Introduction: Direct Wire GPS Mount + EZPass Holder for Benz C240
Last one for the Toyota was too easy & not enough pics. This time I draw inspirations from Apple !
Materials needed:
- 4" x 12" Balsa ply wood
- 5/8" wooden ball
- 1/2" wooden dowel
- Black spray paint
- Cig light socket
- 5' thin gauge wire
Total cost ~ $10
Step 1: Looks Like a IMac G4 ?
Can't tap into dome light this time. Benz has rain & light sensors near the mirrors, can't risk it.
So dash mount this time.
Step 2: Build the Mount/holder
Cut sheets into box dimension of EZPass tag. Dowel should be glue + nail/screw in. Glue & clamp down to dry
Also spray painted black to match interior.
Step 3: Tap Into Lighter Socket
How to tap into light socket here ? Lots of removals needed !!
Start with the bottom rubber cup holder. Use a small screw driver, push open the edge of the rubber cup holder. Slip in a needle nose pliers & pull it out.
Step 4: Cup Holder Removal
Be firm but gentle here. This is an expensive part !!
Eject the cup holder. Hold the cup stem, pull up a bit, then rotate clock-wise. It'll come out, trust me ...
Step 5: Remove Shifter Console
Open ash tray door. Grab the top left & left edge of wood insert & pull up; then remove the leather shift boot.
Step 6: Remove Ash Tray
Yet another expensive part !
Open the door, insert small screw driver to the 2 bottom tabs & push back to unlock. Pull the ash tray out
Step 7: Tap Into Lighter Harness
Push up to unlock the 2 tabs. Finally, the lighter mount can be swing back.
You don't need to disconnect the car battery, just be sure key removed !!
Grab the L-shape lighter connector with needle nose pliers, pull right to remove.
Open the connector & tap wires in.
Black/yellow is HOT
Blown is ground
Close connector & reconnect to light socket.
Step 8: Run Power Line
I picked the arm rest console to stash the charger ...
Quickest way is to run power wire outside, then back in.
Step 9: Connect Car Charger
Benz W203 have a/c vents in the arm rest storage bin, so just widen it for power line in & GPS charger line out.
Push both seats way back.
Remove felt-like padding on storage bin (similar to steps in rubber pads in cup holder)
Drill/cut out vent grill (upper right)
Feed in power wire from light, connect to socket, feed out charger end.
*** Test polarity with multimeter, compare with existing socket before connecting anything ***
If tested OK, tape up everything.
Step 10: Run Charger Cable to Dash
Put everything back in center console
Tuck newly ran wires between center console & carpeting.
*** Too tired by now ... no mood to remove radio console & A/C vent ***
Cheated & drill thru glove compartment. I now have 4" of dangle wire instead of 3 feet.
Happy for now ....