i pulled my stereo out to replace it and found the black connector in the picture just chillin with no partner in sight.
![Image](http://lh6.ggpht.com/_X0uRWwvzsXE/S-z5ZOFFK3I/AAAAAAAAALY/DaxSPPc4LBA/s400/2010-05-13%2015.26.32.jpg)
Moderators: Helpinators, Moderators
brweber352 wrote:If it is the ashtray light plug, then it will energize when the lights(parking or headlights) are on, with the key on. I used this plug way back when to power the light on my first boost gauge, if I remember right it will dim with the dimmer switch along with the rest of the cluster lights.
It is very conveniant for gauges, being that it has the ground and 12 volt source right there.
When I used this I was very inexperienced and decided to use UNINSULATED female spade connectors and they slide right onto the pins and hooked right to my gauge and worked great. The gauge light lit up whenever the lights where on and worked just like the factory instrument lights. However, one day I took my gauge out to do something and left the wires dangling. I turned my ignition on and I guess the lights where already in the on position, I saw a spark and the the two wires where touching. I lost all my instrument lights, so I figured well I just blew a fuse, no such luck. It fried my illumination control module, cost like $90 +1hr for the dealeer to diagnose it, right under $200 out the door.
Moral of the story, If you use this as a source for something make sure to use INSULATED connectors. This was one of those, learn it the hard way, experiances for me, since then I use insulation on every electrical connection I make. I know most people are smart enough to use insulated cannectors, but I was a newb and didn't have a clue to the differences.
Just figured I throw this out there, take from it what you will. I could have bought a ton of insulated connecters for $200, LOL.
Brian