Today I installed a 12V outlet (cig lighter plug) in the FJ. This will have a LOT of pics, so I may break it up into 2 posts, then try to merge them later. This is a VERY detailed thread (some will say too detailed). The reason for this is so even the most inexperienced novice can do this and have complete confidence in what they are doing.
I went to Pep Boys and Radio Shack for the parts and supplies. First, the Mini Add-A-Circuit. This is what will provide power to the outlet:
I also picked up some 12 Ga wire, since the lighter wire will not reach the add-a-circuit wire. I picked up the outlets at Radio Shack.
I got some zip ties (wire ties) to keep the wires out of sight and tucked up safely:
The first thing I did was pull off the fuse box door so I could find a place to put the add-a-circuit:
I unpacked the new amp meter (circuit tester). This one cost me $5 at Harbor Freight. I already got my money's worth out of it.
I took the black (negative) probe and touched it to one of the bolts holding the door to the hinge:
I took the red (positive) probe and placed it into the empty fuse slots until I found a location that showed hot with the key off. Use the top slot for the hot end: Note: The bottom left 3 locations are constant hot (the already-empty slots):
With both the black and red probes touching the above listed locations, the meter should look like this (showing 12 volts without the ignition key on):
Now, take the black (negative) cable off the battery. safety first!
Ok, it's time to disassemble the center console. Start by engaging the parking brake, and lift off the parking brake trim piece:
Now unscrew the shifter handle and place in an area that is out of the way....note: you may want to shift the trans into neutral to avoid scraping the console. I did not, and there was no scraping....I was careful
:
Pull up on the rear of the center console, and lift it off the FJ in a rearward motion, being careful not to scrape the shifter or brake handle:
So, now your console is out of the FJ:
Find a location that you want to put your outlet. There are a lot of places you can put one, like in the rear storage "bucket" in the center console, in the dash storage box, etc. I chose a place that is exclusive to us 4X2 trucks....in the tray where your 4X4 shifter would be! This is the hole where the little tray is:
On the bottom of the tray is a little hole area. I used this as my starting pilot for the hole saw. I drilled thru the hole and used the hole saw from the top face of the tray. Here is the tray with the hole cut in it:
With the hard part done locating a place for the outlet and cutting the hole), it's all down hill from here on out. Now, push the outlet into the hole so the wires/prongs are on the underside or inside of the structure you are mounting to....front (top):
Bottom/inside:
Ok, now take one of the add-a-circuits out of the wrapper. Do not put a fuse in it yet. The battery is already disconnected, but this gives you double-safety.
Now, strip one end of the extra wire you bought. Not much, just strip 1/4" of the wire like so:
The red wire on the add-a-circuit already has a crimp connector attached to it. Take the stripped end of the long red wire and slide it into the end of the connector, and crimp the connector like so:
Take the add-a-circuit end and slide it up and into the area of the fuse box, as shown:
Now, plug the add a circuit into one of the bottom left fuse slots...it should NOT take effort:
Ok, we are about there. Now, take the black wire from the outlet. On the free (dangling) end, it has a circular connector on it. This end is too small to put where I did, so you will need to cut the end and make it a U connector.
On the left and right side of the shifter is a 10mm bolt. I loosened the left side since that was the seat I was sitting in. Loosen the bolt about 4 turns, just enough to slide the U connector under it.
Tighten the bolt. The ground wire is done.
In the package with the outlet is a little blue wire splicer. Take this out of the wrapper. Slide one end of the red wire from the outlet into it, just past the silver metal splice contact:
Bring the red wire from the add a circuit through the side of the console to the center part where we are working, and use tie wraps to get the wire securely tied out of the way:
Cut the excess wire and place the extra wire out of your way. Slide the end of the add-a-circuit wire into the blue wire splice thingy from the other end, again, just past the silver metal contact point:
Now take a pair of pliers and mash down the metal contact until the top of it is flush with the blue plastic:
Now take the plastic flap and snap it closed. We are almost done!!
Take one of the tie wraps and tie up the excess wire so it doesn't get caught on the shifter or anything. Put a fuse in the add-a-circuit (I used a 10 amp). Now,working in reverse from taking the console apart, put it all back together again. The last thing we'll do is connect the battery cable we took off. Now, with everything connected and put back together, plug in something to test the outlet. If it works, then you have done a good job.
Here is what mine looks like finished:
Linear Mode
