Cigarette Lighter Replacement on 94 Camry

[landlocked]

Using a laptop computer as a GPS while plugged into my cigarette lighter overheated the dash socket. I am attempting to replace the lighter socket, but I am afraid to break the trim around the radio which must be removed to access the socket.

I would appreciate more detailed advice on how to pry off the trim. Are there any hidden screws that must be removed? The repair manual was not clear.

Also I have been advised to increase the gauge of the ground from the socket since that I have been told is what carries off the heat generated from sustained use?

My laptop computer draws 90w, so any recommendations on how heavy of wire that I should use. Where I a good place to attach the secondary ground that I plan to attach to the new socket.

Thanks

[Mike Gerber]

As far as the surround, there are 2 clips that hold the bottom of that surround on. They are on the bottom near the outside of each edge. I use a hook tool, like a dental pick, to get under there and pull outward. You can probably use a taped slotted screwdriver and pry outward. After the bottom is released, you pull the top in toward the dash and then down. It just catches on a little lip there. Then you disconnect the electrical connectors for the lighter and the light back there and it should come right out.

As a side note, there is a 94 Toyota factory service manual stickied at the top of this forum, available for free downloading.

Mike

[landlocked]

Thank Mike,

I was able to get the surround out in one piece. Now it looks like I will have to return the generic replacement socket, since the Camry one looks pretty unique.

I now see that the existing wiring to and from the lighter socket is too light for heavy auxilary use and I'll have to decide whether to bypass it entirely and run new heavier gauge.

My son once tied directly into the battery of his car with a fused line to his boom box installed in the trunk. What do you think of that idea?

[xfeejayx]

Originally Posted by landlocked

My son once tied directly into the battery of his car with a fused line to his boom box installed in the trunk. What do you think of that idea?

I think most aftermarket wiring jobs are done something like that. I have foglights that are done like that. Should work fine as long as you don't get a fuse that is too 'large', and wire is thick enough. Don't ask more from your alternator than it can put out though. 90W shouldn't be a problem at all.

[landlocked]

Thanks feejay,

Yeah, that will definitely be easier. It will mean that the socket is 'always hot' but that might not be a bad thing for an auxillary circuit.

[xfeejayx]

Originally Posted by landlocked

Thanks feejay,

Yeah, that will definitely be easier. It will mean that the socket is 'always hot' but that might not be a bad thing for an auxillary circuit.

put a switch on it, mount it under the dash. can't cost more than a few $. you're running your own wiring anyway.

[landlocked]

freejay,

Yeah, I think that I'll go the complete aux circuit route, though maybe not on the dash.

Earlier I was removing parts (unnecessay parts) to get at the circuit and discovered that it might not be too hard to run an aux socket throught the center counsel and have the plug in the back seat.

Thanks

[landlocked]

I have just finished installing an auxiliary circuit on my 94 Camry.

I used 12ga fused stranded wire from the positive terminal, routed against the firewall. The wife and I were able to pass the wire through the firewall using the factory access located by the wiper motor on the passenger side.

I installed the plug into a hole drilled in the center console on the passenger side next to the hand brake. There is enough room to mount the plug without interfering with the brake.

I routed the positive lead through the center console paying attention to secure the 'always hot' lead away from the brake mechanism. I grounded the plug using 10ga stranded wire to an existing unused bolt hole.

I was warned not to ground too close to the computer (at least 6in away and not using a common ground).

Thanks for all the help and suggestions

[WickedNYCowboy]

Can you guys get a 99 manual available for free downloading??

[Mike Gerber]

Originally Posted by WickedNYCowboy

Can you guys get a 99 manual available for free downloading??

There should be a generation 4 manual available at Toyotanation.com at the top of the general Camry forum.

Mike

[Brian R.]

There is a link to a '99 manual in the sticky post at the top of this forum.