Constant 12V power outlets

[Kmvreter]

One thing that is annoying with the T4R on any road trip is that the 12V power cuts off when you turn the vehicle off to make a pit stop. This has a negative impact on the temperature of the libations (and other assorted items) in the Koolatron or when trying to charge a cell phone. Searched around here and found a lot of frustration with this but couldn't find anyone who tried it yet so here goes...

I was able to turn the existing 12V outlets to be constantly on (like in the old days with cigarette lighters) be removing a relay. Quite simple actually.

Tools required: 10mm nut driver/socket and a wire crimper.

Material req'd: 2 - 1/4" blade male connectors and a short piece of wire.

1) Disconnect the battery (a must.)
2) Remove the driver's side lower dash cover panel (2 bolts.)

 

[Kmvreter]

3) Remove black metal brace below steering column (2 bolts.)
4) Remove wiring harnesses from front of fuse junction block.

 

[Kmvreter]

5) Remove 2 nuts and 1 bolt holding unit to framework.
6) Tilt and adjust forward to expose relays on back of junction block.

 

[Kmvreter]

7) Remove other wiring harnesses to make room to work (optional.)
8) Remove DC SKT relay (closest to you.)

 

[Kmvreter]

9) Construct jumper wire.

 

[Kmvreter]

10) Insert jumper from pins #3 to #5 (same location as copper blades on relay.) This bypasses the ignition/accessory circuit.

 

[Kmvreter]

Last but not least put everything back the way you found it. The result is 1 spare relay... Oh yeah, now I have constant power to keep the liquids cool!

 

[jharris2]

Excellent!

Now I have to decide -- add an extra one up front or do this mod.....decisions, decisions.

 

[sharp4runr]

The stuff the members come up with amazes me

 

[jharris2]

The stuff the members come up with amazes me

Even better that they are willing to share so we don't have to figure it out ourselves. So good to learn from people smarter than me!

:arrow:

 

[sharp4runr]

Even better that they are willing to share so we don't have to figure it out ourselves. So good to learn from people smarter than me!

:arrow:

:cheers: and AMEN to that! I don't have the cajones to try some of the stuff other members do, but this even I can do :

 

[Kmvreter]

-- add an extra one up front or do this mod.....decisions, decisions.

Do both: add the ashtray and have 3 outlets always on.

 

[jharris2]

Do both: add the ashtray and have 3 outlets always on.

Actually, I have the ashtray. What thinking about 3 outlets up front. The new Camrys have them, why not the 4Runner?

 

[rivertrek]

Shouldn't there be an inline fuse installed though for safety!!?? No reason to melt the rest of the wiring harness.

 

[jharris2]

Shouldn't there be an inline fuse installed though for safety!!?? No reason to melt the rest of the wiring harness.

The front outlets have a capacity of 120W combined. Since the relay is on the back of the fuse box, I believe the fuses in the fuse box will still protect the circuit.

 

[GYoter]

Actually, I have the ashtray. What thinking about 3 outlets up front. The new Camrys have them, why not the 4Runner?

This is something i have wondered for a while now. My 1993 blazer and my 99 rodeo both had 2 outlets up front stock. Its surprising that with all the gadgets that people have these days they did not think about this. At least it is easy and cheap to add them. Like $15 total if you go the radio shack route.

 

[Kmvreter]

Shouldn't there be an inline fuse installed though for safety!!?? No reason to melt the rest of the wiring harness.

This mod only bypasses the accessory circuit that operates the relay. The DC SKT circuit itself (the outlets themselves) is still protected by the original 15A fuse which gives 180W between 2 outlets.

 

[LandShark]

What guage wire did you go with?

 

[Kmvreter]

What guage wire did you go with?

16 ga stranded.

 

[jharris2]

This is something i have wondered for a while now. My 1993 blazer and my 99 rodeo both had 2 outlets up front stock. Its surprising that with all the gadgets that people have these days they did not think about this. At least it is easy and cheap to add them. Like $15 total if you go the radio shack route.

I double-checked today -- wife had a rental 2005 Camry this week. It has 2 power outlets, one in the storage box between the front seats and one on the dash. Plus it has the cigarette lighter.

Granted, one in the storage box is awkward to get to, but why should it have 3 available and the 4Runner only 2 (and only if you add the ash tray)?

BTW, I checked the manual and it seems that the load for all 3 is still 120W total.