Hey guys, I'm thinking about buying one of these sorts of things off of dealextreme.com,

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1201,

and putting it in my car so I can charge my phone, a laptop, or maybe a game thing, or a GPS.

two questions;
how much power would I need to power 3 items at once?
and
is there some way I could pull out the existing cigarette socket and its housing (i.e. the whole section next to the ashtray) and custom install one of those devices in its place, so then I could have three sockets and a USB? i.e. pull out the housing, cut a larger hole, recess the existing socket, plug in the device (or solder the wires and completely retire it, then fit the new sockets?

just thought it'd be a nifty idea :eeek:

If you're handy with fabricating stuff, you could possibly push your existing socket "back" behind where it is now, plug in that device and mould something to hold and look neat? You might need to get rid of your ashtray as well, but then that will give you more room to play with.

If you're handy with fabricating stuff, you could possibly push your existing socket "back" behind where it is now, plug in that device and mould something to hold and look neat? You might need to get rid of your ashtray as well, but then that will give you more room to play with.

yeah i was thinking that... but then i was also thinking that the connection might be a bit dodgy, so it would be better if i stripped the wires on both and just connected them directly. and i don't need the ashtray, just use it for coins :happy:

if anyone in SA wants to help me with this project it'd be much appreciated. hopefully it will be low cost ($5 for the actual device, few dollars for plastic to make surrounding), think it'd be something fun to do in the mid-term holidays

EDIT: and no, i'm not handy with fabricating stuff... im not exactly the most hands-on person, never did much of that stuff as a kid.. guess it couldn't be too hard, i'll have a look when i get my car back

yeah i was thinking that... but then i was also thinking that the connection might be a bit dodgy, so it would be better if i stripped the wires on both and just connected them directly. and i don't need the ashtray, just use it for coins :happy:

if anyone in SA wants to help me with this project it'd be much appreciated. hopefully it will be low cost ($5 for the actual device, few dollars for plastic to make surrounding), think it'd be something fun to do in the mid-term holidays

EDIT: and no, i'm not handy with fabricating stuff... im not exactly the most hands-on person, never did much of that stuff as a kid.. guess it couldn't be too hard, i'll have a look when i get my car back

That would be a better way to go, to directly wire it (solder and heatshrink). The hardest part would be making the "plate" to hold it in place where the tray\lighter originally were, maybe try and get a TL\TW storage box thingo and adapt that by cutting a hole in the back to feed the wires and just velcro the device to the bottom, with lid closed it will be outta sight.

That would be a better way to go, to directly wire it (solder and heatshrink). The hardest part would be making the "plate" to hold it in place where the tray\lighter originally were, maybe try and get a TL\TW storage box thingo and adapt that by cutting a hole in the back to feed the wires and just velcro the device to the bottom, with lid closed it will be outta sight.

that'd be gangsta! have to go down to the clearance house and see if they have anything which will fit... I'll get dimensions for it and try to get something to match.

Yes, very interested in doing this too, seeing I potentially have iPhone, GPS and DVD player for the kids all going at the same time. Would be interested in getting a USB or 2 as well if that was possible.

My concern is load and heat - could I blow something up or melt something behind the panel where the ashtray was?


Regards, Tony

Yes, very interested in doing this too, seeing I potentially have iPhone, GPS and DVD player for the kids all going at the same time. Would be interested in getting a USB or 2 as well if that was possible.

My concern is load and heat - could I blow something up or melt something behind the panel where the ashtray was?


Regards, Tony

that's why I posted this - i'd be keen on doing it but don't want to ruin my car over charging some phones and stuff :P

any electronics whizzes? any tips on reducing heat or at least a minimum voltage/wattage or whatever would be appreciated

If you're planning on charging a laptop, I'de find out if you can plug it into this socket - last time I checked laptops were 240V charge?

Since you are planning on running multiple items at once, I would run a relay for the Ciggie lighter connection, and new wires (6mm) to the ciggie lighter.

4mm is probably more than enough, I just err on the side of caution if you dont know exactly how many amps you plan to draw from that socket.

