This is in reference to a 2004 Cooper.

I am curious to see if anyone has any ideas on how to add a second cigarette lighter for the purpose of providing power to my Belkin Auto Kit for iPod w/ Dock Connector. I am trying to hide the wires as much as possible in connecting this, thus the purpose for the secondary hidden cigarette lighter.

My main goal for using the Belkin adapter is that I need the option to connect both an ipod/iphone and an XM portable. I cannot do that with the MINI issued adapters that only allow you to connect one or the other due to the single aux input in the back of the stock stereo.

I am open to other ideas if someone thinks there is better or easier way.

Thanks

 

I bought a 3-in-1 cigarette lighter adapter from Radio Shack and mounted it (with Velcro adhesive) underneath the steering column by popping out the cover piece and running the wires from the main lighter plug. This works well if you plan on leaving the devices (or at least the adapters) plugged into the unit, but doesn't leave it overly accessible for swapping the plugs in and out.

Matt Braun
'05 MCS, EB/W

 

I have one of these kits from newministuff:
http://www.newministuff.com/new/shop...ductshow&id=44

Mine has two lighter sockets that are behind the dash, for my GPS and phone charger, leaving my primary socket free. I got this when the car was new and I didn't want to cut or splice anything... but now I've wire a zillion other things in the car and, if doing it again, would just buy the lighter sockets at radio shack or the auto parts store and wire them in to the existing lighter circuit...

 

Is this the item you are referring to?

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...entPage=family

How would that work? It still looks I would have to plug one end into an existing lighter. Also, would this eliminate the power to the existing lighter?

Thanks for all the ideas everyone!

 

another possible option is to get a couple extra power plugs (assuming you want to keep the others functional through the lighter). Splice them and put them in behind the dash. This can be a bit cleaner than having a bunch of things plugged in below the dash. Only the plug side would show and your cigarette lighter can remain unused.

 

Exactly.

 

Anyone have pictures of these "procedure?"

 

Hollis,
Would there be any power drain on the battery with that option ?

 

Use google to search, like this:
what i'm searching for site:northamericanmotoring.com

look for things like "removing shift console" - you'll find instructions with pics for removing the shift ring, screws inside there to remove the console underneath, etc.

then just use a couple of wire taps, tap hot and ground into the cig lighter socket wiring, run wire up behind dash or stereo stack, and connect to lighter sockets from radio shack or the auto parts store. It's two wires. Red=hot=center of socket. Black = ground = outside of socket.

Optionally, you can pry up the lighter socket and pull it and it's wiring up through from it's mounting hole. Then just run wire under the edge of the console to reach it - without removing the console.

It's really not hard. Two wires.

 

Lighter socket is switched with the car. Wiring into the wiring for the existing lighter socket yields plugs that are also switched....

I have I think four or five devices daisy chained off either my lighter socket or my stereo wiring harness now, with no ill effects.

 

just remember to add a fuse for the extra power ports. you can tie it directly inline behind the power port.
you know, if you really wanted to do it the corrects way, and leave room for future electrical upgrades, you can buy a piggyback fuse panel that connects to the battery holds 6 fuses (tiny ones such as the mini) and mount it on the kick panel or under the dash on the firewall. there only like 60-80 bucks. it sure beats spaghetti all under the dash.

 

Thanks Blimey - I've only got a few things that really need power and Cornelius has an intermitten power issue - don't want to create anymore problems

 

Thanks everyone!

This is really all great stuff and it seems I have many options. I really only need one extra ligther (hidden). This is just a cosmetics thing to keep exposed or dangling wires to a minimum.

 

Um, why? If you're adding I new circuit, I get it... but if you're tying into a circuit (such as the cig lighter) that's already fused.... it's already fused....

I ALWAYS add fuses if tying into the fusebox or direct to the battery, but if tying into an already-fused circuit, I don't bother.

 

because if you want to use both circuits at the same time you may exceed the amps and if the fuse malfunctions, youll have a melted wire or worst, a fire,By installing an extra inline fuse to seperate the new junction is just a safety precaution.. I install wiring harnesses on vehicle on occassion, im just safe when it comes to electric.

 

OK.. if you need double-redundant fuses in case one fails, I can see that... guess I'm living on the edge....

and, if I were talking about wiring audio amps, etc it's a different story... but I'm pretty confident a circuit designed to heat up a cigarette lighter can handle a few very low current electronic accessories...

 

never mind

 

i take the side of safetly. if you aren't totally sure of how to do it, a local shop can do it for real cheap.

 

True... but everyone has a first time... or should...

And if you haven't made a smoking electrical smell in your car, you haven't really lived yet...

jk...

1) Find your local MINI club
2) Post on their forum, offer beer for someone who can help you do this
3) Learn by doing, with an experienced helper
4) Pay the beer bounty.

 

i agree, but i also love my stereo... :P

not everyone that can wrench can wire....

my datsun 510 wagon had smoked wires, but not the MINI. i still have payments.. haha

 

funny thing about this car, I hardly listen to the stereo.
every other car ive owned tunes were mandatory. with this one, I just love the sound of the experience of all the mechanical sounds coming together.
its a mechanical symphany! LOL

actually wiring itself is easy, its the bendy positions one must acheve in order to complete the wiring job is the skillfull part

 

come on down to san diego a while... hahaha, the traffic necessitated a dvd player, sirius and iPod...

imo - wiring is easy, but if there is a question, then safety is key.

 

Ill skip the traffic, phoenix is just enough for me.
i moved out here from NY so I hear where your coming from.

 

Tru Dat

You, my friend, have found something we can absolutely agree on.

 

I have one final question for Blimey, Muladesigns1, and Hollis...

As I haven't made any final decisions on my added power outlets but was wondering about the panel under the steering wheel. How hard is it to remove? I'm thinking of adding a few of the power outlets under that area in series but using that pannel to hide the outlets and other wires...