Can anyone quickly tell me where I can tap in to one? I have the armrest/console out of the car and I'm trying to install a 5V step down for the hardwire kit. Either every test light I have is junk or nothing responds.

 

Rear cigarette lighter.
This is where I hooked up my iPod charging cable.
Charging stops when ignition is turned off.

1999 XJ8

 

That is the first place I tried. white and blue wire. No luck. Am I looking at the wrong spot?

 

Really need some advice here. I'm running out of time.

 

Asking once more

 

you need wiring diagrams - what model/year is the car?

 

If I am correct you have a 1998 XJ? If this is correct this oneline will help http://www.gusglikas.com/images/Auto.../jagxj1998.pdf

 

Yes, it is a '98 VDP. I'll study the diagrams. Thanks for the info.

 

Put your year and model in your signature and it will not be a guessing game the next time.

 

From looking at the manual supplied (thank you again) This is what is listed for the source via the rear cig lighter:

ClGAR LIGHTER-REAR CATS, Z-WAY CIGAR LIGHTER, YELLOW REAR CENTER CONSOLE VENT

The wire that connect to the lighter is blue and white, not yellow. I've done things like this many times and it has always been straight forward. Am I being very dense here and missing something obvious?

 

I just took care of that.

 

Not knowing anything about the wiring specifics, I'm going to assume that if you see a blue and white wire connecting to the lighter, then that's the right one. If that's the case, then there's two more obvious possibilities that might be causing you problems: you're not getting a good connection with your voltmeter either on the blue and white wire and/or to ground; or your lighter isn't getting power in the first place (does your lighter work? is the fuse good?).

That's all I've got. Good luck.

 

I replaced the fuse Friday and the lighter works fine. I've tried multiple ground points for my test light. This should be so easy.

 

Ok, two last silly questions: does your test light work when connected directly to the battery? Have do you have the ignition key in the accessory position?

I can really sympathize with the "this should be so easy" sentiment.

 

Haven't tried directly to the battery. I will try that. I take no offense to the key position question but yes, switched on. I'm in software and I'm all too familiar with spending days on a problem only to find the "duh" factor. I hate that and this problem too!

 

The cigar lighters ARE switched... I am running my Sirius sat radio receiver and my Motorla t605 bluetooth adapter from the rear cigar lighter power - center conductor on the lighter. Other conductor is ground.

 

Well, it is official! I am retarded. I took the car to a stereo shop and had them look at it. Two problems. The test light was a pile of crap. The second issue was that though my ground seemed good it was not. The instructions for the step down indicated it should be connected to a metal surface via a screw or bolt. The guy at the stereo shop said to skip that and just tap the ground for the cig lighter. I did so and all it well.