You could try what I will be doing soon - I got a TL console storage compartment to replace my ashtray/lighter socket off my neighbor (straight trade) and I will making 2-3 cutouts in the back of it and going to the wreckers to grab some ciggy lighter outset assys. So, they will all be covered with a lid for a nice clean look.

If you're planning on charging a laptop, I'de find out if you can plug it into this socket - last time I checked laptops were 240V charge?

Since you are planning on running multiple items at once, I would run a relay for the Ciggie lighter connection, and new wires (6mm) to the ciggie lighter.

4mm is probably more than enough, I just err on the side of caution if you dont know exactly how many amps you plan to draw from that socket.

I don't know what this means. :)

I have no electronics knowledge, anyone in SA wanna help a brother out?

You could try what I will be doing soon - I got a TL console storage compartment to replace my ashtray/lighter socket off my neighbor (straight trade) and I will making 2-3 cutouts in the back of it and going to the wreckers to grab some ciggy lighter outset assys. So, they will all be covered with a lid for a nice clean look.

pics please? If you could get a part number I could go to Mitsu and see how much they are :D

pics please? If you could get a part number I could go to Mitsu and see how much they are :D

No idea on part number, heres some pictures from MitchellO's car.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v492/mitchello/01122008537.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v492/mitchello/20092008009.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v492/mitchello/20092008017.jpg

thats pretty cool man, if i could cut out some holes in that I could fit the sockets straight into it... maybe cut the circles out and put rubber seals in it, stick the ends of the sockets in?

hey i was thinking about doing this myself...

do they sell these TL-TW ashtray thingos at the clearance house?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v492/mitchello/20092008009.jpg

hey i was thinking about doing this myself...

do they sell these TL-TW ashtray thingos at the clearance house?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v492/mitchello/20092008009.jpg

dunno man, im thinking of heading down there sometime this or next week to see. if not ill go to the mistu spare parts and ask how much!

if you're keen on doing it dude i'm happy to come watch/hang/sort of help/take pictures :D im free on weekends lol

dunno man, im thinking of heading down there sometime this or next week to see. if not ill go to the mistu spare parts and ask how much!

if you're keen on doing it dude i'm happy to come watch/hang/sort of help/take pictures :D im free on weekends lol

haha same here man i would be keen... aslong as the TL/TW ashtray fits straight in.... :S

haha same here man i would be keen... aslong as the TL/TW ashtray fits straight in.... :S

It's not actually an ashtray, its just a storage compartment. Thats what makes it so much better. The lid you see above just flips down. And yes it fits straight in, the rest of my console is TH/TJ.

haha same here man i would be keen... aslong as the TL/TW ashtray fits straight in.... :S

Life has a TH (like mine) so I would assume it would fit straight in :eeek:

keen to give it a shot sometime? what would we need?

1. new plastic TL ashtray replacement
2. cigarette power supply splitters from dealextreme
3. soldering iron/solder?
4. um?

Life has a TH (like mine) so I would assume it would fit straight in :eeek:

keen to give it a shot sometime? what would we need?

1. new plastic TL ashtray replacement
2. cigarette power supply splitters from dealextreme
3. soldering iron/solder?
4. um?
Well, the way I am to do it is get stock ciggy lighter outlets from the wreckers (no more then $1 each) with the factory wires to connect them.

Then setup a relay on the existing wire and put a bigger wire from the battery in place to feed them allowing for even spread.

I will then join all 2-3 outlets to the new thicker power wire and setup a bigger ground as well.

Using the genuine lighter sockets, I can also use the T5 globes to illuminate them.

So, my parts list is:

3x Genuine Lighter Sockets (With T5 Bulb holders and pos/neg wire clips)
3m of Red Wire (about double the thickness of the factory ciggy lighter wiring)
1m of Black/brown wire to setup a new stronger ground
1m of heatstrink
An automotive relay
An inline fuse holder (will go in the engine bay)
And last of all, some fuses for the fuse holder

Tools required:
- Soldering iron
- Solder
- Wire strippers
- Stanley Knife (to slit the grommet)

Well, the way I am to do it is get stock ciggy lighter outlets from the wreckers (no more then $1 each) with the factory wires to connect them.

