Just need under dash switched power

[toomrider]

I have xm radio that was in my 83 Scrambler. Am Moving to my '03 Rubicon which does not have cassette (so requires the FM modulator). This unit goes between the stereo and the antenna which I thought I would have to pull the dash to find. BUT I found this Jeep has a connector for the antenna right behind the glove box, so I thought this was going to be a snap. And that part was. BUT I can't find any power under there. I need a 12 V (preferably switched) power source for this little unit and I can't find one under there. There's a fuse box right there, but as this thing only has 300 miles on it, I'm a bit reluctant to start tearing into things. Can anyone identify a good source under there (the lighter and power plug are both completely covered in back with what feels like AC ducts). The other question mught be... How much dash has to be removed to get behind the radio? Looks like a lot, but I know that sometimes these things are a lot simpler than they look.

I'd appreciate any help.

 

[osito129]

It might just be easier to run a seperate wire to your battery (w/inline fuse) and put a toggle on it if you want to be able to switch off the power. That way you won't have to cut into any of the existing wires and risk voiding any part of your warranty. You know how the stealership can get about that kind of stuff. Just a thought, hope it helps.
- Chris

 

[L33TJ33P]

UGH!!! to get behind the Radio of a 2003. Here is everything that you have to do.

1. Pull the Vent cover that runs along the bottom of the windshield frame. This pops off without any screws but you have to use a little force. I found that if you start on the pass'side it works easier.

2. remove 2 bolts that are holding in the Radio/AC/etc panel. These are in the Top of this just under the piece you removed in step 1, right at the little key tray that is center dash.

3. Pull on the face panel until it comes off. and it will come off, but it is a real pain in the arse.

4. Look back up top just under the windshield frame. You will see 2 more bolts that have metal rings around them, remove the Nuts. What you will find though is this is an anti-thieft device. It is somehow welded to the back of the factory stereo and bolted to the tub.

5. Remove the 4 screws on the stereo then pull like heck on the stereo until you feel the part from step 4 come loose. It will POP and you will prolly bust a knuckle. At least I did.


When you are done, just do this in reverse. The "anti-thieft" bar is shot just try to get it out of there or wait until you have the stereo bolted back in before youtighten the top bolts back down.

If you are replacing the stereo:

You will need a special wiring harness and Ant connection for this. so go to Circuit city or what not and get them in advance.

 

[toomrider]

it's a cj

Ok... So it's NOT one of those easy things that just look hard. I suspected that the piece at the base of the windshield was the start, but it's so flimsy I was afraid of breaking it. The only other option looked to be removing all manner of dash bits and pieces, and I wasn't going to jump into that on a car with only 300 miles on it.
Thanks for the help folks. There are so many wires (and a fuse block) behind that glove box that I can't help but feel there's something to tap there (there's also some vacuum stuff that they have made look like wiring, so if anyone is digging in there, be careful of those).
I guess I'll just run a line in from the engine compartment, but that seems a bit kludgy.
I have another day or so (weather here is too hot and humid to work out in the driveway), so I'll keep looking for that magic answer....