Always On 12v Power (Cig Lighter) - Can/Should I hot wire it?

[Scott Townsend]

I have a 2003 Outback Ltd, I have a few things that I would like to have plugged into the 12v Power outlet even though the Car is off. Cell Phone while I'm eating, or Flashlight, etc..

I was going to see if there was a fuse for the 12v Power Outlets, pop the fuse and put an inline fuse from an always on 12v source.

Has anyone else done this? Should I not do this?

Any Commets suggestions welcome...

Thanks,
Scott<-

 

[John O]

Any Commets suggestions welcome...

I would add a switch, just so you can shut it off if something unexpected happens.

-John O

 

[TG]

Your idea will work fine as long as you use the fuse...no need for a switch either, a fuse will save the day should anything real bad happen. If you go direct to the battery I would put a fuse near the battery and another in the passenger area (both sides of the firewall). TG

 

[Scott Townsend]

Thanks for the Replies guys...

I was wondering if there was an Always on 12v that is live there at the fuse that I can tap into before the fuse its connected to then branch out to my inline fuse? I really dont like going directly to the battery..

Are the 12v Outlets already seperated out on their own fuse ore are they wired in with something else?

Thanks,
Scott<-

 

[wishiwasawd]

Thanks for the Replies guys...

I was wondering if there was an Always on 12v that is live there at the fuse that I can tap into before the fuse its connected to then branch out to my inline fuse? I really dont like going directly to the battery..

Are the 12v Outlets already seperated out on their own fuse ore are they wired in with something else?

Thanks,
Scott<-

I added another 12v outlet to my '92 legacy. I ran a wire from the battery to an in-line fuse to the outlet. i placed the outlet in the console by the handbrake directly between the two fron seats. works perfect! I think running your own wires to the battery is a good idea because you know you aren't fooling with any of the car's electronics. it is a lot easier to do than it appears, i.e. there are grommets in the firewall that will accomodate ther wire(s).

shaun

 

[Dan Duncan]

I was wondering if there was an Always on 12v that is live there at the fuse that I can tap into before the fuse its connected to then branch out to my inline fuse? I really dont like going directly to the battery..

If you have a fuse box inside the passenger compartment, get a meter and check. If you want this always-on outlet for something that's low power but might want to use an occasional high-power accessory when you're in the car, consider adding a second cigarette-type outlet that's always on and leaving the original one alone.

-DanD