Then setup a relay on the existing wire and put a bigger wire from the battery in place to feed them allowing for even spread.

I will then join all 2-3 outlets to the new thicker power wire and setup a bigger ground as well.

Using the genuine lighter sockets, I can also use the T5 globes to illuminate them.

how long do you expect the actual job to take? i.e. replacing the original wire with the thicker one

how long do you expect the actual job to take? i.e. replacing the original wire with the thicker one

Using a relay, about half an hour, I updated the above post with a parts list.

Using a relay, about half an hour, I updated the above post with a parts list.

clever guy! be sure to post a write-up (and i expect a thankyou for having amazing ideas :happy:)

nah but seriously i would be heaps interested in seeing a detailed write-up :D

BTW what are the sockets rated at?

For my tom tom i got a twin socket from repco. Same thing as pictured but a twin. I cut off the male side of the plug and wired it into the back of the cig lighter but behind the dash. So when you looked at the dash it all looked standard but i had two more sockets behind hidden. I have then run my tom tom cord under the dash and plugged it in. Looks very neat and tidy and i dont have cords and plugs everywhere and i can still use my standard socket for what ever is needed..:)

For my tom tom i got a twin socket from repco. Same thing as pictured but a twin. I cut off the male side of the plug and wired it into the back of the cig lighter but behind the dash. So when you looked at the dash it all looked standard but i had two more sockets behind hidden. I have then run my tom tom cord under the dash and plugged it in. Looks very neat and tidy and i dont have cords and plugs everywhere and i can still use my standard socket for what ever is needed..:)

that's cool, could we see a picture?

Here's what I did:

http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showpost.php?p=566276&postcount=4

You can get the Sutars outlets from boating/caravan stores eg RVDirect (http://www.rvdirect.com.au/?Nav=Pdt&product_id=14701&category_id=4&sub_category_id=722&PageID=8&wp=8) for $14 or so.

I've since put another one right near the stock cigarette lighter facing into the passenger's footwell and one in the boot of my Dad's TF sedan.

I've run a 3-way fridge on the one in the back and iPod/phone charger on the footwell one. It's handy as you have something charging and two coffees in the cup holders :)

Here's what I did:

http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showpost.php?p=566276&postcount=4

You can get the Sutars outlets from boating/caravan stores eg RVDirect (http://www.rvdirect.com.au/?Nav=Pdt&product_id=14701&category_id=4&sub_category_id=722&PageID=8&wp=8) for $14 or so.

I've since put another one right near the stock cigarette lighter facing into the passenger's footwell and one in the boot of my Dad's TF sedan.

I've run a 3-way fridge on the one in the back and iPod/phone charger on the footwell one. It's handy as you have something charging and two coffees in the cup holders :)

That is awesome! that's a good idea because it doesn't clutter the dash, doesn't get in the way of the cup holders...

don't wanna come over to my place and do it?

It's a fair drive from Canberra to Adelaide!

Though I will be in town in a month or so with my wife and little girl on a 6 month camping jaunt right around Oz :-)

It's a fair drive from Canberra to Adelaide!

Though I will be in town in a month or so with my wife and little girl on a 6 month camping jaunt right around Oz :-)

hahah look me up!

nah but its a very cool idea, do a write up on it if you have the time! i know a lot of people would appreciate it, myself included

Ask and you shall receive.

I've just tapped into the stock cig lighter wiring for power.

The hard part is lining up the hole so as not to take out anything important!

The extra wire you see here is the start of the run to the other outlet at the back of the car. I earthed it to a bolt holding the transmission selector subframe in place.

Inside the ashtray:
In our original TJ, since we are not smokers, I did a similar trick as mentioned above by Jason/EGO - except that we mounted the two cig-adaptors inside the ashtray - so when ashtray is opened and that metal cover springs up, it reveals two cig-sockets side by side. Apart from the "surprise and delight" of having two cig-sockets pop-up at you, its not that good...... power adaptors for phone, uhf, ipod, tomtom hang out of ashtray, block a cupholder and generally disappoint.

