E46 Glove box flashlight
I want to draw power (I hope it is 12 volts) from the flashlight dock that is in the glove box. But, I can't figure out how to reach the power contacts. Everything seems solid in the dock. How is the charging of the flashlight done? Is there some sort of release that exposes the power contacts? Everything seems to be solid. Nothing is spring loaded. I cannot figure out how it was designed such that when the flashlight is docked that it is charging. Yes, the flashlight works after 12 years docked in its original position. I have never used it.
1. The dock when the flashlight is pull out. There is a solid rectangular piece in the center, but no power contacts can be seen, and I cannot move it to locate the contacts!
2. The backside of the flashlight where you see two pins. I assume these two pins make contact to the power that comes from the dock.
1. The dock when the flashlight is pull out. There is a solid rectangular piece in the center, but no power contacts can be seen, and I cannot move it to locate the contacts!
2. The backside of the flashlight where you see two pins. I assume these two pins make contact to the power that comes from the dock.
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Why not order the flashlight to power adapter, 82-11-0-004-073-BOE.
It's only $11 or so.
http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin...3&bookmark=13&part_number=82-11-0-004-073-BOE
It's only $11 or so.
http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin...3&bookmark=13&part_number=82-11-0-004-073-BOE
This ^^ I run my Escort 8500 and TomTom GPS off of this outlet... it's switched with the lock/unlock buttons on the key... and if you leave the car unlocked and walk away, this outlet powers down when the car goes to "sleep" after the ~15 min "wait period"
Thank you. I didn't know one exists :thumbup:
Thank you too! That exactly what I wanted the outlet for, to run my nuvi GPS. I'm still curious as to how that outlet works. Everything inside the dock seems solid, and the power contacts not exposed.
I bought one of these. Works great, and limits wire mess.
http://www.amazon.com/Roadpro-Plati...47297&sr=8-9&keywords=12+volt+outlet+splitter
http://www.amazon.com/Roadpro-Plati...47297&sr=8-9&keywords=12+volt+outlet+splitter
:thumbup: Had one on my E46 too.
Yes! I have one of these also. Very good value for money. Works well.
One click order from amazon.com South Motors's BMW in FL $16.98 total. Thanks again for the heads up.
OK. I bought the power adaptor and I am using it. Moving the Nuvi GPS power from the cigarette to the flashlight outlet allows me to use the cigarette outlet for other 12V power requirements, like my netbook.
Now, the issue is I am not certain when the adaptor power outlet supplies 12 volts. After I turn off the GPS, it turns back on when the trunk is opened, or sometimes when I open the driver's door. Is this a quirk with BMW or the GPS. Do you have the same issue if you power your GPS at the flashlight? If not, what brand GPS are you using?
Now, the issue is I am not certain when the adaptor power outlet supplies 12 volts. After I turn off the GPS, it turns back on when the trunk is opened, or sometimes when I open the driver's door. Is this a quirk with BMW or the GPS. Do you have the same issue if you power your GPS at the flashlight? If not, what brand GPS are you using?
The flashlight socket is powered whenever the car is "awake". This means if you leave your Garmin on after parking the car and you lock the door with the remote the Garmin will power down. If you don't lock the car after parking, the Garmin will stay powered on for ~15 minutes until the car goes to "sleep".
When you unlock the car or open the trunk (or door), the car wakes back up and the Garmin too will power on.
I love this feature... I don't have to keep turning my TomTom and Escort on/off every time.
When you unlock the car or open the trunk (or door), the car wakes back up and the Garmin too will power on.
I love this feature... I don't have to keep turning my TomTom and Escort on/off every time.
Thanks for explaining the wake and locked power on/off. I knew it had to do with something like that. I just have to be aware of situations more now. I know it is a good feature. I just have to remember how it affects the GPS.
I have to see what happens to the GPS after 15 min when the car is in the unlocked position. I hope the GPS default is not to continue to operate using the internal battery. That is not good if that batter recycles too many times when I really want the GPS to be off.
I have to see what happens to the GPS after 15 min when the car is in the unlocked position. I hope the GPS default is not to continue to operate using the internal battery. That is not good if that batter recycles too many times when I really want the GPS to be off.
I believe your garmin shuts down when power is lost, regardless.... Which happens after the car sleeps... You know it's asleep (if you have an automatic) when the led next to P(ark) goes out.
That would be a good sign since I don't want the battery to run down when the GPS is not in use. I remember if power is lost, a popup screen comes on and ask if you want to continue with battery power. If no action is taken, the Nuvi shuts off after 30 seconds or so.
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