Hi, I've seen multiple pages outlining how to go about installing the actual shelf, but can anyone guide me as to what parts would be needed to install that extra 12V outlet in the shelf, where to purchase (assuming Radio Shack here), and how to install? Thanks much!

Also, for dremmeling, would a simple drill bit work, or would I absolutely need a special dremmel for this job? Sorry to sound a bit dense here.

 

Here is how I did mine

http://forums1.roadfly.org/mini/foru...4757550-1.html

I wouldn't dremmel unless you are a doctor and have a very steady hand, those things can get away very quickly when a cutting bit is installed.

I'd use a standard hole saw type drill bit. I think the 12 volt outlet is 1 1/16" so a stock 1 inch drill and a little file work will get the job done. Got my outlet at Radio Shack and the add-a-circuit from a local parts store $12.00 total.

Good luck and let me know if you need additional pictures/support!

 

Thanks...

2 other q's...

Is the 'add a circuit' a specific brand name of a product everyone will know about at a parts store, and

That red wire in the fuse box is the positive lead to your outlet?

 

Right on both accounts

There are a few different brands out there for the circuit add on, but the one I used was an "Add-a-Circuit", just make sure you buy the corresponding fuse i.e. 10 amp as the unit doesn't come with on.

The outlet should come with enough wire to run the circuit all the way to the fuse block and yes, the red wire is the hot. I ran the black (ground) to a screw that was making contact with metal.

Chris

 

These are the MINI parts I used:

lighter socket 61 34 6 914 114
illuminated ring 51 16 7 052 720
blank plug 51 16 0 141 037
ring bulb 07 50 0 030 547
bulb socket 61 34 6 915 065

I drilled a center hole and slowly enlarged it with my dremmel. Fits better than the factory driving light switch.

When you are removing the old pannel, relax and keep pulling

 

I'm thinking of installing 2 outlets - one always hot for my mobile phone, and one ignition switched for the ipod.

Is there anywhere to tap into for an always hot? In that case, I don't think I'd use a bulb for that outlet , but that's a good idea.

 

Actually, when I tapped my PIAA trigger wire into the cigarette lighter
fuse in the fuse box, that fuse was hot while the car was off. I was
surprised to see that...but you can tap there for your continuous-on.

 

If you check my original link, a few posts down you'll find that I pointed out a few switched (Controlled by the key) and unswitched (always hot) fuse locations. These were on a 02, but I haven't read anywhere that they have changed.

 

Thanks for the list. I just came back from MINI to be disappointed that they didn't have the bulb in stock. It turns out that there is a bulb already in the socket, so it doesn't look like you need an extra one for those interested in this mod.

Also, for the connector in the back, and correct me if I'm wrong, 2 pos. leads are required - one for the lighter and one for the bulb b/c the bulb taps into the ground from the lighter, correct? Or, is the other way around? 3

And, were you able to find "spade" connectors to connect the wires to the fuse box? And were they easy to find? Thanks again.

 

Hate to admit it but I haven't wired it up yet, too many other honey-do's. But yes it looks like the bulb and socket have separate power leads. My plan is to pop open the cover around the center outlet and duplicate it's wiring.

 

Sorry, just one more q. about ground loop formation....Would installing the aux in jack next to the 12V power adapter in the parcel shelf create unwanted ground loop noise in the line?

I though I read this somewhere....

 

It could, but I haven't had any issues with my install. Sorry about the fuzzy picture



I use it for the Roady, just finished the install and it tests just fine. Picked up a 03 head unit so that I could do the aux and get rid of the FM Modulator I was using.

 

So, I have the wires and and shelf installed for both power adapters. And, I wasn't able to find an "add-a-circuit" in stores here, so I have instead a fuse tap that simply goes into the slots along with the fuse.

My thinking is such that the pos. lead should go into the neg. side of the fuse and neg. lead should be grounded so that the fuse is inline with the circuit. Correct?

And my multimeter maxes at 10A, so I shouldn't use this. Anyone know which side is which so that the fuse actually gets used and it's not bypassed? Thanks....

 

Too bad on the add-a-circuit. Since you have a multimeter, pull the fuse and check both sides of the fuse slot. You should have voltage on one side and not the other. If you are tapping fuse 36 that's only 5 amps (on a 2002) so your meter should be fine.

Didn't your outlet come with an "in-line" fuse?

Good luck!

 

This is what you're looking for: http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=071-580

This is where I got mine.

 

Chris: Where did you find the screw to use for the ground? I've been trying to figure out what to use but haven't been able to find anything I can reach to use... call me blind

 

Well, tried that and sure found which side of the fuse was hot...Sparks flew everywhere, most probably more than 10A flew through there. I thought I blew the clock at first, but I think it was just stunned.

So, I was all set to install on the opposite side only to realize that the MINI fuse slots don't allow anything larger than a standard fuse, so the fuse taps didn't work. I'll have to wait now and just order a couple add-a-circuits.

 

Let me know what you find out. I'm not sure how a little bulb like that is going to survive that much juice out of the fuse box. I'd think some sort of in-line resistance would be in order here....

 

Once you remove the knee bolster, in my case the euro shelf, the screw should be very obvious. It is about 3 inches left of the steering wheel and is part of the dash stiffener. I can't recall if it's also part of the dash fascia mount, but I think so.

Give me a few hours and I can snap a picture if needed.

P.S. sorry for the delay in answering, but I seem to not be getting the email notifications anymore.

 

I just installed the factory 12V power with the light for switchable power and the radio shack 12V power adapter for continuous power on the other side of the shelf. It looks quite cool to have the factory look and warm glow within the shelf.

So, if you're going to do this, then make sure the outlet is on switchable power, not continuous. And, the bulb terminal is intended to be connected to the hot source, so you can splice into the hot lead of the actual power adapter (no longer wire needed). Of course if you really wanted to get fancy and have the light turn on only when your headlights are on, this will most likely be more difficult.

Use the parts mentioned above and only order the bulb if you need an extra, b/c the socket includes the bulb.

 

One more thing....If you are planning to do both the shelf and 12V adapter at one time, ground the outlets using that screw left of the steering wheel under the air vent before fully installing the shelf. It will make your life easier.

And another thumbs up for the add-a-circuit from partsexpress.com - came in handy.

 

.

 

I didn't have the original post...someone else did. No one is attaching neg wiring (from the battery). I posted about the negative lead of the power adapter, not from the battery.

 

say it isn't so! "Is there any instructions?"??? How about using "Are" instead of "is"? No wonder we have a plethora of supposedly highly educated people in this country who sound/write as if they've the I.Q. of a highly educated 4 year old. Sure it's "just" the internet, but a little pride in how you come across would be nice.