Ignition 12v

[mas123]

I have a X5 2003 and I used a purple wire with a white strip wire for ignition 12v suppy, which is located near the cd changer. I checked the wire again and there is no 12v coming through it now. Do you know what the problem is?

[Sanj]

OK fella - search revealed:

search.php?keywords=ignition+positive&terms=all&author=&sc=1&sf=all&sr=posts&sk=t&sd=d&st=0&ch=300&t=0&submit=Search

[mas123]

Hi,

I don't understand, I clicked the link, but it dosen't give me the answer. Please can you tell me what the purple wire with the white stripe near the cd changer is for because there was 12v coming from it, but it has stopped.

The problem might be to with my radio staying on even when I switch off the radio.

Thanks

[X5Sport]

What did you connect it to? If it's not designed to have much current drawn through it then you could have overloaded whatever is on the other end. Could also be blown fuse, but my suspicion would be damaged circuits if you attached anything else to that line. Look in the front and rear fuseboxes and at the fuse cards which tell you what supplies what and see if any are blown.

You need to be very careful drawing power down any 12v line that you have not identified as to what it does. I only use such connections where an interior lamp circuit such as the torch charging one up front for switched live for my Road Angel - very low current draw, and less than the torch would draw. If the circuit you've picked is only a low power feed then you can very easily burn out things at the other end, and yes that could be the issue with your radio.

Basic rules are that if you haven't fully identified what it does, don't attach anything else to it. These modern cars have too many system interdependencies and great care needs to be taken. The thinner the wire, the more care needed.

[mas123]

Hi,

As you suggested, the radio fuse was blown. Replaced fuse and it all works.

Thanks.