Cigarette lighter split, handbrake, aux in

[seasonshu]

I have just introduced my car in the welcome section and would like to raise my first question.. as seen in the subject many issues, all related to the middle console. I've been trying to find answers but no luck so far

So one annoying issue was that the radio and the computer display went blank from time to time, I thought a cable was broken already or I broke it when I took out the radio.. I found a loose (probably) earth connection on the floor which did not connect properly, giving the hectic behaviour. I couldn't tighten the screw any more in -- adding some washers solved the problem! For this I must thank Coops (Tim) for the excellent guide in the "Low Brake Fluid warning when handbrake engaged." topic. Speaking of which I have the same problem so while I am at it, I will address that.. will have to find a website providing mail order.

I would like to provide 12v to a cigarette lighter socket, hidden under the radio, that could be used to charge the smartphone (placed on the windscreen or the upper console). The obvious solution would be to split the wires from the current lighter plug -- I am not sure how though! I have attached pics about the plug, not sure if I should just try to push new wires beside the existing ones; should I take them out first (tried using a small screwdriver for the bits on the second pic but it may still have been too big, no luck in releasing the wires -- didn't want to break the plug, either!). The alternative thought was to introduce a new fuse in the fuse box but it may not be trivial, either. Although I don't have too much experience in fixing things in the real world, I am not afraid to use a soldering iron (speaking of which, I should probably buy one).

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The third thing is that I'd like to get an aux in port for the smartphone. I tried an fm transmitter (claiming clear sound) but there was a lot of hissing, so I sent it back. One option is to replace the stereo but adding all connectors, etc, I will be over £100 definitely. So probably just will buy a Connects2 device (CTVPGX010) that djheath has successfully installed. It doesn't have bluetooth (would be nice) but is cheap. My car is Dec 2000; my HU is a Clarion PU-2184A, the information I read so far about this, it should just work (famous last words..) Any other recommendation but might handle bluetooth as well? As I recall the Connects2 version is £60 already -- the price sounds a bit steep. Is there any other product doing this?

[seasonshu]

Okay, I'll order the connects2 device today.. since there is no objection or better idea

Regarding the 12v socket I thought to cut the wires and then solder the 3 wires for the splitting (i.e. Y shape) together... Or is there a tool/method only to remove the coating of the wire so that I can solder the extension wire there..? I'll also have to figure out which 2 out of the 3 wires to use (I reckon one of them will be constant on, the other with ignition on, the third is the '0'?..)

[scotty73]

If it's the handbrake sensor your thinking of mailorder their under £4 in Peugeot dealers mate.

[rwb]

AUX in: cf. Input to Clarion CD head unit

[seasonshu]

To follow up: I bought a CTVPGX010 for my 12/2000 registered PUG406. Head unit is a Clarion PU-2184A. It was really plug and play, no need to remove the negative terminals nor the fuse and there was no need to enter the radio code! Working brilliant!

Two down, 1 to go... waiting for the solder so I can hack in a 12v socket under the console. I'll have to peel the coating of the existing wires... somehow..

Then it's just a question of assembling all together...

[seasonshu]

I soldered the 12v split socket under the console this the weekend so I was able to put all parts back together. I tried putting the extension cables into the plug (pictured above) but there is not enough space for it... so I removed a little coating from the wire itself and soldered the new wires there which were led under the stereo. For the record: purple: null, brown: live, green-yellow: earth. And yes, you shouldn't try putting the multimeter against the yellow-green wire because it will cost you a fuse

On the passenger side I have now three cables exiting the console: aux in, microphone and micro-usb charger for the phone. I put the microphone on the visor, hiding the cable under the pillar -- like a pro All looks nice and I still have a free 12v socket for the laptop! Excellent

[seasonshu]

I correct myself.. The colour codes are:
brown - constant 12v (when on ignition)
purple - switched 12v (when headlights are on)
green-yellow: earth

I have fixed my wires and it's all good.