. Please let me know what I need to buy, so that I can pick these parts up.

THANKS A LOT!

 

Ok.. one quick question, do you really care about the change holder thing?
Also by chance do you know how tall the change holder is (thats where I'm thinkin the best place to install the 12v outlet would be)

And yes, would be very easy to do all the above.

So I'm assuming your radio has a 3.5 input on it? is it a factory radio or aftermarket? if aftermarket is the jack on the front or back of the unit.

 

No, I dont really care bout the change holder. Ill take some measurements tomorrow (length width and height). What other dimmentions will you need?

I have the factory radio. It has the 3.5 input on the front of it, I aint too shure about the back, i am guessin that it doesnt have it on the back. If we cant get that to work, i wont be loosing any sleep over it.

 

Ok, I'm kinda tired at the moment, and have a cold, so I'm just gonna give ya the down and dirty version of how to do it. If you need more direction on somethin just let me know and I'll answer any other questions.

Also I suggest buying from the links here, as its all from the same company (parts express) and their prices are really good. also it will keep you from having to track down stuff individually.

First:
You should have the factory harness intact, which means you have cig lighter wiring under your seat right where the seatbelt is (runs next to the wiring for the seatbelt buzzer) if not, you'll have to run it all the way under the carpet to the dash and just tie into the dash lighter.

For your tie ins you'll need some scotch locks. They look like this.
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=082-155
you might be able to find them cheaper locally as you'll only need 2 of them.

Next:
Running wires. black/red zip wire is the easiest to use. I always over order on wire. you can use a string to estimate how much you'll need, but I'd probably buy 6ft (connect under the seat) t or 10ft (connect under the dash) http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=100-060

Now the wire will need to be protected where it exits the console and goes to the floor. remember it will be VERY susceptible to kinks, breaks etc if left bare. pick up a few feet of 1/4 split loom.(sold by the foot) http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=080-523
Also while your there pick up a pack of small zip ties like these. http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=080-936
You'll be able to secure the ends of the wire loom and also secure the wire/loom as needed to avoid chaffing where the console pivots.

12v PLUG:
I'd suggest goin with one of these. http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=265-274
its a rock solid mounting system and makes everything super easy. figure out where you want it, drill a big *** hole in the center, and use 2 screws to hold it in place. note: some silicon or rubber cement on the back of the plate will help it stay super secure.

LOCATION:
If you choose to mount it where the change holder is, you will need to rip the change holder apart. there's springs inside it so you won't be able to just drill a hole. If you choose to do this, you'll need to cover up the top where the change holder part used to be. Get some of this stuff and cut a square plate and glue it in place. http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=265-945
Its easy to work with and for5 bucks theres enough there to make about 3 dozen plates, so don't worry about screwin it up.

Running the wire:
I'd suggest trying to remove the center console insert to do the install of the lighter. it will be easier, cleaner, and alot less chance of something getting messed up. Run the wire to the back of the console. it will need to exit on the drivers side. Judging from the pictures, there is a hinge cover on that side, so you should be able to remove it put a small hole there, and run the wire under that. to properly use the split loom, you'll want approx 2" inside the console before it exits into the hinge area, and totally covered till it either goes under the carpet. if it goes to the dash, you'll want split loom where it exits the carpet and goes up into the dash. you won't see much there, but it will protect it and create a very clean install.

I'd also suggest picking up a cheap multi meter to check for voltage and continuity. http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=390-500
$5 well spent.

That pretty much covers the basics of what you'd need and how to do the work.

IPOD/MP3 PLAYER CONNECT:
I already covered this in another thread. first is the description with links and a few posts down is pictures of how the wire looks once installed to help you get the idea of what your goin for.
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen...questions.html

You'd be doing basically the same thing for the primary wire leaving the radio and going under the center console/carpet

Where yours would change is instead of using a 3ft extention, you would need to pick up something like this. http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=249-154
cut one end off, and solder it to a panel mount that you could put next to the 12v plug http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=090-317
And to answer your question, yes, its a pain in the *** soldering that small of wire, but its the only way to do it right.
Fianlly I'd say pick up this wire http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=240-096 to plug into the ipod and then into the console. yeah, its only a foot long, if you really want a longer one, they have a 3ft version too. http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=240-095

Hopefully that covers most of it. granted not in great detail, but you should get the idea.

A few side notes, don't forget to ziptie the wire loom shut about every 8 inches.

Also the center of the cigarette lighter is the + (red/positive) lead. this is where the multi meter will really help out.

Since you don't have a factory lighter in the center console, they probably didn't put the fuse in under the hood. so install the fuse before you start thinking the wires are dead. also I believe the wiring is only live when the truck is running, so turn the key to the on position before you try and figure out which wire is hot.

If you so choose, you can easily mount 2 12v powerports side by side in the center console. again, very simple and easy to do, just jump the wires from one to the other. its not a bad idea to be able to charge 2 phones at the same time.

Also, do NOT install the cigarette lighters so they face upwards. you won't be able to plug anything into them and close the console (I know, simple, but its sometimes the simple things that get ya)

If you really want to update the center console, while you have the insert removed, you can cut out the casette holder dividers to give you more room for storage without having that crap getting in the way.



OK.. that should about cover it.

...if you have any other questions, just let me know.

I'm taking some nyquil and heading to bed....

 

NEVER USE SCOTCHLOCKS!

They are the WORST thing ever created for electrical work. They cut the strands of wire and cause a weak point that will usually fail.

I've fixed so many harness that had failures due to someone using Scotchlocks.

Better way is to tie a new wire into an existing wire is to strip back a small section of the insulation, wrapping the new wire around, or possibly through the existing strans, soldering and using tape to insulate the connection.

 

you are correct, there is no better way to make a connection than soldering, however the scotch locks are not 100% terriable if used correcty, you need to have the correct size connector for the size wire you use, and need to be in a VERY dry, and clean location (pretty much inside the cab only) and need to be tied up so there is no vibration to break it, but my favorite to use, if i ues them, is the T-taps mainly because they give you the ability to connect and dissconnect at will, and they are offered in many sizes

 

IMO, there is no "correct" way to use Scotchlocks, they will ALWAYS damage the wire, even when used "correctly."

Like I said I've repaired MANY harnesses and wires where "properly selected" Scotchlocks were used.

 

to each their own i suppose... i have repaired quite a few of them myself, just never my own, i will still continue to use them where i see fit, and a properly sized and installed connector should not harm the wire at all anything more than breaking the insulation a small bit, which you are going to do on any kind of connection you make