FIAT 500 - Hard wiring power for USB device behind dashboard?

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Tue 29 Nov 2016 21:06
FIAT 500 - Hard wiring power for USB device behind dashboard? - Charlie Gordon

Hi there, I've just got a USB FM transmitter gadget that I'd like to hide behind the dashboard of my Fiat 500 somewhere and then power it. How can I do this? I've found this

I have literally no experience doing this but I'm willing to give it a go! I've found this DC 12V to 5V inverter with a female USB adapter, is this what I need?

Also, I have a black box in my car which is no longer activated, would it be easier to just to remove that and then just use the power for that?

Any suggestions helpful, thanks!

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Tue 29 Nov 2016 22:03
FIAT 500 - Hard wiring power for USB device behind dashboard? - elekie&a/c doctor

In front of the passenger seat,above the parcel shelf,there should be a pull down plastic access panel.Should be room here to hide something.It is possible to use the black box wiring,but this is likely to be a permanent battery supply and anything connected to it would cause a battery drain.If you are not sure what to do,then consult an expert.Incorrectly wired add-ons can cause havoc to modern day car electronics.

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Wed 30 Nov 2016 00:05
FIAT 500 - Hard wiring power for USB device behind dashboard? - Charlie Gordon

In front of the passenger seat,above the parcel shelf,there should be a pull down plastic access panel.Should be room here to hide something.It is possible to use the black box wiring,but this is likely to be a permanent battery supply and anything connected to it would cause a battery drain.If you are not sure what to do,then consult an expert.Incorrectly wired add-ons can cause havoc to modern day car electronics.

That's very helpful thanks! Why would there be a problem using the black box wiring to power the USB? As in, if the black box is running on it fine then why can I not swap this to power the USB or is it because the USB would draw more power? Many thanks.

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Wed 30 Nov 2016 08:25
FIAT 500 - Hard wiring power for USB device behind dashboard? - elekie&a/c doctor

Your black box draws very little power.A usb socket would probably draw a bit more.You may find it no problem,but the battery on a 500 is very small with a low capacity,and thus could end up with continual flat battery.

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Wed 30 Nov 2016 21:41
FIAT 500 - Hard wiring power for USB device behind dashboard? - Charlie Gordon

Your black box draws very little power.A usb socket would probably draw a bit more.You may find it no problem,but the battery on a 500 is very small with a low capacity,and thus could end up with continual flat battery.

Ok cool, thanks for the help, I'll have a look!

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