12V Positive Ignition

[nick.king]

Afternoon all,

This is a double post of sorts but I've never had a response in the ICE section :-)

In short I have a wire that need connecting up, the label on the wire says "12V Positive Ignition" so I assume it needs to be only when the ignition is on it needs 12V. I've read various posts and they suggest on a B6 Passat this can't be done via the ignition (see below), it says to use the CAN network wires which unfortunately I have no idea where they are. If someone could help me with this is would be very much appreciated, everything else that needs connecting up is connected up it's just this wire. I currently have the glovebox removed if there is anything behind there that can be used.

To use a switched accessory wire for your Passat stereo, make sure to use the CAN network wires. This generation of Volkswagen does not like having the switched power wire go to the steering column or your ignition switch.

Many thanks,

Nick.

[VAG-Abound]

The CAN wires are for signalling, so not sure if they meant get some box to give 12V when car is turned on. But you shouldn't connect directly to them if that is what you thought they meant.

If your cigarette lighter is only on when car is on then most people would connect to that as it is good for plenty of amps. The wire you have is usually a low current activation wire, so won't cause trouble if connected there. The 12V permanent wire will usually be bigger, especially if there is some decent amplification in the unit.

If you want to go to the trouble of doing it really correctly there are usually a few spare slots in the fuse block. You'll see the metal supply rails on the "in" side with no fuse and empty slots opposite. Pull a fuse to see what an occupied slot with the "out" terminal on the other side as well looks like. Rails are constant 12V for "terminal 30", 12V only when ignition on for "terminal 15". Push in terminals with a length of wire on are a standard supply item, then run to where you need and crimp to your one and pop a low value (5A?) fuse in. Technically the cigarette lighter is "terminal 75" and not "terminal 15" wire but will be fine for what you need.

[nick.king]

The CAN wires are for signalling, so not sure if they meant get some box to give 12V when car is turned on. But you shouldn't connect directly to them if that is what you thought they meant.

If your cigarette lighter is only on when car is on then most people would connect to that as it is good for plenty of amps. The wire you have is usually a low current activation wire, so won't cause trouble if connected there. The 12V permanent wire will usually be bigger, especially if there is some decent amplification in the unit.

If you want to go to the trouble of doing it really correctly there are usually a few spare slots in the fuse block. You'll see the metal supply rails on the "in" side with no fuse and empty slots opposite. Pull a fuse to see what an occupied slot with the "out" terminal on the other side as well looks like. Rails are constant 12V for "terminal 30", 12V only when ignition on for "terminal 15". Push in terminals with a length of wire on are a standard supply item, then run to where you need and crimp to your one and pop a low value (5A?) fuse in. Technically the cigarette lighter is "terminal 75" and not "terminal 15" wire but will be fine for what you need.

Thank you for the reply, I'll go take a look now. I did find Please Help 12v Ignition Supply.. ? which suggested the lighter but then the issue was how to remove the ashtray :-)

[nick.king]

Sorted, thank you.