easiest way to 'tap into' 12v behind dash? Maybe cigarette lighter?

[mvmcali]

Ive added a backup camera to my 2001 QX4. i dont want to have a clunky adapter plugged into my cigarette lighter so i want to grap that 12V from behind or under the dash somehow.

how do i 'pop out' / remove the cigarette lighter to get access to the wiring? or is there an easy place under dash to tap into 12v switched?

[AlabamaDan]

I know on the 97-00 to remove the wood plate around the radio and everything is just two screws and some gentle tugging then you can reach the cigarette lighter if you want to use that wire. I suspect it is similar in the 01+

[mvmcali]

hmm. my qx4 is all plastic in the area around the radio. nonetheless , im not sure how to 'remove' any plate... everything is fitted very tight, are you supposed to carefully pry things off with a screw driver (I think i will butcher it up doing that)

[Micallen]

hmm. my qx4 is all plastic in the area around the radio. nonetheless , im not sure how to 'remove' any plate... everything is fitted very tight, are you supposed to carefully pry things off with a screw driver (I think i will butcher it up doing that)

Buy some plastic pry tools.

[mvmcali]

i did buy some plastic pry tools (harbor freight). be very careful and use 2 tools to pry off the top part (that has 2 airvents and the clock) . it will 'pop' off but with careful measured effort. dont force it!