M
MortsVette
Guest
C4C5 specialist - can you maybe help ?
On my 2000 NBM Coupe I had an accessory power plug located under the passenger side toekick board. I followed Frank Hunt’s great instructions (http://www.frankhunt.com) and did the Valentine 1 install with no sweat. I had the remote display mounted just in front of the gas gauge.
Now I own a 2004 Torch Red Coupe (thanks to Ken @ the VetteNet ! ! ). First 2004 delivered in Bradenton, FL.
So, having a couple spare minutes today, I drag out the Valentine 1, wires, remote display, tape – all the good tools of an amateur electrician. I even can use a solder gun 2 out of 3 times without serious injury.
When I remove the kick panel I discover the kick panel doesn’t have the connectors like the storage compartment covers in the back anymore – just two pieces of velcro in the upper right and left corners – and as luck would have it – one of those is missing on my panel.
No sweat though – I get the panel off. Guess what – in the words of the great Gomer Pyle – “Well, Shazam, Shazam, Shazam” – NO accessory power plug !. I even removed the BCM (the silver box) – pretty simple tab at the bottom and a couple slide down hooks at the top. I am positive there is no accessory plug like before. I think I have even seen 2003 owners refer to this plug.
Well, I’m here to tell ya’, it ain’t there on a ’04. Also, the BCM tab at the bottom doesn’t have a screw anymore like the 2000. When Frank wrote his instructions, that’s where he got a ground.
Every bundle of wires terminates in a multiple wired receptacle. I tugged gently on every bundle I saw. No luck. Searched all over, under and behind the area and even under the BCM module plastic mounting plate - no joy. If I dig around anymore in there, I’ll end up in the battery box ! I am certain the accessory plug is not installed on the 2004. When I posted this question on another forum, a 2004 owner said he couldn’t’ find it either.
So the question that arises - - -
Where do I get switched power for a Valentine 1 install ? And just as important, where do I get switched power close to a ground, not just any old screw. As you all know, there aren’t too many places to pick up a real ground.
Maybe go to the passenger kick panel fuse box and tap into a “Spare” slot for the hot wire ? If so, is there a ground near there ? And I would want switched power, not constant. Any way to tell if the “Spare” is switched power without just experimenting? Do you suppose I need to go to the engine compartment fuse box to get power and a ground.
Thanks for your help. And here we thought there were no changes for 2004 ! The General surprises us again.
Mort
On my 2000 NBM Coupe I had an accessory power plug located under the passenger side toekick board. I followed Frank Hunt’s great instructions (http://www.frankhunt.com) and did the Valentine 1 install with no sweat. I had the remote display mounted just in front of the gas gauge.
Now I own a 2004 Torch Red Coupe (thanks to Ken @ the VetteNet ! ! ). First 2004 delivered in Bradenton, FL.
So, having a couple spare minutes today, I drag out the Valentine 1, wires, remote display, tape – all the good tools of an amateur electrician. I even can use a solder gun 2 out of 3 times without serious injury.
When I remove the kick panel I discover the kick panel doesn’t have the connectors like the storage compartment covers in the back anymore – just two pieces of velcro in the upper right and left corners – and as luck would have it – one of those is missing on my panel.
No sweat though – I get the panel off. Guess what – in the words of the great Gomer Pyle – “Well, Shazam, Shazam, Shazam” – NO accessory power plug !. I even removed the BCM (the silver box) – pretty simple tab at the bottom and a couple slide down hooks at the top. I am positive there is no accessory plug like before. I think I have even seen 2003 owners refer to this plug.
Well, I’m here to tell ya’, it ain’t there on a ’04. Also, the BCM tab at the bottom doesn’t have a screw anymore like the 2000. When Frank wrote his instructions, that’s where he got a ground.
Every bundle of wires terminates in a multiple wired receptacle. I tugged gently on every bundle I saw. No luck. Searched all over, under and behind the area and even under the BCM module plastic mounting plate - no joy. If I dig around anymore in there, I’ll end up in the battery box ! I am certain the accessory plug is not installed on the 2004. When I posted this question on another forum, a 2004 owner said he couldn’t’ find it either.
So the question that arises - - -
Where do I get switched power for a Valentine 1 install ? And just as important, where do I get switched power close to a ground, not just any old screw. As you all know, there aren’t too many places to pick up a real ground.
Maybe go to the passenger kick panel fuse box and tap into a “Spare” slot for the hot wire ? If so, is there a ground near there ? And I would want switched power, not constant. Any way to tell if the “Spare” is switched power without just experimenting? Do you suppose I need to go to the engine compartment fuse box to get power and a ground.
Thanks for your help. And here we thought there were no changes for 2004 ! The General surprises us again.
Mort
Unfortunately, I haven't owned a C5, so I can't tell you if they print that info in the manuals from experience on them though. hope this helps
I removed the BCM, took off a black rubber silencer piece, if I remove any more parts I'll be inside the engine compartment 
