9 replies to this topic

[roga]

Model: MPI Cooper
Year: 1999
Description of problem: safely wiring a cigarette lighter in

Just wondering if anyone has any experience and might be able to give any advice about (safely) wiring in a cigarette lighter in an Mpi.

Or is there a technical guide somewhere? (searched but couldn't find one)

Cheers and thanks

[Cygnet45]

Whoa spooky, I've got a green 1999 mpi and wired in an aux power socket a few months ago. Without taking my dashboard off to remind myself I think I just got the feed from the clock by making a piggy back connector off the back of the clock. I didn't even have to drill a hole for the earth, there's a bracket on the left hand side behind the glove box so made an earth wire with an "O" ring thingy on it and connected it to that.
I drilled a hole in the back of the glove box bin and put the socket in that so it's hidden away inside the glove box.
Purist electrical engineers may wince at my electrics but it seems to work ok and hasn't blown a fuse or anything.

http://cgi.ebay.co.u...=item1e58f4ba26

[AVV IT]

There are a few options, the most popular (probably due to the close proximity of the wiring) seems to be to take a feed from the stereo, alternatively you could take a permanent live feed from the fuse box. Both of these are safe options so long as your wiring is good and you use the correctly rated in-line fuse. My lighter socket is mounted at the bottom of an aftermarket centre console, so I chose to run a new feed straight from the battery with an in-line fuse in situ, (this was just less hassle than removing the dash/ stereo or trying to run a feed through the bulk head). It also removes any risks of overloading any existing circuit that you would otherwise "piggy back" onto. Oh and you will also need to find somewhere to earth it to, (lower dash rail, heater or some such), depending on where your fitting the lighter socket i guess.

[roga]

Thanks Cygnet45 and AVV IT

Whoa spooky, I've got a green 1999 mpi and wired in an aux power socket a few months ago.

LOL, spooky indeed!

There are a few options, the most popular (probably due to the close proximity of the wiring) seems to be to take a feed from the stereo, alternatively you could take a permanent live feed from the fuse box.

Is that the fuse box on the drivers side in the cabin?

Both of these are safe options so long as your wiring is good and you use the correctly rated in-line fuse.

Being a complete ignoramus can I ask what the correct rating is or is that dependent on the lighter that's fitted?

My lighter socket is mounted at the bottom of an aftermarket centre console, so I chose to run a new feed straight from the battery with an in-line fuse in situ, (this was just less hassle than removing the dash/ stereo or trying to run a feed through the bulk head). It also removes any risks of overloading any existing circuit that you would otherwise "piggy back" onto. Oh and you will also need to find somewhere to earth it to, (lower dash rail, heater or some such), depending on where your fitting the lighter socket i guess.

I have a new console with the lighter in it, it's one of the Custom Console ones so the lighter is just under the twin air vents (which will be under the switch panel once it's installed). If you run it straight from the battery does this mean the lighter can be used whether or not the ignition is on?

Edited by roga, 18 June 2010 - 04:21 PM.

[roga]

Apparently the March 2009 issue of Mini Mag had an article about how to do this and I have the Feb and April one's and not the March ... doh!

Anyone happen to have this issue for sale or have it and a scanner kicking around?

[AVV IT]

Yes that's the fuse box on the off side/drivers side of the bulkhead. Yes if you run a feed from the battery then it will be a permanent live (i.e. it will remain on whilst the engine is off, (which is generally what you require for a 12v socket) the same would be true if you take a permanent live from the stereo harness or the fuse box. The correct rated fuse is going to depend on what device you intend to connect, if your gonna power something like a sat nav then a 5A fuse will be adequate, but if you actually intend to use it as a ciggy lighter then your gonna need something bigger or shes gonna blow !!

[roga]

Thanks for that AVV IT, will have to wait to try this until next weekend, Mini is in the bodyshop until Monday at the earliest, will be good to have him back

[Pooky]

I prefer to use a switched live (i.e. only comes on with the ignition turned). This way I know I won't drain the battery if I leave something plugged in.

An alternative could be to use a permanent live then fit a switch to the live or earth wire. This way you can use the socket even if you don't have the keys to hand but can flick the switch to turn off the socket without having to unplug your device

[E-Tizzle]

i dont know if anyones said it yet but INLINE FUSE!!

10amp.

if your taking power from the radio and something happens. it could blow the whole thing and i think a radio is more expensive than a fuse.

so just cut the power wire, and either use connectors or soldier it in. that way u a safe mofo!

i personally (just because it was easier, ran i wire into the fuse box and another over to the earth connector on the servo bracket.

oh and i got my cl from ebay for £2.50 i think. (using best offer)

http://cgi.ebay.co.u...60#ht_720wt_704

[roga]

i dont know if anyones said it yet but INLINE FUSE!!

10amp.

if your taking power from the radio and something happens. it could blow the whole thing and i think a radio is more expensive than a fuse.

Sure is LOL, yeah inline fuse seems to be a recurring piece of advice so will do that.

so just cut the power wire, and either use connectors or soldier it in. that way u a safe mofo!

i personally (just because it was easier, ran i wire into the fuse box and another over to the earth connector on the servo bracket.

Sounds like a plan and again it's something I've heard from some others too, the one spare fuse as far as I can see is the sunroof one in my car. I also need to find the wiring for the lights 'because it's one of those ones that glows in the dark when the lights are on, wiring diagram needed I think, I have one somewhere.

Still trying to find a copy of that March 2009 Mini Magazine so if anyone has it and is willing to sell, scan or photograph it please do let me know.

Ta