AC Outlet issues

[mcgratjj]

I recently purchased a Sirius satellite radio for my 98 lincoln continental and installed it myself it works fine but I was curious if any one knows if one of the outlets (either the cigarette lighter or the outlet in the center console) only powers on when the car is started if they both run off the battery. If one only starts when the car is started i would be able to just leave it plugged in rather then unplugging everytime. Thanks in advance. ALso the owner maneul does not mention the outlets

[Towncar]

I have the same problem in my Town Car but since it's only a part time installation, I never did anything about it, I just pull the adapter out of the socket a bit till it powers off.

However, in my Mazda, the installation's a bit more permanent so I went the extra mile and added a Cig. Lighter type "Y" adapter to the car.

The one I bought was $6.00 at Wallmart, Target, or one of those places. It had a Cig. Lighter plug on one end which I cut off and trashed, 'cause all I needed was the two sockets. Then I soldered the two sockets into a 'Key On' hot wire. Simple yet effective !!

I use one socket for the Satellite adapter, hidden under the console, and the other socket passes through the console where it's avalable to any accessory. I use the second one for a 12vdc to 120vac inverter.

Oh, while were on the AC/DC subject, this threads' title should read "DC Outlet Issues".

The adapters for $6.00 looks like these:


or this one:

[Bannedonce]

Originally Posted by mcgratjj

I recently purchased a Sirius satellite radio for my 98 lincoln continental and installed it myself it works fine but I was curious if any one knows if one of the outlets (either the cigarette lighter or the outlet in the center console) only powers on when the car is started if they both run off the battery. If one only starts when the car is started i would be able to just leave it plugged in rather then unplugging everytime. Thanks in advance. ALso the owner maneul does not mention the outlets

I dont think it would work with the car off, mabey when your in ACC it will work. You would have to get a attachment that constantly draws power to get it to work the the cars off, i would think

[mcgratjj]

Town Car: So I would simply buy a two outlet adapter but where do i attach it to (is soldering ryabsolutely nessacary) I am unsure of where the wire you speak of is.

When the car is off the radio is still on if plugged in because it runs off the battery

[Towncar]

Originally Posted by mcgratjj

Town Car: So I would simply buy a two outlet adapter but where do i attach it to (is soldering ryabsolutely nessacary) I am unsure of where the wire you speak of is.

When the car is off the radio is still on if plugged in because it runs off the battery

Hi MC --
Like I said, I didn't do this to my Town Car yet, just my Mazda. As for soldering, I do it that way for 100% reliability but most 'professional' installers use wire taps like these:



I've used these connectors in some light-duty, indoors circuits too, but I avoid them most of the time.


Back to your problem of locating the correct wire to tap into:
Let me just say this... if you dont know how to find a wire to tap into, you'd be better off leaving this installation up to someone that can work independantly, here's why:

I can't tell you specifically which wire, nor can I dictate the type of wire tap you should use. I can tell you that probing around your fusebox with a voltage tester you will most likely find a circuit that's hot with the Key On only, whether that's the right circuit to tap into depends on a few things for example; a Key On "Instrument Illumination" circuit would not typically be designed with the correct amperage flow to power up an Invertor, but it may be enough to power your Sirius Adapter. This type decision would be best left to someone that knows electrical basics.

Tools are required, not too many but you can't do any electrical installation without basic electrical tools.