98 windstar install power for dvd player
peter63north
09-28-2004, 04:38 PM
I have a 98 windstar GL 3.8
I thought I'd ask here to see if I'm going to create problems before I do anything. I'd like to install a cigarrette light plug in the second or third row to power a portable dvd player we bought for the kids (long roadtrips to grandma's house, 3hrs+).
Has anyone else done this? Would the power doorlock switch have enough current? How about the fan controll switch? Any help greatly apprecitated.
I thought I'd ask here to see if I'm going to create problems before I do anything. I'd like to install a cigarrette light plug in the second or third row to power a portable dvd player we bought for the kids (long roadtrips to grandma's house, 3hrs+).
Has anyone else done this? Would the power doorlock switch have enough current? How about the fan controll switch? Any help greatly apprecitated.
12Ounce
09-28-2004, 05:13 PM
We recently made a week long trip with a friend who has two young daughters. I suggested she bring along her DVD player as the trip included many boring miles. I gathered several of my (appropriate) DVD's to add to the ones she brought. One of my better suggestions... they remained quiet, watching (a total of 16, I think) movies in the rear... while the adults listened to music up front.
We started out using the recommended 12vdc lighter connector (that she had just bought) and hooked it into the player's 12v input port. That did not work so well.. player batteries slowly died. We stopped at a Radio Shack and bought their largest (200watt?) 12vdc - 120vac converter ...that worked very well. Just plugged into the rear-of-van 12v power port.
I'm not sure I understand your question about the switches. My SEL has a few "power ports". One is on a single 20 amp fuse ... it being the only load. The rear one shares a 20 amp fuse with the rear ac fan relays (coils only, I suspect).
We started out using the recommended 12vdc lighter connector (that she had just bought) and hooked it into the player's 12v input port. That did not work so well.. player batteries slowly died. We stopped at a Radio Shack and bought their largest (200watt?) 12vdc - 120vac converter ...that worked very well. Just plugged into the rear-of-van 12v power port.
I'm not sure I understand your question about the switches. My SEL has a few "power ports". One is on a single 20 amp fuse ... it being the only load. The rear one shares a 20 amp fuse with the rear ac fan relays (coils only, I suspect).
peter63north
09-29-2004, 12:32 AM
I was wondering about an inverter, sounds like the way to go. To plug in the inverter I'm still going to need power near the back of the van. I want to leave the front cigarette lighter free to run my palm/gps unit.
The switches I'm refering to are the power door lock switch on the drivers side. I'd have to remove the interior panel and get at the 'live' wires then cut into a wire to draw power. In my 98 GL I don't have (or see) any 'power ports'. I bought it used and unfortunately it wasn't fully loaded with all the options.
The switches I'm refering to are the power door lock switch on the drivers side. I'd have to remove the interior panel and get at the 'live' wires then cut into a wire to draw power. In my 98 GL I don't have (or see) any 'power ports'. I bought it used and unfortunately it wasn't fully loaded with all the options.
SteveNixon
10-02-2004, 10:56 AM
just buy a 12V splitter. It's just like an AC extension cord, but two or three 12volt plugs instead.
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