Under the Console:
Again, much like Jason/EGO, we tapped into the phone connection, and ran a 3 or 4 socket unit back immediately behind the gear selector under the console. Multiple phone adaptors can sit down there, immediately in front of the console liner-box. Curly-cords and small power plugs can be fed up through the latch hole for the lid. IPod plugs are too big to fit through that hole, but phone, uhf, tomtom are fine. This works out quite convenient, esp for items which are always in the car. Curly cords can be flipped back into console box when not required and pulled out as needed. In my install, I ran a switch from Phone connector so I can choose to have ACC power (switched with Ign) or unswitched power (constant 12v) as occasionally it is convenient to lock a phone or iPod in the car and recharge while car is locked (so charges with Ign off). In one car I put the "on/on" switch on side of console - actually through the carpet - and hidden by side of drivers seat. In another, I just put the on/on switch on top of the console panel, immediately in front of the drivers cupholder - mars the console, but much more convenient.

thanks for that response elwyn, its cool to hear everyone else's ideas

i bought a TL thingy today (the pop-out piece that replaces ashtray and cigarette lighter) and plan to paint it sometime. any tips on painting? never done it before. i'd assume i need to sand it down to get down to bare plastic, then paint it. how do i make it smooth? does anyone have a decent write up either here or on the internet?

so yeah, i plan to replace that, then feed the wires from the cigarette socket down to the side of the passengers footwell, and try to install 3 sockets in there.

any tips? or would anyone like to help? i will buy beer :-D (of course, you'll have to drive because I'm on my Ps :happy:)

what do you guys think?

Guys,
Under the console you all have a 4 pin plug which is the mobile phone power unit, you have a constant, acc power and earth. Is made to carry more power and saves you cutting up into your lighter harness

Life, what is it with Relays, a power port does not need a relay as you are not switching anything. Lights, horns etc all use relays to take the load off the switch. Power outlets are low current and not switched so you are both wasting a relay and your time installing it. Let me also guess, you are still using the existing wiring so again the relay is not switching anything.....

Guys,
Under the console you all have a 4 pin plug which is the mobile phone power unit, you have a constant, acc power and earth. Is made to carry more power and saves you cutting up into your lighter harness

Oh wow... so if I was to do as I stated above, I would connect a wire to the acc power to connect the multiple power sockets, then just fit them wherever I please? I'd like to keep the original lighter and wire there so if I want to change it back to stock i can

therefore it'd be a matter of:
1. removing original surroundings including lighter/ashtray
2. attaching wire from accessory power (under the console) to the new cigarette lighter sockets in the passenger footwell
3. customising the footwell to put the sockets in
4. installing new ashtray section

yes?

Guys,
Under the console you all have a 4 pin plug which is the mobile phone power unit, you have a constant, acc power and earth. Is made to carry more power and saves you cutting up into your lighter harness

Life, what is it with Relays, a power port does not need a relay as you are not switching anything. Lights, horns etc all use relays to take the load off the switch. Power outlets are low current and not switched so you are both wasting a relay and your time installing it. Let me also guess, you are still using the existing wiring so again the relay is not switching anything.....

Mal,

I think what Life was pointing out to using relays (pretty sure I did aswell) was to seperate the circuit from the lighter circuit.

I dont think an Ipod, Navman have much current draw. However things like charging a laptop might well have a higher draw than the original ciggie lighter was built for.

Out of curiosity - what is the current rating for the ciggie lighter? 10amps?

Mal,

I think what Life was pointing out to using relays (pretty sure I did aswell) was to seperate the circuit from the lighter circuit.

I dont think an Ipod, Navman have much current draw. However things like charging a laptop might well have a higher draw than the original ciggie lighter was built for.

Out of curiosity - what is the current rating for the ciggie lighter? 10amps?

http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showpost.php?p=566276&postcount=4 was posted above, quoting 15A for the line.

Most laptop chargers are about 90W ( http://www.batteriesplus.com.au/pd/458/295/laptop-power-supply-in-car-1524vdc-6a/ ) so you can usually put a 10A fuse behind these if they dont come with one.

Some chunky laptops need 120-150W (like 17" beasts) to power them, so you'd need to hardwire a 12-240v converter in to run one of those.

