Add delayed 12v accessory plug?

[Bort76]

I'm really enjoying my new 2009 Fusion (SE V6), but there is one feature that I am missing and I was hoping some of the audiophiles on here might be able to help. I have a portable GPS that uses the 12v accessory socket for power. But, the accessory ports on the Fusion are always on. I don't want to keep plugging and unplugging, so I want to wire up a delayed socket, preferably under the dash somewhere. I'd prefer if it used the same "accessory delay" as the radio: the one that turns off automatically after the car is shut off and the door opened.

 

Also, it would be great if I didn't have the run wires through the firewall. On my old car, I just spliced into an unused wiring harness under the dash, and that worked like a charm.

 

So, any suggestions? (And any specific details about the locations of power drops or harnesses, wire colors, or pin outs would be appreciated.)

 

Thanks.

[Mercury Milan]

So you're just looking for something that comes on/off with the key? Should be a fuse that does this already. The radio would also have something to tap into. You can also go to any Best Buy or Circuit City (oh wait they went belly up didn't they?) or auto stereo shop and they have modules that will do this for you. Most have a control for how long the delay is for. If you keep your GPS in the car all the time just know that it is currently the number 1 reason for car break ins, so make sure your insurance covers it.

[Bort76]

If you keep your GPS in the car all the time just know that it is currently the number 1 reason for car break ins, so make sure your insurance covers it.

 

That is good advice. I always remove the GPS when I get out of the car, especially in my neighborhood. But, having the mount sitting there on the windshield is probably just as tempting. A would-be thief probably thinks the GPS is still in there somewhere.

 

Also, thanks for the suggestions. I'll have to check those out.

[DJ Starr]

Ironically enough, I was thinking of doing the same thing. I popped into Best Buy yesterday to ask what they charge, $50 ouch.

 

I have my mount by my little cubby in the centerstack near the cig lighter. Not too obvious like on the windshield but not hidden by any means. I am used to having a nav always on and often look down to see the roads, even if I am not using it for a route per se. It comes in handy during traffic jams and what not.

 

I figure I will tap into the fuse box once I find a suitable port. Anyone taken a look yet? It is cold here so I won't be tackling it for a while but I will post my results when I do.

 

Anyone figured out a nice way to conceal it in the center stack glove box? That could be slick.

[Mercury Milan]

A would-be thief probably thinks the GPS is still in there somewhere.

You can count on it. Plus once they realize that there is nothing to steal, they will often times get angry and do additional interior damage of some sort.

 

It comes in handy during traffic jams and what not.

Yeah once you use a GPS it is hard to go without one. They have certainly helped me a lot. My next one will either be a Navigon 8100T or a built in one, depending on how Ford handles orders for the new Milan hybrid....

[Bort76]

I've been researching this a bit, and I think I know the direction I want to go. I'm thinking about getting something like this...

 

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.c...tnumber=071-580

 

...and crimping on the accessory socket. Then I just have to find a ground.

 

I was looking at the fuse panel diagram and it looks like #12 is the "delay accessory" fuse. If I tap into that, I should be in business. (The fuse door won't fit back on, but I don't think that'll be a problem.)

 

Thoughts?

[Mercury Milan]

Yes, those work fine. Just double check and make sure that it will physically fit before you buy one. I would also order a little bit of heat shrink to go over the crimp connection. As far as the ground goes, it should be easy to find, but you might want to do that once it warms up outside :shift:

[Mercury Milan]

By the way, looking at that crimp, if it's a standard size for a blue crimp, then this should work better [ size wise ]. I would call them and have them pull one off the shelf and do a visual for you, that way you'll know you're getting the right size heat shrink, but I'd be surprised if 3/8 didn't work. I was also told that AutoZone sells that same part for five dollars. You might be able to find everything they're cheaper and save on shipping. If you or someone that you know as a hair dryer, use that to shrink it down instead of a match or a lighter.

[Bort76]

Thanks for the help! I'll probably hit an AutoZone or Advance or whatever in the near future, so I'll check that out.

 

.. but you might want to do that once it warms up outside

 

Agreed!

[Bort76]

In case anyone is still interested, I added the accessory outlet with no problem using a fuse-tap (just like the one I linked to above) that I picked up at AutoZone for a couple of bucks. It works great and has exactly the behavior I was looking for. The only small issue is that the fusebox door no longer fits. But, I don't think this is critical.

 

Thanks!

[Mercury Milan]

You should be able to easily make an extension cable for that fuse tap so that the door closes properly. Autozone, or even walmart should have everything that you need. Something like these and these should do the trick :)

[RanNelson]

Hey everyone...I just bought my Fusion the other day, so I have not tinkered with the wiring yet, but I do have some advice....

 

Going to Best Buy and paying $50 is not all that bad a deal. I have been in the 12V install industry for many years, and for the work that needs to be done that it pretty good (as long as it includes all supplies).

 

It is a pretty easy job, but I would avoid tapping into the fuse box. It will work, yes. But it is not as reliable as hardwiring it in. Just food for thought...

[kpomeraning]

Going to Best Buy and paying $50 is not all that bad a deal ... It is a pretty easy job, but I would avoid tapping into the fuse box. It will work, yes. But it is not as reliable as hardwiring it in. Just food for thought...

 

On this one, I think we're going to have to disagree. If you're using one of the add-a-circuit fuse holders, it's certainly something most folks should be able to do themselves. Granted, if they're the type which can't change a fuse themselves then by all means, they should have someone do it for them. I strongly suspect most of the readers in these forums surpassed that level of ability some time ago...

 

The instructions for the add-a-circuit fuseblock as very simple and very clear -- wire in your accessory (in most cases for this topic, a simple accessory outlet) and connect that outlet to the fuseblock's lead and wire the ground side to a grounding location. Plug it in and see if it works. If it does, you have the add-a-circuit plugged in correctly -- you're drawing your power from the line side, not the load side of the existing circuit. If it doesn't work, pull the add-a-circuit block and flip it over (swapping the line and load sides). One you've got the accessory working, add the existing fuse to the add-a-circuit fuseblock to return the original circuit to service.

 

Some of you may be wondering, why go to that trouble -- I'd just hardwire the accessory in. Great, except most Automotive GPS units aren't 12 volts -- they're 5 volts. Hardwire that GPS directly into your car's wiring and you should plan on going shopping for a new GPS (and hope you don't need a map to find your store)! In the case of the wife-mobile, her GPS has not only the transformer in that cigarette lighter adapter, but it also has a radio transmitter for directions over the car stereo - so installing an additional accessory outlet makes sense -- especially when you've added it to the delay circuit. The 3 amps the GPS draws is safely covered by the delay circuit breaker -- and the 7.5amp main delay circuit is unaffected. Now the GPS is powered when the car is running, and powers itself off after the ignition is turned off. Perfect.

[Mercury Milan]

...and hope you don't need a map to find your store

LOL :finger: