After I sent my cigarette outlet to Finland to have a start button installed by vantaam5, I decided I needed an alternative power source. I thought, hey, why not add an AC outlet. Some cars have it stock. And while I'm there, why not add a powered USB plug as well! :hihi:
Tools required:
Screwdriver
Soldering Iron
Dremel
Parts needed:
DC to AC/USB plug thing
AC snap-in receptacle
Probably extra USB socket and some wire
This is the DC to AC/USB plug I used bought from amazon:
Amazon.com: Universal 12V DC to 110V-220V AC Power Inverter plus + 5V USB Adapter: Home Improvement
This is where I got the AC receptacle:
http://www.mouser.com/catalog/629/889.pdf
Now for the process and pictures:
1) Remove stow tray from center console
This is done by removing cup holders, options control unit, a/c unit and frame, then trim panel around shifter.
There are a lot of pieces to remove to get one small thing out, but after a few times it only takes a few minutes.
2) Once removed, dremel out the slot for the ac receptacle to fit through. I ended up using the soldering iron to melt away the plastic and got much better results and it was much easier. Just do it in a well ventilated area.
3) Tear down the DC-AC adapter and solder off the wires that connect to other components, not from the board.
I reused the housing on this unit to protect the circuit board and such.
4) With AC and USB outlets placed in the tray, solder the wires from the DC-AC adapter to the outlets. I used more wire here for the extra flexibility and length.
5) Make room for the DC-AC adapter unit under the tray. Then I cut the wire connector off of the cable that used to power the cigarette outlet. The largest wire here (red and other colors) is the power cable. It carries close to 15V. The smaller multicolor cable is for the amber LED around the cig outlet. It carries around .024V. Connect these to the DC-AC adapter in the correct places. (Should be red=power, black=ground. The BMW brown cable is ground.
DISCONNECT BATTERY. 15V WILL END YOU
6) Reinstall everything and enjoy. I forgot to take pictures, but there is a plastic layer that sits directly below the tray. Another tray of sorts to support the tray. I dremeled away a small section, maybe 1.5" x 1.5" for the power outlets to extend all the way down to the carpet underneath. This was very easy.
I have more pictures if anyone wants to see more. Ask any questions. I am no electrical expert. This DIY is fairly straight forward. It got late tonight so I am not 100% finished. I need to do some final soldering tomorrow.
ENJOY! :cheers: And always be safe, I am not responsible for you guys messing up your cars or hurting yourselves!
Tools required:
Screwdriver
Soldering Iron
Dremel
Parts needed:
DC to AC/USB plug thing
AC snap-in receptacle
Probably extra USB socket and some wire
This is the DC to AC/USB plug I used bought from amazon:
Amazon.com: Universal 12V DC to 110V-220V AC Power Inverter plus + 5V USB Adapter: Home Improvement
This is where I got the AC receptacle:
http://www.mouser.com/catalog/629/889.pdf
Now for the process and pictures:
1) Remove stow tray from center console
This is done by removing cup holders, options control unit, a/c unit and frame, then trim panel around shifter.
There are a lot of pieces to remove to get one small thing out, but after a few times it only takes a few minutes.
2) Once removed, dremel out the slot for the ac receptacle to fit through. I ended up using the soldering iron to melt away the plastic and got much better results and it was much easier. Just do it in a well ventilated area.
3) Tear down the DC-AC adapter and solder off the wires that connect to other components, not from the board.
I reused the housing on this unit to protect the circuit board and such.
4) With AC and USB outlets placed in the tray, solder the wires from the DC-AC adapter to the outlets. I used more wire here for the extra flexibility and length.
5) Make room for the DC-AC adapter unit under the tray. Then I cut the wire connector off of the cable that used to power the cigarette outlet. The largest wire here (red and other colors) is the power cable. It carries close to 15V. The smaller multicolor cable is for the amber LED around the cig outlet. It carries around .024V. Connect these to the DC-AC adapter in the correct places. (Should be red=power, black=ground. The BMW brown cable is ground.
DISCONNECT BATTERY. 15V WILL END YOU
6) Reinstall everything and enjoy. I forgot to take pictures, but there is a plastic layer that sits directly below the tray. Another tray of sorts to support the tray. I dremeled away a small section, maybe 1.5" x 1.5" for the power outlets to extend all the way down to the carpet underneath. This was very easy.
I have more pictures if anyone wants to see more. Ask any questions. I am no electrical expert. This DIY is fairly straight forward. It got late tonight so I am not 100% finished. I need to do some final soldering tomorrow.
ENJOY! :cheers: And always be safe, I am not responsible for you guys messing up your cars or hurting yourselves!