Good info cheers :)

My idea for a relay was to simply allow more current through the outlets, stock it is 15 amps, using a relay you could double it to 30, which is probably a good idea if you are adding additional outlets, it means you are most likely going to be using more power.

I'm going to try to completely revamp my wiring on the weekend, redoing my switches for the neons, my power antenna, and installing 2 new sockets. This setup is going to be using 3 relays.

The first relay will be wired to a rotary switch, allowing a "mode" to be selected for my footwell neons (Which are currently always-on)
The second relay will be doing the same, but not wired to anything as of yet, it will be in future wired to exterior LED strips mounted on my skirts
The third relay will be feeding power to the ciggy lighters

All 3 relays will be running from a single thicker power-source wire with 3 seperate fuses (25 amp on the 12v sockets) and 6 amp on the lighting.

Relays are to be used on the lighting because each circuit is holding 4-5 tubes/strips 30cm long, the front ones being about an inch thick.

I just need to find a way to clean up all the wiring :P lots of wiring coming from all over the place!

@twelvelooksjustlikeyou,

When you remove console and clip-out the original lighter/ash-try panel, can you suss-out how much depth will be available BEHIND that area........

If you put the TL "cabinet" in there would it be possible to flush-mount a number of cig-sockets into the BACK of the TL storage pocket? I mean have just the socket hole facing the storage area, all the bulk out behind the pocket.

I have a TL unit in crap condition, just wondering if it could be fitted as described, so power-adaptors and curly cords could be completely contained IN the TL storage pocket? Only thing with this idea, would be noice to have door closed but still have some cords out being used, and filing gaps in the door might look like poo.

@twelvelooksjustlikeyou,

When you remove console and clip-out the original lighter/ash-try panel, can you suss-out how much depth will be available BEHIND that area........

If you put the TL "cabinet" in there would it be possible to flush-mount a number of cig-sockets into the BACK of the TL storage pocket? I mean have just the socket hole facing the storage area, all the bulk out behind the pocket.

I have a TL unit in crap condition, just wondering if it could be fitted as described, so power-adaptors and curly cords could be completely contained IN the TL storage pocket? Only thing with this idea, would be noice to have door closed but still have some cords out being used, and filing gaps in the door might look like poo.
I'll let you know, I'm gonna drop by the wreckers and grab some spare 12v outlets from the wreckers once O'brians get here and fix my windscreen/rv mirror. I'll post up a how-to.

Also crap condition is fine (provided the clip isnt broken) - It will have to be resprayed to match the rest of the console anyway.

thanks for that response elwyn, its cool to hear everyone else's ideas

i bought a TL thingy today (the pop-out piece that replaces ashtray and cigarette lighter) and plan to paint it sometime. any tips on painting? never done it before. i'd assume i need to sand it down to get down to bare plastic, then paint it. how do i make it smooth? does anyone have a decent write up either here or on the internet?

Hey dude - Did you buy it direct from mits or hit up a wreckers?

I know a couple of people were looking for a part no if you have one?

Hey dude - Did you buy it direct from mits or hit up a wreckers?

I know a couple of people were looking for a part no if you have one?

went to a wreckers, they had heaps of them - paid $25 for it as well

there are two numbers on the back:

MR926299
and
>PP-TD20<

take your pick :D

please give us a write up as im clueless to what im doing :D haha

went to a wreckers, they had heaps of them - paid $25 for it as well

there are two numbers on the back:

MR926299
and
>PP-TD20<

take your pick :D

please give us a write up as im clueless to what im doing :D haha
Will do :)

Will have to grab some batteries for my camera :)

Btw MR926299 is the part number. Cheers.

Will do :)

Will have to grab some batteries for my camera :)

Btw MR926299 is the part number. Cheers.

its all about helpin a brother out :facejump:

good luck dude!

how do i take the centre ashtray/lighter bit out? there are two clips on the top corners that i can pull but i don't know where to go from there... it feels like it's attached to teh cup holder etc. section

any ideas

Lift cupholder panel out first. Put gearstick at about Neutral. Pull up on little oddment bin at the back, and pull up on gearstick opening. When clips pop out, pull towards back of car slightly to disengage some plastic tabs from the bottom of the ashtray panel.

