The Quick/Small/(Stupid?) Question Thread.

[68DSU]

First off, I am not an electrics person. Those wires tend to "bite" me. The house, the car, it don't matter.
I want to put a second 12v power source (Cig lighter type) in my center console compartment.
Can I ground it the same way the map light is grounded?
Can I splice into the map light power wire?
Should I wire in a fuse? What size?

[dbrick]

I would not add anything to factory wire especially the lighter circuit, it's weak enough to start. Were it me, I would run a new power wire with it's own 15 amp fuse. Only problem is describing where to connect it to get power. Ideally you want to be on the "accessory" or "Batt" section of the wiring. I would get a diagram to be sure. You may be able to find a terminal on the back of the fuse box, depending on the year.
I mounted an extra triple power plug up high ahead of the center console near the heater box. It's out of sight, but reachable and keeps the wire run short.

What might be cool in this modern age is a USB power port.


Ground is ground, as long as it's a clean connection.

[notoptoy]

While a "ground is a ground", I would use a fairly significant wire to attach to the ground if you are using something that takes the kind of power a Cigarette lighter can draw! To thin a wire will fry with too much draw.

[ACote]

Quick question for this thread. When the cars sits for a day or more, starting back up for the first time takes quite a bit of cranking before it fires. About 10+ secs with the stock fuel pump. Is this normal? Just wanting to know for the sake of my starter. Thanks.

[Nissanman]

Before you crank it next time, check for fuel in the carb. bowls.
I suspect that either the fuel is draining out or evaporating.
I have the same problem if I don't drive my little B120 ute for a few days.

[ACote]

Thanks nissanman I'll check that and the fuel lines for leaks/ loose clamps.

[68DSU]

Nissanman may be right, especially if it doesn't happen the second time you start it that day just when it sits for a few days. A small concern is if there is a tiny leak someplace, it could be hazardous.
But at least we finally got some rain to put out the fire, right?

[ACote]

yep raining for quite a bit. At least the planes I work on you can hide under the wing. Trying to drive it in between showers. Waiting for it to warm up.

[68DSU]

What might be cool in this modern age is a USB power port.


.

Maybe I'll move it all to the glove box. That would make it easier. A USB port. Electricity and computer stuff. That ought to keep me busy for a long long time. Why don't you throw in some quantum physics too.
Then again, I do want to use it for the iPod and the phone.

[dbrick]

As far as the physics, my garage qualifies for chaos theory. With the grounds, yes, it needs to be substantial, at least the size of the wire feeding it.

[68DSU]

I bought two lighters. If anyone cares I will get the brand names. The power source one comes with a ground wire and power wire so that shouldn't be a problem. The cylinder was just barely shy of being big enough for the stock lighter. The second one fit and is now my replacement for the stock lighter base. If anyone wants to keep the original look, that part was made, I believe, by Victor and was sold as a lighter instead of a power source.
If I tap off the map light and don't use the map light and the power source at the same time, do you think that will work?

[Nissanman]

Get the 12V power direct from the battery, running a new wire, via an inline fuse.
Avoid using the stock wiring form for any additional electrical load, it is stressed already.
Also avoid piggy backing accessories of the standard wiring.
Here is my recommendation for adding accessory wiring: -

[mraitch]

i thought that ALL the trim was stainless - regardless of year - so smacking (gently) and polishing/buffing will solve all problems - no chrome anywhere except for the grill and the light bezels??

[68DSU]

[quote="Nissanman"]Get the 12V power direct from the battery, running a new wire, via an inline fuse.
Avoid using the stock wiring form for any additional electrical load, it is stressed already.
Also avoid piggy backing accessories of the standard wiring.
Here is my recommendation for adding accessory wiring: -

quote]
That might actually be possible for me. Thanks! I've had the car for decades and this time around I'd like to do things right, or close to it.

[DanR]

I found out I was missing a drain plug in my trunk, so I found plugs and plugged the drivers side trunk hole. Where are the rest as my head is too fat to fit underneath the car to look under the floorpans. Also is there only one in the rear as I couldn't find another one on the passenger side of the trunk.