nomogm
Registered User
Posts:
1308
(2/19/03 10:37
am)
|
Re:
Constant Power
fenolroni,
All you have to do is remove the
ashtray, then the two screws that are revealed, then
remove the panel that holds the ashtray and the
accessory outlets. Just pull it off toward the rear of
the car. Then you need to get power that is always on to
the power wire for one of the outlets. Cut the existing
power wire first. Add crimp on spade connectors if you
want to be able to put it back in the
future.
Some people say to tap into a wire from
something like the hazard light circuit that always has
power, and this does work. Be sure to use wire that can
handle as many amps as the fuse in the circuit you take
power from. The fuse protects the wiring from burning if
there is a short. So a 10 amp fuse protecting a thin
wire that can only handle 5 amps is not good.
But
I have added a couple of circuits (remote amp turn on
and a red led that flashes on the dash whenever the
lights are not on). I prefer this method:
Get a
Littelfuse add on kit
at an auto parts store. Put it where the hazard fuse is
and put the hazard fuse into the adapter (it comes with
instructions). That gives you back the original hazard
circuit. Put a fuse in the second slot of the adapter
that is big enough for whatever you want to power, but
no more than 10 amps in any case. To be on the safe side
I'd keep it to a 5 or 7.5, but I used 2 and 3 amp fuses
where that is more than my circuit requires. Run the
wire from the adapter (which is protected by your second
fuse) to the power wire of the outlet.
Even if
you never did this it's still easy and anyone can do it.
You can get crimp type butt connectors to splice the
wires together and a crimp tool is a few dollars at the
auto parts stores. Cut the wires such that you don't
leave any exposed copper and it's a good connection. You
can also get heat shrink tubing at Radio shack for about
$2. I like to solder the wires and cover with heat
shrink, but it's not necessary to go to the
trouble.
Be sure to protect the original power
wire after you cut it. Heat shrink the end or tape good
with electrical tape or something. If you use spade
connectors then wrap the unused connector in
tape.
I do this stuff my way because I prefer not
to cut any more wires than I have to, and I like to be
able to put it back like it was in case I want to in the
future. If I ever have electrical problems they won't be
from my few wiring additions, but the dealer people
would naturally question my work. They can't blame me
unless they can show that my wiring is the source of a
problem.
|
