I was surprised to discover that all of the factory power outlets in my 13 Tahoe are constant on. I want a switched outlet for my portable NAV so I don't have to unplug it each time I get out of the car. My plan is to install the outlet under the dash and then plug the NAV into it. I found the 2 power terminals in the distribution box near the brake pedal (1 constant and 1 switched) and attempted to connect the receptacle to the switched terminal. I get power but my NAV will not turn on. When I measure voltage at the switched terminal I am getting about 11.5V and I am getting just over 12V on the constant terminal. I plugged in a 2 way splitter that has an LED on it and the LED lights up, but no go for any device plugged in. The only thing that I can think of is that 11.5V is not enough for the NAV. Does anybody have any other ideas?

The only other thing that I can think to do is use a relay and connect it to the constant terminal and then used the switched terminal just to trigger the relay. I think it would work but is kind of a PITA.

 

Are you reading the voltage with it unplugged? There could be something else in the circuit it is powering up. I assume that it works otherwise iafter you plug it back in the original plug in. I had an 2010 silverado company truck with a nuevia Garmin. One or two of the cigar lighters where switched. I don't think 11.5 volts is the problem with it not powering up.

 

This thread may help, I did the same thing but I wanted an always on plug that was concealed....
https://chevroletforum.com/forum/tah...-gmt900-37253/

 

I started checking that connector that you tapped (the one I was trying to use was the 4 pin that was below and to the right. It was tight to get up there and probe which pin might be hot with the switch and I arced across two terminals. Decided to call it quits for the day before I fried something in my fiance's new truck :-) I may try again at another point but for now, I will stick to just unplugging.