I'm trying to put a relay on one of the 12V outlets below the radio for the GPS plug so it would be switched with the key. I thought it would be easy to find a switched 12v lead for energizing the new relay. I tried parallel taps on each of the two power leads for rear wiper plug; ylw (wiper) and grn (washer). Both are hot in the ACC position, but they turn on their associated motor when the new relay closes. Am I wiring the relay correctly by taking the relay grd (lug 85) direct to chassis ground (parallel) or should it be wired in series with the switched lead I'm using? I tried finding switched power under the dash, but its almost impossible to get my old bones under there so my arms work. Any suggestions short of a major wiring project?

BTW...what's with the 22 ga. wire GM used for the outlets? Its a 20A circuit!

 

and some guys worry about using #6 for a few lights!!

just ground one side of the coil and put 12v switched on the other,where u find it.

put the relay contacts in series with whatever you r running

 

Problem solved. I just discovered the "Add-a-Circuit" kit. I can do it all at the fuse box by putting the relay main circuit across the legs of the existing 20A fuse slot, and piggy-backing the relay coil onto a low amp switched fuse with the add-a-circuit (with a ground of course).

 

I usually just clip one side and vamp tap it to switched power from the radio, The only things ever plugged into those are a gps or phone charger and they don't come anywhere near 20 amps.
Seems ridiculous that they are both always hot.

 

I plugged the 'add-a-circuit' into fuse slot #10 "Accessories - SPO". SPO must mean "switched power on" because it was the only fuse slot I could find that wasn't hot all the time or not connected. Something to do with the shut-off delay on the installed stuff, I guess.