Adding a Second Lighter Outlet

[rick3000]

Hi,
I was at RadioShack today, and saw a cigarette lighter plug that you can add to your car. I would like to add another one to add some extra outlet space for my cell, ipod charger, without one of those bulky doublers. I would like to place it on the passenger side in the back of the center console.
Has anyone else done this?
How hard would it be to do?
Thanks!

Rick, it might be easier to just buy a 987 Boxster...they have 3 outlets!

[rick3000]

I just bought the 986, so I will not be buying a 987 anytime soon.

[70Sixter]

It is not hard. Pull the side panel, locate the extra switched & unswitched (with TP mute) connections, and connect to new plug.

[Tool Pants]

You can hook it up to the cell phone connnector.

Or since you have a 1999, you can remove the wiper plug and put another lighter socket there.

[rick3000]

Sorry, I am not to familiar with the "switched & unswitched (with TP mute) connections," what are they?
Can I just splice into the current lighter connection?

[70Sixter]

There is a cell phone connector loose behind the center of the dash. Red/green is 12v, green/black is switched, yellow black is phone mute, and brown is ground.

You can buy connector from Becker or just tap in to it. I would not tap the existing light plug cuz this is soooo easy!

[rick3000]

You just gave me a list which wire do I tap into?
Also, I have the becker mute cable but how does that play into adding another lighter?

So what do I splice into?

Sorry, I don't know what the cable names refer to.

[Burg Boxster]

it depends on if you want it to always be hot, or just when the ignition is on. I did mine so it's only live w/ ignition to turn on/off my XM radio automatically. Here's a schematic, but i's your choice

[rick3000]

Thanks!

So those wire are the ones that are wrapped up behind the radio and plug into the back of the radio . Correct? It doesn't look to hard once I locate the wires.

[rick3000]

Ignore this:
This is a different setup.

Here is the cable I would like to buy.
Can I wire it in the way I have displayed?
Also, are the green w/ black and brown ground the wires coming out of the back of the stereo that are woven together?

[rick3000]

Bump, Anyone?

[Burg Boxster]

we are talking about 2 different things here. The wires in the schematic picture I posted above are from the phone power cable plug. This is found behind/under the center console. If you pull off the carpeted side panels, dig around in there and you will find it. It is not connected at all directly to the head unit but can be used as a source to get both switched and unswitched power. Good luck.

[rick3000]

Okay, so I will just tap into that.
Thanks!

[spark00]

Rick,
Did you get this done? I was thinking about the same thing but want to know which cigarette lighter fits in that center console space. Or are they all standard size?

[rick3000]

I finally got the cigarette lighter in, I brought it out by the passenger foot-well, but I might move it under the passenger seat. I'll post some pictures later. And if you want to add another lighter on the drivers side the part numbers are on renntech if you search for deeper cigarette lighter.

[Burg Boxster]

Spark00-
Here are the p/n for the US spec lighter (deeper & narrower so accessories fit and don't fall out) along w/ prices from Sunset:

996-652-101-10-A05 Socket - $8.05
996-652-102-10 Lighted retaining ring - $4.30

a worthwhile upgrade to your existing lighter (so things stay put w/out a sleeve or b-card jammed in) or for adding one to the blank spot on the opposite side. If replacing your OEM - it takes all of 10 minutes (includes time to crack open the beer when finished )

[spark00]

Thanks Burg & Rick!!! This is why I hang out here. Parts are ordered as we speak. I'll post pics when I'm done.

BTW, I generally splice by hand and use electrical tape but those splice tap connectors looks very clean and make the job easier. Radio Shack has them?

[rick3000]

RadioShack has got them for $2 for 16 of them.