I installed the Microvision screen with the ciggy lighter. Now I need to wire up the PS2. I'm thinking of mounting it right under the front passenger seat. Where should I get the 12 Volts for the power inverter? Can I wire the power inverter to the ciggy lighter even though I already have the screen there? I only want power going to the PS2 when the key is in the ignition. Like when the radio is on.

Thanks, Aaron

 

The cig lighter is rated for up to 15amps I think (check the rating on the cig lighter fuse to be sure). I would expect that the lcd probably only draws about 1 amp. So, you should be OK as long as your inverter is drawing less than 14 amps under the load of your ps2.

 

Thanks for the reply. Can I put a bigger fuse in just to be safe?

 

I'd run a dedicated fused 8awg wire from the battery for your inverter.

 

Ok, I found out I can't upgrade the fuse for the cig lighter. How do you guys wire your PS2s? I'm looking for something a little more simple than going directly to the battery, unless I have to.

 

How do I find out how many amps the power inverter will be drawing with the PS2? Would it be a rating for the PS2 or the power inverter? Could the information be on the back of the PS2 box?

Thanks, Aaron

 

It's a rating from the PS2.

Just run the wire from the batt.

 

I don't want power going to the PS2 without the ignition on. I'm going to find out the amp rating for the PS2 and then think about it.

 

Then tap the accessory wire at your ignition harness (under your steering column). It's a higher current than your ciggy lighter, and you can run a 10awg from it.

 

What color would that wire be?

 

for a 1996 it's either red or red/yellow.

its in the ignition harness under the dash. It's a tightly wounded bundle of thick wires (about 10awg). You will have to cut the loom with a razor to get into that wire.

 

Thank you. I'll keep you posted.

 

Okay, I actually hooked everything up to the cig lighter. Everything works perfectly. I just need to mount the PS2.

 

If everyone here is right, which I am almost sure is true. If you don't wire it to another accessory or straight to the bat, your going to have some problems like blown fuse or wire melting. Why not run it to the bat and put a switch on it?

Because the last thing I want to do is say "I told you so"

 

How did Keith wire his?

 

I plug my PS2 into the power inverter on the lower passenger side console area, down near the feet, screwed thru the carpet. With the new PS2, you can fit it in the glove compartment. But I don't leave mine in there, cold weather is no good for PS2's.

How is it wired? Unsure, I had a shop install everything in my car.

 

If everything works and you're not blowing fuses, then obviously your load on the circuit is within acceptible limits...as long as you haven't done something stupid like put in a higher rated fuse than what is called for.

 

The lighter can handle the load of a PS2 as well as a few low load items, neons, leds....etc. I've had my inverter (single outlet) wired to the lighter for almost 3 years now and have no problems. Just don't exceed the amp rating and you'll be fine. So don't go throwing a microwave in your car or a 32" TV.

 

Thank you guys! I was actually thinking a 56" rear projection instead of a 32", but I guess that idea won't work. HAHA What I can do is put a small fuse inside the power inverter so that fuse will break first and not my cig lighter.

 

There is a fuse on the ciggy lighter too.....No need to put another one (how, I'm not sure) INSIDE the power inverter....

 

Right, the existing cigarette lighter fuse provides all the protection you need. In addition, using a lower rated fuse will just result in fuses blowing for no reason.