Need help finding source of power without key in the ignition

[itsAlex]

As the title says, I'm looking for a source of +12V when you unlock the doors and the key is not in the ignition.

So you can better understand what I'm doing, I'm making custom lighting using a micro controller but I don't want the controller to be on 24/7. I want it to power on only when the doors have been unlocked with the key fob. I was going to use power from the dome light, but there's a pwm fade-in when the dome light first turns on, so that won't work.

[PandaSPUR]

The best I can think of is to take a multimeter and test the empty contacts in the interior fuse box (on driver's side, above the clutch pedal).

Not sure if our cars have anything that gets powered on when the doors are unlocked + ignition off that is also off when the door is locked.

The dome light works off the key sensors, but thats the only thing I can think of. Maybe figure out where the PWM module is and tap the power right before it?

[itsAlex]

Originally Posted by PandaSPUR

The best I can think of is to take a multimeter and test the empty contacts in the interior fuse box (on driver's side, above the clutch pedal).

Not sure if our cars have anything that gets powered on when the doors are unlocked + ignition off that is also off when the door is locked.

The dome light works off the key sensors, but thats the only thing I can think of. Maybe figure out where the PWM module is and tap the power right before it?

I just might do that, do you know where I should start looking to find such a module?

[go_a_way1]

Originally Posted by itsAlex

I just might do that, do you know where I should start looking to find such a module?

there are some blank spots in the fuse box. I used one of those to wire my Sped D headlights boomerang to be one when the key is in the on position but off when the key isnt in the ignition. It works great

[itsAlex]

Originally Posted by go_a_way1

there are some blank spots in the fuse box. I used one of those to wire my Sped D headlights boomerang to be one when the key is in the on position but off when the key isnt in the ignition. It works great

Unfortunately that won't work for my needs, I need a power source that's on when the doors unlock but no keys are in the ignition. I cant pull power from the dome light due to it's PWM function.

[go_a_way1]

Originally Posted by itsAlex

Unfortunately that won't work for my needs, I need a power source that's on when the doors unlock but no keys are in the ignition. I cant pull power from the dome light due to it's PWM function.

tap the door locks to activate a relay on a timer so it waits like 30 seconds or w/e to turn off again and pull power direct from the battery???

[itsAlex]

Originally Posted by go_a_way1

tap the door locks to activate a relay on a timer so it waits like 30 seconds or w/e to turn off again and pull power direct from the battery???

That would work too, but I don't feel like going through all that work unless its absolutely necessary aha. There has to be a way to get power for what I want!

[darko]

Does the power need to be on constantly? You could tap into the side marker power wire, when you unlock the car, those go off

[lbroskee]

There is an always hot empty fuse on the interior fuse box. I forget which 1, but it's on the right side (if ur sitting in driver seat)

[justatroll]

This doesnt answer your question exactly but it is another possible solution.


Here is an Arduino with a built in Battery charger:


https://www.sparkfun.com/products/13614


It needs USB 5V input to charge a 4.2V LiPo, but if you hooked that to a switched power source, it would charge the battery so that it would probably remain powered for months without a drain on the battery.


Just an option

[B-R-Z]

Edit: Nevermind, didn't fully read\comprehend your post, but I'll leave this here anyway.

Buy the Option Connector Harness from svxDC: http://ae64.com/Rear-camera-16-pin.htm

It plugs into an unused socket behind the radio. It has a lead for 12+ accessory, 12+ constant, and ground.

[White64Goat]

Have you checked the power outlet in the glove box yet?