Car Stereos: 2002 LeSabre FM Modulator, antenna connection, radio bay

Question
I read one of your answers suggesting a Peripheral IS77 adapter to integrate an iPod in a stock 2002 Buick LeSabre head unit. You mentioned you had some installation tips if interested, and I am! Looking it up online, I see the switch isn't really enclosed in anything, so an idea of where to mount that would be helpful. Does this mod require a line to the fuse box? If so, what do I do? I didn't think there was a switched 12v line in the radio bay.

Can't wait to hear your ideas. Now looking for an easy way to cradle the iPod while using the device.

Answer
Hi Devin,

I looked up the answer to which you're referring.  That questioner later submitted a follow-up, and I gave him some information about the IS77 installation.  I'm guessing that you saw the original answer, but not the follow-up answer, so here it is (just scroll down for the second answer):

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Car-Stereos-3638/2010/3/2002-Buick-LeSabre-Custom-1.h...

You'll note that in the previous answer, I suggested connecting the IS77's power to the cigarette lighter wiring.  This is because in many 2000+ LeSabres, I've found that the cigarette lighter works on a timer--it doesn't turn off with the key, but it shuts off about ten minutes after the key is turned off.  It's not necessary to have a true accessory power wire that turns on and off with the radio or key switch; you just want to pick a power source that won't stay on all the time.  A 10-minute delay won't cause a problem, but if the IS77 stays powered overnight it might cause battery drain issues.  For this reason, you might want to test the cigarette lighter wiring to make sure it turns off after a time, before using it as a power source for the IS77.  

You're correct that there's no switched power wire behind the radio. In fact, there's nothing useful behind the radio at all--the "dock and lock" design of the factory radio plug means you can't access any wiring or antenna connection in the radio cavity.  If the cigarette lighter wiring doesn't work out, you might have to look for a RAP relay in the rear fuse box (located under the back seat).

The switch included with the IS77 fits a 3/4" hole, but I can understand that you might be hesitant to drill a large hole in your dash panel.  In some cases, I've built my own switch mount by bending a piece of ABS plastic and mounting it under the dash.  Otherwise, you can always purchase a different switch and use it in place of the one that comes with the IS77.  It's just a standard toggle switch.

Hope this helps!

Brian