How-To: Add Second 12v Outlet Pics and Instructions Inside

[NVMY4N]

So I bought a GPS a few months back. After wrestling with the power cord for a few trips I decided to bite the bullet and add a second 12v Outlet. This requires cutting of a panel. Good News the Panel is only about $15. After I priced it I wasn't too worried.

DISCLAIMER - I do not guarantee that the procedures and products that I use are the best for your car as I cannot control your circumstances. <- Stolen from xviper
So if you screw something up - it's not my fault.

Okay. Disconnect the Battery.

Tools and Supplies You'll Need:

• Philips Screw Driver
  
• Soldering Gun and Wire
  
• Electrical Tape
  
• Electrical Wire (16-18g *guess*)
  
• Wire Stripper
  
• 2 Male And 2 Female Connectors
  
• 1 Ring Terminal
  
• 1 "Mini" Add-A-Circuit (Bought at Autozone)
  
• 1 12v Outlet *The one used here is out of a 2004ish Trail Blazer* H and A Accessories Sells the OEM Honda for the Element for $11.

H and A Accessories - Near Bottom










1. I started by Cutting my "power wire" to about 4'-6" (Just to be safe)
On one end - add either a Male or Female connector (I soldered them too - but I don't imagine you would have too) and Tape *See Pics*
The Other End just leave bare as you will connect this to the Add-A-Circuit.



2. Next Cut a Smaller Wire (Approx: 8"-12") and Attach a ring terminal on one end (Depending on the size you use, you may have to cut the Ring itself to allow it to fit under the bolt - shown in next Pic)
On the other end add a Male or Female connector.



(Here is a Pic of all the Connections)
(Left *Orange=Power from 12v Outlet *Black = Ground from Outlet)
(Top *Red = Power end From Step 1)
(Right *Yellow = Ground -one end male or female to connect to Black Ground on 12v and the Ring to Ground on Frame)



3. Next I added male or female ends (depending on how your choice in the first two steps) to my 12v. Remember this is not OEM Honda. So this step could be different depending on your selection of 12v Outlet.



4. Next Remove the Panel on the Passenger Side just to the Right of the Head Unit. This Will require the philips screw driver.



Remove the Screw and Carefully Pop the Panel Off - (**There are Two Clips that hold this in place one at the top directly above the screw and one in the back - See Pic Below**)



5. Once this is removed - you should measure the 12v you have selected and mark on the back of the panel. This may take some creativity depending on the size.

As show in the photo you should make the hole above the screw hole, as you only have a specific place where it can fit next to the Head Unit. *See Pic Below - To the LEFT of the Support Bar is where the "butt" has to go*

In other words, make it as close to the Line (near the 4" as shown above) as possible. See Next two Pics for Visual
*REMEMBER- CHECK - MEASURE - RECHECK- REMEASURE - RECHECK- REMEASURE -Cut*



I started with a smaller hole, and used a Dremel tool to slowly increase the diameter of the hole. Making sure it would be a snug Fit.



This should be a Similar Result



6. Next you can either begin to Wire or Add additional security to the Plug and Glue it in from behind. I used the Dremel to scuff up the surrounding area on the back of the panel to give the glue something to "bite" to. I did this just as an extra precaution, it was very snug with out but now it's not going anywhere.

7. Next Wiring.

Using the Add-A-Circuit "MINI" - connect your Power Wire and Add-A-Circuit together.



Add a 10amp Fuse (provided in the Pack)

Run the Power wire Behind the Head Unit and out the Side where the Panel is removed on the Passenger Side (A Helper would be good here)

Next Remove the Bolt as Shown in the Pic and Ground Here - using your Yellow Ground Wire - Ring End. (Here you made have to trim the ring itself as I did mine)



Next Make the Proper connections (Ground *Yellow* to Ground *Black* & Power *Red* to Power *Orange*)

Reinstall Passenger Panel.

Now Remove the 10amp Fuse from the 12v Accessory Slot on the Fuse Block under the Dash - Take the 10amp from the fuse panel and insert it into the second slot on the Add-A-Circuit.

And Insert the Metal Clip of the Add-A-Circuit into the Fuse Block.

Please note I used a different location that what will be suggested. So my Pictures will be a little off.
The fuse slot you should be looking for is the 12v Accessory a 10amp fuse. *Located where the Red Wire is coming from*

I did not use this b/c I have a "Yellow Box" that is powered using this slot, so I chose a constant power source (which will remain on even with the key out of the ignition). *You can see where the Add-A-Circuit was used*





This is where I went back and retraced all the wire and zip tied it in various locations under the dash to make sure any loose wire was out of the way of myself and any moving parts.

That's It -



If you have any questions feel free to PM me, can't say Ill be any help but Ill try.

[red hot valley]

BUT can you tell me what slot on the fuse box you used?
I would like it to have power all the time
Thanks

[Coop]

I did this to my 02 a while back and then to the CR last week, it is a great add on.

With the CR I had to turn the cover plate so that it opens straight down or it will hit the storeage area at the passenges knees.

[repiv]

Originally Posted by red hot valley

BUT can you tell me what slot on the fuse box you used?
I would like it to have power all the time
Thanks

We have 3 empty 1/4" male spade connectors on our fuse panel. You need a 1/4" female on the end of the hot wire of your plug and it goes in the one labelled "constant":



Ground can be picked up almost anywhere you find a bolt going into the frame.