This is a followup to a thread that I posted, called "Accessing switched (accessory/ACC) power for aftermarket devices). It's desirable to tap into "switched" (not always-on) circuits like this, so your aftermarket gadget doesn't drain your battery. That thread gave details re. how to tap into the front accessory power socket circuit to hardwire devices. However, it missed the forest for the trees. Others have pointed out a much simpler way: some of the fuse positions, which are easily tapped into with a mini-fuse tap, are switched. In fact, some of the unused fuse positions are switched (e.g. position 2). To be a little more complete, I looked at the circuit diagrams from Service Express and labeled each fuse with what kind of relay controls its power. The list is below. KEY: If relay is any of the "IG" relays: fuse position is "hot" only when car is fully on. If relay is any of the "ACC" relays: fuse position is "hot" when car is either in ACC mode, or fully on. If relay is ALWAYS ON: runs directly off the 12V battery, so fuse position is "hot" even when car is off. Doesn't mean the entire circuit works when car is off (there may be other interrupting relays down the line). This is a GUIDE, and may contain errors -- verify! Note that the fuse tap size seems to be "mini" fuse, to fit properly. Note also that there is a right, and a wrong, way to put in a fuse tap IF it is into a circuit already being used for another purpose. Short version: Only position 2 is both ACC and unused. There are 2 unused IG-switched positions, which are probably just as good (how often do you sit in ACC mode only anyway?) There are two unused always- on. Full fuse-to-component map from Service Express is attached. C01: ACC-Audio, body control module, accessory socket relays: C02: ACC- NOT USED C03: Ig1B -PCM C04: Ig1B –SBW Shifter Control Module C05: Ig1B -Fuses E1-E3 in under dash subfuse box B C06: Ig1B - Front passenger’s airbag cutoff indicator C07: Ig1B - Acoustic vehicle warning, climate control, reverse relay C08: Ig1A – body control module, fuel tank, etc. C09: Ig2 – seat heater relay, some power mirror C10: ALWAYS ON (ACC relay comes after C11: Ig – NOT USED C12 ALWAYS ON – R side power door locks C13 ALWAYS ON – L rear power door unlock C14: ALWAYS ON – Rear L power window C15: ALWAYS ON – Front passenger power window) C16: ALWAYS ON – trunk opener) C17: Ig1B - Parking pawl actuator C18: ALWAYS ON – NOT USED C19 :ALWAYS ON? (Washer motor control unit) C20: IG—NOT USED C21: Ig1A - Sensors C22: IG2- Body control module Ig2 C23: ?? —not used (per fuse map; but there is 10A fuse in it) C24: Ig1B- Front camera C25: ALWAYS ON – door locks C26: ALWAYS ON – door lock C27: ALWAYS ON – windows C28: ALWAYS ON – windows C29: ALWAYS ON – ACC sockets (relay comes later) C30: ALWAYS ON – interior lights C31: ALWAYS ON – Seats C32: ALWAYS ON – Seat heater; relay comes later C33: ALWAYS ON – Seats C34: Ig1A – EPS, brake relay, etc C35: ?? - SRS C36: ALWAYS ON –NOT USED C37: ALWAYS ON – Battery charge module, charge door
To be 100% sure, you can use one of these 12V circuit testers for $1. I've used one of these for decades to install stuff. https://www.ebay.com/itm/6V-12V-Car-Auto-Electrical-Circuit-Voltage-Tester-LED-Light-Test-Probe-Pen-Clamp/264032423252?hash=item3d798f0d54:gQUAAOSwkXFb5j-y:rk:1f:0
Great point V8Power. I should have added that I got my info from the circuit diagrams for the majority, but the NOT USED circuits had no diagrams so I tested those directly, like you say. Sent from my iPhone using Inside EVs
I finally got my power magic pro installed for my dash cam thanks to this post! Sent from my G8441 using Inside EVs mobile app
Thanks for your amazing post! I'm thinking of hardwiring a dashcam but the kit I'm looking at has two options. Mini ATO or low profile mini ATO fuse taps. Do you know which one I should get? Sent from my iPhone using Inside EVs
Thanks, this was super useful! I just used this info to install the hardwire kit for my Street Guardian dual dash cam. I used C02 and C18, and it works great. Can confirm the fuses are low profile mini ATO. Since the kit assumes you are tapping a fuse it only gives you fuse taps, so I installed the fuses from the kits in the top (exterior) slot and left the bottom slot empty.