There are old threads with pics, if you need better instructions.

Lift cupholder panel out first. Put gearstick at about Neutral. Pull up on little oddment bin at the back, and pull up on gearstick opening. When clips pop out, pull towards back of car slightly to disengage some plastic tabs from the bottom of the ashtray panel.

There are old threads with pics, if you need better instructions.

done, thanks so much!

OK so I've swapped my TH lighter and ashtray for a TL pocket compartment thing

pics:

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c294/guitar_is_god/04032009020.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c294/guitar_is_god/04032009021.jpg

i actually don't mind the silver, might not paint it black (saves me a hassle too haha)

is this the accessory power cable? what mal was talking about?

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c294/guitar_is_god/04032009022.jpg

I think the plan now is to take out the passengers footwell interior bit... um this bit

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c294/guitar_is_god/04032009023.jpg

that bit im pointing at

now i think i might just put the original lighter socket that i originally removed, cut a circular hole in that part in the pic above, and fit the socket in there.

does this sound feasible?

how do i get that part in the picture out?

went to a wreckers, they had heaps of them - paid $25 for it as well



Which wrecker did you go to?

Which wrecker did you go to?


eddies wreckers on south rd, near castle plaza (probably a km up to the city from CP?) they have so many parts, grills and everything

I think the plan now is to take out the passengers footwell interior bit... um this bit

that bit im pointing at

now i think i might just put the original lighter socket that i originally removed, cut a circular hole in that part in the pic above, and fit the socket in there.

does this sound feasible?

how do i get that part in the picture out?

Not 100% sure how to get the centre console bit out, but if you look under the cosole top when it's off, you can see screws\bolts holding the centre console bottom in, undo those and you may be able to remove the whole lot

Not 100% sure how to get the centre console bit out, but if you look under the cosole top when it's off, you can see screws\bolts holding the centre console bottom in, undo those and you may be able to remove the whole lot
went to the wreckers today, those bits are in pretty well, couldn't understand how to get them out without snapping them lol

also, i got a couple more cigarette lighter sockets, so now i have three. how would i go about creating three separate wires for each socket?

1/ The square plug in your pics certainly looks like what Mal was talking about - the Phone Kit connector. Was it bolted to a kind of cross-member underneath the cupholders?

You will probably find that it has an empty "Plug" piece clipped to the connector - you can buy crimp connectors at Dick Smith or Jaycar which can be poked down into the plug piece to clip in. However, you should crimp or solder your new wires to those connectors before you clip them into the plug. They are 6.4mm crimp connectors you need to buy, just not sure if it's male of female you need - hope you can work it out.

Wires in phone kit plug (for TJ loom):

Blue is Phone Mute, goe to HU
Black wire is Ground/earth
Constant 12v (always on) is Red wire with Black Trace
Switched 12v (on with key) is Blue wire with White Trace/

2/ Decide carefully where you want to put your three cig sockets, before you chop up trims in visible areas of the car.
Also look carefully - maybe at Wreckers - to see if there is room behind whichever spot you choose. I know I found it quite a hassle to site a simple small switch in sides of console, access was tight (altho, I must admit, I was trying to do it without removing panels, too lazy for that!). Depends what you want to use the sockets for, and how regular you plan to use them. For instance, I always have my TomTom between steering wheel and Drivers A-pillar, so I plan to have socket for Tom Tom down under drivers lower dash panel and run the TomTom cable up and out the gap at base of A-pillar - I have sep TomTom cord for each car, so socket and cord will be semi-permanent fixture.

3/ Prepare wiring for your three sockets, cut to length required for each, etc. Crimp and/or solder (solder is def best option) the three wires for power onto ONE crimp connector, Repeat for other wire/s required. Insulate the "back" of the crimp connectors, and clip into the plug part of the phone-connector if you use this. Getting three connected onto one may be tricky, should be do-able.

TAKE CARE when siting the wires in the plug piece - remember that you need to have a view of the BACK of the plug and compare to the loom piece - you don't want to have your wires hooked-up in a mirror image of teh correct way. CHECK when done that your power wire in plug matches the right colour for power-wire in the loom.