Garmin Nuvi Hardwire Cable (Mini-USB connector) for Garmin Nuvi

• This unique hardwire power cable allows you to hardwire your Nuvi GPS receivers
• Input range: 12 - 24V
• Output range: 5V at 1A
• Cable Length: 6 feet
• Red wire is for positive

I installed this unit inside the headlight housing of my Yamaha V Star 950. After carefully studying the motorcycle wiring diagram, I learned there is a pre-wired connector for an optional light bar accessory. Since I wasn't using the accessory light circuit I determined it to the perfect location to tap into the motorcycle's electrical system. And the light circuit has power only when the engine is running so tapping in there will prevent the GPS from drawing power from the motorcycle battery when not in use.

There was just enough room inside my headlight housing to insert the 12V power transformer with the USB connector threaded out the back of the headlight housing. Next I plugged the USB connector into my GPS device mounted on the handlebar and cranked the engine. Viola!

I have no clue what would cause some GPS devices to switch into data mode. But my Nuvi 255 correctly switches from battery to direct current mode when the engine is running and switches back to battery power when the motorcycle engine is turned off.

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Used this to power my Garmin Nuvi 760 & 765. Anyone with decent techincal skills will be able to intall this perfect. Connect the red wire to 12v switched power. And Black wire to ground. Make certain 12v source is switched power to prevent a battery draw. Which will kill the battery if the Nuvi is attached while the car is parked.

I ran the wire to the glove box to keep the garmin chagred and ready to go when i need to use it.

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My GPS intermittently switched from charge to battery mode in use on the motorcycle--in other words, the power supply was intermittent. Then after proper installation and very little riding for three months it DIED. Checked the mini-USB connector: the metal shell was not connected to ground and two of the connector pins were shorted together. Also discovered the power cable is not shielded and has very light-gauge wires in it compared with the wiring out of the cigarette lighter charger that Garmin supplies. Cannot recommend this unit. Buy something better. Installation on a motorcycle ain't so easy. You don't want to have to do it twice.

UPDATE: Disassembled the Garmin cigarette lighter power supply, put it in a plastic box and wired it into the motorcycle. Now have steady power.

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I have had this installed for about 6 weeks. It worked fine initially.

The installation had two issues that several others complained about. The thickness of the power and ground wires made it almost impossible to wire it into my 96 Accord using splices. The size of the box made it difficult to zip tie it to prevent it rattling or moving around.

3 days ago, my Nuvi 1350 started going into data mode before rebooting into map mode. This behavior was followed random reboots while on the road.

If you are going to purchase this item, make sure it is easy to access when it fails.

Bought this last winter and just got around to installing it. I was leery after reading the reviews, so I opened it up. One small phillips screw and the case pops open.

Inside I found a small circuit board, inexpensively made with through-hole components. I could see several capacitors and inductors that looked vulnerable to vibration. So I warmed up my hot-melt glue gun and potted all the components on the circuit board into place. Took about 5 minutes including re-assembly. Epoxy would have worked as well.

Installed it on my 74 Suzuki GT550 and so far, it works like a charm. Wouldn't fit inside the headlight shell but I was able to tuck it in behind the headlight bucket mounting ears and secure it using a couple of wire ties.

I found a plastic cap to protect the USB connector from the elements, and I strap the connector to the Nuvi mount when not in use.

Time and miles will tell how it holds up. The bike is an old two-stroke, without the benefit of modern suspension, so vibration will be a factor.