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Ground wire behind head unit?

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by BBQtaco74, Jan 11, 2020.

  1. Jan 11, 2020 at 5:25 PM
    #1
    BBQtaco74

    BBQtaco74 [OP] Member

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    I am installing a USB behind my dash using an Add A Fuse and Im not quite sure where to ground it. There are 2 screws directly behind the head unit, but I’m not sure if that’s sufficient or not. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!
     
  2. Jan 11, 2020 at 5:32 PM
    #2
    Speedfreak

    Speedfreak Member in poor standing

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    Use a multimeter and test for ground at the screws. Check continuity between them and a known ground point under the dash.
     
  3. Jan 11, 2020 at 5:48 PM
    #3
    daddy_o

    daddy_o Well-Known Member

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    There is a grounded bolt right there at the fuse panel under the dash. If you are running your positive wire with add a fuse there, just run a ground from that point.

    pic from google, but that is where I grounded my dash cam and it works just fine.
    Capture+_2020-01-11-19-53-05.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jan 11, 2020
  4. Jan 11, 2020 at 6:13 PM
    #4
    BBQtaco74

    BBQtaco74 [OP] Member

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    I saw that today when I was looking. Didn’t know if it was a ground or not. I’ll use that unless someone has one directly behind the head unit. Thanks!
     
    daddy_o[QUOTED] likes this.
  5. Jan 11, 2020 at 6:25 PM
    #5
    caribe makaira

    caribe makaira Well-Known Member

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  6. Feb 10, 2022 at 2:23 PM
    #6
    tshop11

    tshop11 Well-Known Member

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    I know I'm reviving an old thread but I am wiring up my heated seats today and came across this. It was my understanding that it was a no-no to ground on something like this as there is plastic in the middle. Is this an okay grounding location? The other one I've seen recommended is a total pain to get to and I'm worried I may damage some wiring unthreading the bolt.
     
  7. Feb 10, 2022 at 3:00 PM
    #7
    mwrood

    mwrood Well-Known Member

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    Perfect grounding point in the drivers side kick panel.
     
    ORtoCOTaco likes this.
  8. Feb 11, 2022 at 10:10 AM
    #8
    tshop11

    tshop11 Well-Known Member

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    Are you referring to the easily accessible ground bolt or the one circled in red?


    [​IMG]
     
  9. Feb 11, 2022 at 10:41 AM
    #9
    mwrood

    mwrood Well-Known Member

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    The one circled in red. It’s super easy to remove with a 10mm deep socket. That’s what I use for grounding in the cab other than my amp.
     
  10. Feb 11, 2022 at 10:45 AM
    #10
    tshop11

    tshop11 Well-Known Member

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    Gotcha. Only problem I have now is my ground wire isn't long enough to reach there and everything is tucked nice and neatly under the center console which I don't want to remove again. What would you recommend to extend the ground wiring?
     
  11. Feb 11, 2022 at 10:49 AM
    #11
    mwrood

    mwrood Well-Known Member

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    Best solution would be to remove the console again. Personally I’m not a fan of extending wires. With that said, you can use a butt connector and extend it but you need to make sure the connection secure. I’d also wrap some electrical tape around the bottom connector and the wire on both sides of the butt connector to protect it.

    Another option would be to use the ground i point under the drivers seat. There might be one under the passenger seat as well, but I don’t know for sure. I’ll see if I can find a picture. It’s a 10mm bolt as well just like the one you had circled in red.
     
  12. Feb 11, 2022 at 10:54 AM
    #12
    mwrood

    mwrood Well-Known Member

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    Couldn’t find a picture of the actual bolt but it’s under the carpet in the area i circled in red. There’s one under each seat. You don’t have to take the seat all the way out of the truck tho. Just remove the bolts and tilt the seat back so you have some working room underneath it. Kick panel and scuff panel need to be removed and then you can just lift the carpet up from the side and you should see the bolt. It’s grey and about halfway between the door frame and the center console.
    4DEDFFA3-3085-4A3C-B871-D24024F42056.jpg
     
  13. Feb 11, 2022 at 12:19 PM
    #13
    tshop11

    tshop11 Well-Known Member

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    Thanks a bunch. I'll try to get to this today and let you know how it goes.
     
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  14. Feb 11, 2022 at 12:22 PM
    #14
    mwrood

    mwrood Well-Known Member

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    Sure thing! Good luck!
     
    tshop11[QUOTED] likes this.
  15. Feb 11, 2022 at 5:34 PM
    #15
    tshop11

    tshop11 Well-Known Member

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    I ended up being able to pull a little bit of more slack out and got it grounded to the correct bolt. Thanks again
     
    mwrood[QUOTED] likes this.
  16. Feb 11, 2022 at 6:31 PM
    #16
    mwrood

    mwrood Well-Known Member

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    No problem! Glad you got it worked out.
     

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