Tap power from Ashtray lighter - safe?
#1
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2008 Aston Martin DB9 6MT, 2008 Porsche Cayenne, 2003 Mercedes S500
Tap power from Ashtray lighter - safe?
I've been searching through the forums and have read numerous threads of people tapping into the power source from behind the ashtray cigarette lighter.
I am looking to power both a passport radar as well as the harmon kardon drive and play for ipods.
Is it safe to do it yourself? I've done some minor electrical wiriing previously and have hardwired the passport radar for my Audi. However, it seems that mercedes has a lot of electrical components and I'm concerned that a minor mistake could cause a major issue in the car (especially the main computer). What do you think? Take it to a professional or do it myself?
Also, what could possibly go wrong as far as electrical problems when tapping into the power from behind the ashtray? Is it safe to tap TWO units into the power source from behind the ashtray?
Any input or help would be appreciated.
I am looking to power both a passport radar as well as the harmon kardon drive and play for ipods.
Is it safe to do it yourself? I've done some minor electrical wiriing previously and have hardwired the passport radar for my Audi. However, it seems that mercedes has a lot of electrical components and I'm concerned that a minor mistake could cause a major issue in the car (especially the main computer). What do you think? Take it to a professional or do it myself?
Also, what could possibly go wrong as far as electrical problems when tapping into the power from behind the ashtray? Is it safe to tap TWO units into the power source from behind the ashtray?
Any input or help would be appreciated.
#2
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I've been searching through the forums and have read numerous threads of people tapping into the power source from behind the ashtray cigarette lighter.
I am looking to power both a passport radar as well as the harmon kardon drive and play for ipods.
Is it safe to do it yourself? I've done some minor electrical wiriing previously and have hardwired the passport radar for my Audi. However, it seems that mercedes has a lot of electrical components and I'm concerned that a minor mistake could cause a major issue in the car (especially the main computer). What do you think? Take it to a professional or do it myself?
Also, what could possibly go wrong as far as electrical problems when tapping into the power from behind the ashtray? Is it safe to tap TWO units into the power source from behind the ashtray?
Any input or help would be appreciated.
I am looking to power both a passport radar as well as the harmon kardon drive and play for ipods.
Is it safe to do it yourself? I've done some minor electrical wiriing previously and have hardwired the passport radar for my Audi. However, it seems that mercedes has a lot of electrical components and I'm concerned that a minor mistake could cause a major issue in the car (especially the main computer). What do you think? Take it to a professional or do it myself?
Also, what could possibly go wrong as far as electrical problems when tapping into the power from behind the ashtray? Is it safe to tap TWO units into the power source from behind the ashtray?
Any input or help would be appreciated.
#3
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CLS 63 S AMG , s500,clk550
i forgot who it was but sombody here wired there radar detector on top of their rearview mirror and the wire disspeared through the cars ceiling. next to the rearview mirror support base.
#4
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Is it safe to do it yourself?
As long as you don't overload the lighter fuse with the extras it shall be ok. Check the amperage of the fuse and the amps of the additional devices, then you know. Don't insert a larger fuse, since the wires may not be designed for higher amps.
As long as you don't overload the lighter fuse with the extras it shall be ok. Check the amperage of the fuse and the amps of the additional devices, then you know. Don't insert a larger fuse, since the wires may not be designed for higher amps.
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2008 Aston Martin DB9 6MT, 2008 Porsche Cayenne, 2003 Mercedes S500
I've been testing my escort 8500 radar in the position where you mounted above the rear view mirror (left) and also the clear trapezoid area (center bottom). I definitely get 100% signal from the clear trapezoid area, but I feel like I get weaker signals from where you mounted your radar.
Is your radar functioning well at that position?
I would love to mount it where you did, because I also plan to install a harmon kardon drive & play and need to install the screen on the dash. I don't want to clutter the dash with both the radar and the screen.
Also, did you wire it to under the drivers seat or behind the ashtray?
Last edited by patrickxkim; 04-06-2007 at 10:08 AM.
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#9
Thanks for the help and the pics.
I've been testing my escort 8500 radar in the position where you mounted above the rear view mirror (left) and also the clear trapezoid area (center bottom). I definitely get 100% signal from the clear trapezoid area, but I feel like I get weaker signals from where you mounted your radar.
Is your radar functioning well at that position?
I would love to mount it where you did, because I also plan to install a harmon kardon drive & play and need to install the screen on the dash. I don't want to clutter the dash with both the radar and the screen.
Also, did you wire it to under the drivers seat or behind the ashtray?
I've been testing my escort 8500 radar in the position where you mounted above the rear view mirror (left) and also the clear trapezoid area (center bottom). I definitely get 100% signal from the clear trapezoid area, but I feel like I get weaker signals from where you mounted your radar.
Is your radar functioning well at that position?
I would love to mount it where you did, because I also plan to install a harmon kardon drive & play and need to install the screen on the dash. I don't want to clutter the dash with both the radar and the screen.
Also, did you wire it to under the drivers seat or behind the ashtray?