Ground In Glove Box? Updated with success (USB charging socket)

[heavymetalthunder]

Hi, just wondering if anybody can advise on a suitable ground location in the glove box?

I want to fit a powered USB port to charge stuff, I have a 12v to 5v regulator with female USB socket, and a piggy back fuse holder. But, all of the screws look like they go into plastic - see attached photo. Any help appreciated, many thanks

 

[G600]

One of the screws at the bottom goes into metal behind the plastic.

 

[Ducklakeview]

One of the screws at the bottom goes into metal behind the plastic.

Nope, it doesn't - They screw into the plastic surround, and as such are not grounded. I found this out when doing exactly what the OP is doing.

You need to remove the glovebox (easy) and put the crimp terminal under one of the screws that actually goes into the steel cross bar behind the glovebox.

Mike

 

[Scooba_Steve]

Or take the air vent off, there are a couple behind there which are accessible to the left of the fuses

 

[GuidoK]

If you take the glovebox out there are multiple earth grounds or bolts and chassis points to get an earth.
Or take the panel below the glovebox out (same panel you have to take out to swap the cabin air filter I believe), you can probably find something there too (although that area is pretty full of stuff).
And put a wire from there into the glovebox.

 

[G600]

One of the screws at the bottom goes into metal behind the plastic.

Nope, it doesn't - They screw into the plastic surround, and as such are not grounded. I found this out when doing exactly what the OP is doing.

You need to remove the glovebox (easy) and put the crimp terminal under one of the screws that actually goes into the steel cross bar behind the glovebox.

Mike

Ah that must be what I did when I was wiring in there, it was a while ago.

 

[heavymetalthunder]

Thanks for the responses guys

I'll probably leave this until next weekend now, but will update with my results!

 

[heavymetalthunder]

An update of success!

I started by extending the red and black cables on the regulator as they were far too short, and soldered on the piggy back fuse holder on the positive and a spade connector on the negative. I next removed the glovebox and plugged the fuse holder into an empty slot (I used F3 as it was in the corner and always live, so I don't have to have my ignition on to charge my phone) and attached the ground to the screw going into the metal just below the fuses. I routed the cable through the hole next to the glovebox damper (and also re-routed the aux socket there as I think it looks a bit messy using the aux with it coming out below the dash) and then re-assembled. Easy job, all done within half an hour (not including soldering!)

Some photos if it helps anybody:

 

[Beedub]

very nice little addition!

 

[biojo]

if its always live, doesn't it mean the USB socket will always be using power if nothings connected?

 

[Ducklakeview]

if its always live, doesn't it mean the USB socket will always be using power if nothings connected?

Yes, but only microamperes if there is nothing connected to it and drawing a load.

Mik