Help! with Mobile

[KC2VUE]

Ok I just installed my first mobile radio in my car, My dad helped with a lot, however My dad or I weren't sure how to get the power cord from inside my car to the battery in the engine. I have a 2006 Chevy Equinox, does anyone have any advice in powering the rig. My rig is a Kenwood D710A. Any help would be helpful. I did search YouTube a bit but I only found examples of people's Mobile set up. Thanks in advance

Steve
KC2VUE

[KD5LPB]

I previously snaked mine near the door hinge up through a tiny hole that led to the engine compartment. It wasn't the best idea as the cable could easily become pinched.

[N8YX]

Almost every car I've ever wired has a rubber plug in the firewall for just this application. You could also locate the plastic insert which a lot of manufacturers install in lieu of a clutch pedal and drill it for a wiring bundle. I did this when wiring my wife's '07 Outback. Make sure you waterproof the hole when finished; I used RTV sealant.

[K6CPO]

I previously snaked mine near the door hinge up through a tiny hole that led to the engine compartment. It wasn't the best idea as the cable could easily become pinched.

I did the same thing with my 1998 Dodge Dakota and so far it's worked flawlessly. There's enough of a gap between the body and the door (filled with the gasket) that the wires aren't getting pinched at all. I check them each time I open the driver's door.

[WB2WIK]

I usually don't even bother looking for a firewall access unless it's really obvious.

I have an 18" long 3/8" drill bit and use it a lot. Just don't drill where there is already wiring between the interior and exterior firewall surfaces. I test that by drilling a smaller pilot hole first. Whole job is generally done in 60 seconds or less. This work has never taken me more than two minutes, and I've drilled an awful lot of holes.

[N0WYO]

There are so many ways to do this, but the best way in your case appears to be what has been suggested. You can drill through the plug in the firewall, or find a grommet that you can snake the wire through. (which is what I've done.) No new holes drilled, and all it takes to reseal the hole is a little silicone.

This work has never taken me more than two minutes, and I've drilled an awful lot of holes.

I hope the car survived, Steve.

[WB2WIK]

There are so many ways to do this, but the best way in your case appears to be what has been suggested. You can drill through the plug in the firewall, or find a grommet that you can snake the wire through. (which is what I've done.) No new holes drilled, and all it takes to reseal the hole is a little silicone.



I hope the car survived, Steve.

Yeah, they all did. I always just drill a hole through the F/W unless there happens to already be a usable one near where I want it to be (almost never is).

[N2RJ]

I have an 8ga THHN wire snaked through the grommet. I use it for powering my radio and subwoofer in the trunk. YOu only need a positive wire. Ground can be anywhere on the chassis.

[K8JD]

I have been able to sneak wires through the boot around the steering column or brake/clutch pedal openings. usually penetrating the rubber boot with a sharp punch opens the material enough to push a wire through.

[KA9VQF]

You could do like my buddy and shoot a hole in the firewall with your .38.

He had asked me to help put his 2M rig in his nearly new at the time van. We tried using an existing hole in the firewall even succeed in getting a wire coat hanger through one spot.

In exasperation he took the .38 from its hiding spot under the seat and fired.

To tell the truth I don't think he really expected the gun to fire.

He had a nice big hole to put wire through afterward. It was just dumb luck but, he missed everything of importance but there was a bullet mark on the side of the automatic transmission bell housing.