You can probably find quite a few uses for an extra 12-volt outlet in your vehicle. Installing one in the rear of an SUV, for example, would allow you to plug in an electric cooler, a coffeemaker, a hand-held vacuum or even a converter that gives you the capability of plugging in a laptop computer. In our demonstration, we install an extra outlet in the rear compartment of a 2000-model Ford Explorer. The project involves some electrical wiring, so follow the manufacturer's instructions and diagrams, and consult your vehicle's service manual for complete information on the factory wiring. Keep in mind that there may be variations among installations depending on the vehicle on which you are installing. Following are the basic steps for the installation as shown in our demonstration. Since this project involves some wiring and installation of electrical connections, disconnect the vehicle's negative battery cable before you begin. Materials: 12-volt outlet kit, including wiring
Vehicle service manual
Electric drill with hole-saw attachment
Wire stripper and crimping tool
Screwdriver
Pry tool - Select a location for installation. In our demonstration we installed a single outlet in the side cargo-compartment in the rear of the vehicle (figure A). As long as you're going to be doing some wiring, installation of a double outlet (figure B) can be done just as easily.
- You'll need to remove some of the trim on the passenger side in order to conceal the cable that you'll be running to the forward section of the vehicle for a power source. Use a pry tool to carefully remove the tabs holding the trim in place (figure C).
- Use a drill and hole-saw attachment that matches the size of the receptacle you'll be installing (figure D) to cut a hole in the wall of the cargo compartment. The hole should be just large enough for the receptacle to fit into, but small enough that the flange won't go through.
- Once you're certain you have the right size cutting tool, drill the hole to accommodate the outlet (figure E).
- Insert the outlet in the drilled hole. Make certain that it's seated firmly and install the outer sleeve on the rear portion of the insert to hold it in place (figure F).
- The wiring will consist of a red line to connect to the power source and a green wire for ground (figure G). From the passenger side, run the wire underneath the carpet and around the engine hub to the fuse area. You may opt to connect to the hot side of the ignition switch or, for constant power supply, directly to the battery. In our case, we connected to the ignition to minimize the possibility of accidentally running down the battery.
- Once the receptacle is installed and the wiring is complete, reinstall the cargo compartment with the new outlet and reinstall the trim panels (figure H).
- Reconnect the vehicle battery and test your outlet using a 12-volt accessory.
If you wish to plug in items that use household current, you may want to obtain a 12-volt-to-AC converter (figure I)
RESOURCES :
Vehicles provided by McNelly-Whaley Ford Lincoln Mercury
750 Dolly Parton Parkway
Sevierville, TN 37862
Phone: 865-453-2833
Web site: www.ford4u.com
| 
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
