12v Always On Supply Source

[tjferris]

2001 chevy silverado. Where is my best bet to splice into a constant 12v power source under the dash? I am running a 12 outlet to the back seat to plug in accessories to charge a phone or really anything with a 12v cig. style plug. I don't want to take the entire dash off the truck and would just like to use a quick connect splice to tap into a power source and run it under the trim to the back seat. then i'll just tie off the groundwire on the seat frame or under the dash on an existing bolt. Just need to know the color wire and location, or if there is an easy way to tap into the fuse box.

Thanks

[redvett]

Why not just use the cigarette lighter outlet, its 12v unswitched.

[tjferris]

Why not just use the cigarette lighter outlet, its 12v unswitched.

 

I actually considered that, but like i said i would like something a little easier to get to, it looks like I would have to take quite a bit of the dash apart to get to it. I may just end up doing that, is there an easy way to get the cig outlet out of the dash? or do i have to take off all the dash panels to get to it?

thanks

[silverad03]

Why not just use the cigarette lighter outlet, its 12v unswitched.

 

I actually considered that, but like i said i would like something a little easier to get to, it looks like I would have to take quite a bit of the dash apart to get to it. I may just end up doing that, is there an easy way to get the cig outlet out of the dash? or do i have to take off all the dash panels to get to it?

thanks

 

Not sure how your truck is configured, but my truck has bucket seats with a center console that connects with the dash.

 

On mine, the cigarette lighter is mounted in a large black plastic piece that has a 12v power supply on either side and a CD-sized storage bin underneath the power ports. If yours is like this, just give that whole piece a sturdy tug and it will pop out. Don't worry, it's all plastic and it just snaps in and out. When you get the piece pulled out there will be a wire on each side connecting to the power ports, and there ya go. Do your wiring and snap it back in!

[tjferris]

Why not just use the cigarette lighter outlet, its 12v unswitched.

 

I actually considered that, but like i said i would like something a little easier to get to, it looks like I would have to take quite a bit of the dash apart to get to it. I may just end up doing that, is there an easy way to get the cig outlet out of the dash? or do i have to take off all the dash panels to get to it?

thanks

 

Not sure how your truck is configured, but my truck has bucket seats with a center console that connects with the dash.

 

On mine, the cigarette lighter is mounted in a large black plastic piece that has a 12v power supply on either side and a CD-sized storage bin underneath the power ports. If yours is like this, just give that whole piece a sturdy tug and it will pop out. Don't worry, it's all plastic and it just snaps in and out. When you get the piece pulled out there will be a wire on each side connecting to the power ports, and there ya go. Do your wiring and snap it back in!

 

 

 

mine has bucket seats with the foldup armrest in the center (no console) and a shift on the floor 4X4 system. the outlets are under the hvac controls in the middle of the dash just below the radio. I pulled the trim ring off the dash this afternoon but didn't see an easy way into the outlets without takeing most of the drivers side dash appart. I took the lower panel off the center part of the dash but that didn't help, because to get it fully removed i would have to remove the lower panel on the driver and possibly passenger side.

[ujtruck]

you can use a "Add-A-Circuit" its a kind of fuse on fuse - all you do is plug in to your fuse box, then run your + under the carpert. here is the picture.

 

[eric1514]

Do you have power seats? You could tap a hot from those as they are always on.

 

Eric

[ujtruck]

Do you have power seats? You could tap a hot from those as they are always on.

 

Eric

 

if you get it from fuse box, its much safer - no overload on other circuits - plus eiser to troubleshoot if something gose wrong....

 

we have no control over what they will plug in to - Laptop computers to Drill Hammer etc.

 

I don't like cutting, tapping, pulling wires - alwasy install new circuit, use new sub panel.

[ujtruck]

Here is one way to cut wires:

 

[tjferris]

thanks for all the help. I have decided to tap into the trailer brake control jumper harness. i'm going to just plug it into the panel on the firewall, and hook up the pos. and neg. for the outlet in the rear. then all i should have to do is figure out which fuse and what type to put in the UH fuse block and i should be able to plug in what ever i want.......i belive it is a 40a maxi fuse? but haven't actually pulled the cover to look, it could be the pal type fuse haven't been able to find a def. answer online on that issue for a 2001.

[tjferris]

btw, i'm going thru all this trouble to add a 12v source on the back wall behind the extend cab seat for a gps vehicle tracking system, that will give me live updates as to where the vehicle is. read about it here if anyone is interested....

http://www.accutracking.com

[thecraft]

IMO, the best place to get constant power are the auxiliary posts on the underhood fusebox... if you don't mind having to run a wire through the firewall.