230TE Easy Access to Permanent Live?

[Ade]

Bought the kids a portable DVD System for the car (so I can enjoy driving my baby in peace) which plugs into the cigarette lighter. Unfortunately the power to the lighter is controlled by ignition switch which means every time I stop and remove the keys the DVD resets to the beginning if you don't stop it. Does anybody know where there is easy access to a permanent live in the centre consule so I can add a constantly energised cigarette lighter which will be independant of the ignition switch?

 

[teky]

simply fit a new wire fused of course for use only with the dvd ie:- from a perminant live fuse or from the battery "remember those dvd knock hell out of your battery and could soon put you in a situation "flattie batteryy :wink: "

 

[TimN]

Your best and tidiest option might be to trace the cable at the fuse box and detach it there and transfer it to a permenant supply. You will need to make sure that the fuse is compatible.

You don't mention the series or age of the vehicle otherwise I might have been able to look it up for you.

 

[NormanB]

Tim

I would like to jump onboard too!

I have the same requirement.

Would be grateful for your advice.

 

[Ade]

Thanks for the advice.

I can run a new cable to either the battery or the fusebox but was investigating whether there was a far simplier way e.g. picking up a wire or connection under the centre console without all the hassle of looking for holes through the bulkhead etc. Call me lazy but easy way first!

PS - 1991 230TE

 

[TimN]

If your going to run a new cable from the battery then make sure that you have an inline fuse of the correct rate and inform any subsequent owner of the alteration.

If you want to run a new cable from the fuse box then using a volt meter with the ignition switched off trace which fuses are still live. If you are really luck you will find a spare fuse holder which is live or you might find one which your particular vehicle does not have all the options listed for that particular fuse. You are looking for an option that uses the same amount of current as your DVD player if at all possible.

The inside of the fuse cover will identify which is the cigarette fuse. I don't know whether each item listed for that fuse is attached seperately or whether they are crimped onto a single connector. If so then you will have to seperate them out and identify the correct cable using the continuity function.

I guess that it is a 124 you have but I am not familir with that vehicle. I could help you with the 123. I suggest that you do a search for the wiring diagram for your vehicle as it will save you some of the leg work.

 

[Ade]

So ..................

Is there one under the centre console?

Oh yeah, sorry, its a 1991 230TE

 

[TimN]

Sorry that detailed answer was really for Norman B. There is permenant electrical supply behind the dashes of all cars. Try the ignition key.

 

[NormanB]

Tim

Thanks for that - I will have a go.

I do have a general wiring diagram for the 230TE but must confess I am a complete arse in translating what is in the schematic to the reality of the multi coloured sphagetti! :wink:

Appreciated.