Ideas for Easy Access 12V?

ericbecky · 01-19-2010, 10:00 AM

I'm wondering if anyone can point out an easy place to access a 12v power supply that I can tap into on the Insight.

Preferably somewhere near the driver's knees.
12V
5 amps or so
On when the key is in acc or car is on.

I had the idea of using the cigarette lighter, but I'm not sure it comes out from the front and my hands don't fit well to access it from the back side. (can it be removed from the front?) I don't have a manual handy, so if you can help out I'd appreciate it.

Cobb · 01-19-2010, 10:19 AM

On the i2 I use the accessory fuse, but you got a limit of 10 amps or so combined.

JimIsbell · 01-19-2010, 10:57 AM

The cigarette lighter is removable. But I dont know if it can be done from the front. BUT the panel it is on comes off easily as I removed mine to install a 7" monitor and it was not difficult. I dont know how much power is available there but checking the fuse would give you the answer. I run a a full up XP computer and monitor and several other things from it. Be aware that it goes off and on with the key and also goes off when the key goes to "start". This was a problem for my computer starting in the morning. I too am looking for a 12 access in the front but I want one that is always on so I think I will go straight to the battery.

ericbecky · 01-19-2010, 11:23 AM

Thanks for the ideas.
I'll check out both options today.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimIsbell

Be aware that it goes off and on with the key and also goes off when the key goes to "start".

I can see how that would be bad for the computer but for what I'm doing I don't that'll be an issue.

ericbecky · 01-19-2010, 01:17 PM

Well, removing the trim piece that houses the cigarette lighter worked quickly. Took three minutes or less.

There are two phillips-head screws on the right hand side of the trim piece that are covered by the glove box, so be sure to open the glove box and remove those two screws first.

Next, firmly pull the trim piece toward the rear of the car. It takes a bit of force, but it will pop out. I started at the lower right. It's held in by ~10 pressure clips around the trim pieces perimeter.

When the trim piece is out you then have unobstructed access to wires on the back of the cigarette lighter. (Or whatever we call that accessory plug these days.)

RobertSmalls · 01-19-2010, 07:01 PM

Cool. 5A@12V, eh? Did you install anything awesome?

retepsnikrep · 01-20-2010, 12:53 AM

Looks like you are sorted I was going to mention the rear of the accessory socket.

hondachuck · 01-20-2010, 10:41 AM

Couldnt pass this up with out a shameless self promotion.

I used the 12v accessory feed for my led cupholder lights.

ericbecky · 01-22-2010, 10:03 PM

robertsmalls,
I was looking for a new power supply option for the switch for my Enginer PHEV system.

retepsnikrep
Thanks for checking the post.

hondachuck
Cool LED's. Are they always on? Or do you have a switch?

hondachuck · 01-22-2010, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ericbecky

hondachuck
Cool LED's. Are they always on? Or do you have a switch?

Since the draw so little power, and supposedly last a long time, they are on whenever the key is on, just like the 12v socket.