Hi guys, it's me again.

So, I have my leather seats in, but DAMN it's cold when I first get in, so I want to get my heated seats working.

I bought: a mini-add a circuit from Advance Auto, and I have some 15a and 20a fuses.

Here's what I want to do:
Wire up the seats using the mini add a circuit to the fuse box, but allowing me to power the heated seats and 2 headrest LCDs.

I read in a previous post that you have to replace the fuse that comes with the mini add a circuit with a 15a fuse, otherwise you will keep blowing fuses.

How should I wire this up?

One suggestion is to have the one wire, but two circuits, each w/ their own fuse. I'm not sure about this solution, as I'd have to buy more fuses I'm guessing (the in-line kind).

Is this correct: since Current = power x voltage, then say the lcds draw 7w each, w/ a 12v power source...

amps = 14/12v = 1.16a more for the LCDs.

Could I run 1 wire to the fuse box that runs to one seat. Then tap that wire for the 2nd seat + LCDs?

Thanks!

 

I dont see why not, just have the 1 wire thick enough so enough power will go to your tapped wires. Although you are running a couple things so, if you have one fuse if that blows itll knock all your stuff out, if you have it fused seperate(lcd's, seats) then only those will blow.

 

how thick? I have 18gauge and 22 gauge....would that suffice?

Anyone know what the power draw is for the seats?

Also, I couldn't find this answer anywhere: are automotive fuses measured in actual amps or milliamps?

Thanks!

 

The standard heated seat circuit in a Maxima uses a 10 Amp fuse, that fuse is for both of the front seats. Not sure how much current the seats draw but its probably well under 10 Amps. If your LCD's are only drawing 1.16 Amps more it should not require that much more current. If I were installing heated seats and LCD's I would run one power wire from the fuse box with a 10Amp in line fuse as is standard on Maximas. I would run a second power wire for the LCD units and fuse that with a 5 Amp in line fuse. You can pick up frame ground to complete the circuit for the seats and the LCD's anywhere on the metal part of the body. I think it's safer and less confusing that way. Automotive fuses are in Amps not milliamps. Hope that helps, good luck.

 

I would use 18 gauge for the seats and the 22 gauge for the LCD's. This is not scientific and I don't want to do all the calculations. I think my suggestions are in the right ballpark.

 

So...I would need to get another add a circuit?

Also, which fuse(s) should I replace with the add-a-circuit? does it matter?

Thanks

 

Yes you need two add a circuits since their max is 10A. I have not used an add-a circuit but it appears that you remove a fuse from your fuse block, plug the add a circuit in that spot and install the fuse you removed into the add a circuit. The add a circuit has a second fuse that is for your aftermarket connection. As far as which fuse you hook up to in the fuse block. Probably not a big deal except you have to consider if you what the power cut to the seats and LCDs if the car key is in the off or acc position. You don't want your seats to be on if the car is off. The heated seat fuse is #29 but you can use any 10Amp fuse location you like. As far as the the LCD is concerned it really does not matter, any 7.5 or 10amp fuse is ok except you have to determine if you want power if the key is in acc or off position.