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I would like to hard wire my Sat Nav to replace the inevitable trailing wire from Sat Nav to 12V socket in my 2004 XK8. Any suggestions as how to best achieve this. Are there any 'safe' circuits to piggy back off or are there any spare fuse ways to provide a power source? Has anyone done this?
I am aware that the XK8 electrics are complicated and sensitive so guidance would be appreciated. I'd rather live with the trailing cable than risk buggering up the electrics. My preference for Sat Nav location is bottom right of windscreen to right of steering wheel.........

Hi.

I put in a socket in the small compartment below the steering wheel. Took the power from the lighter socket via some cables routed below the interior trim.

This way the connection is hidden, but you will have a visible cable from the box up to the nav unit.

Hi Oyster,

Thanks for that possible solution. I'll give that some thought as I would still like to lose a little more cable if possible.

Hi again.

It may be possible to route the cable from the small compartment through the ventilation grill on top of the dash, just below where I have located my nav unit.

Hi,

Good suggestion. I think I need to explore the possible cable routes. How did you make the connection at the 12volt outlet?
Did you tap into the existing wiring?
I appreciate your help and the photograph was a great help.

Rod

Hi again.

I have been driving with the wires as in the picture in my previous post, for more than three years. After you brought it to my attention I had to do something.

- The vent grill is not a good solution. You would have to drill holes in the ventilation duct.

- Dash speaker is neither any useable way to go. Again drilling holes and interfering with the speaker.

- The solution was to remove the A-post finisher, route the wires from the top, down to the facia fusebox, and further on to the socket in the small compartment at the knee bolster. After putting the A-post finisher back, the wires are almost unnoticeable.

WARNING: As you have a 2004, you might have an occupancy sensor in the finisher, but I think it is only on the passenger side. Disconnect battery when working on electrics.

My socket is further wired to the cigar lighter, this to avoid any interference with the touchy electrical system. This connection has no power with ignition off, so my Garmin nav unit turns automatically off when I shut down the car and back on upon starting.

Hi,

Thanks for taking the time to make another detailed reply. Sorry I didn't get back to you before but was away on hols........

I will be following your suggestion.

Rod