Ford cigar socket

[chin_k]

In viewtopic.php?f=8&t=548&start=20

... I was able to rewire and swap my instrument panel for one from an F150 with a tach, find a tach signal to use, change my cigar lighter socket to only come on with the key (so I don't accidentally run down the battery), fix a turn signal wire, add LED halo lights, install a new radio, add heated front seats using existing seat wires, and I forget what else....
Kev

Hey, Kev. Can you give us any hint that you did for the cigar lighter socket from always on to ACC? I have to unplug my tire monitor from the socket when I am done driving, and sooner or later, I will end up with a dead battery if I forget.

[Scott]

Try finding the switched +12 lead that goes to the stereo, then wire your accessory to that directly. Yellow wire usually.

It's not any extra work, and your 12V socket will remain hot at all times (which I like because I can charge phones and things without the keys in the ignition). Plus you can clean things up by routing your cable under the dash, and get rid of the plug.

[chin_k]

Yeah, I hate the cigar plug since it is so bulky for what it needs. It is a legacy dinosaur that luckily are featured less and less nowadays. So my questions are what do I need to do to get to the yellow wire? Do I pull out the stereo to get to it? More importantly, what do I replace the bulky plug with? I have lots of Anderson connectors that I have for my Ham stuffs, but they are not that pretty either.

[Scott]

For tapping-in, I would just clip, strip, and solder. Connectors wouldn't be needed, but it's only two wires, so the options are plentiful if you think you'll want to easily disconnect the accessory; banana connector or whatever.

For the source, in my rig there are a million wires under the driver side foot well cover. Access is gained from the removal of a few screws. Look up a Ford schematic for a list of things in that location. It'd much easier than pulling the stereo if you're not already planning to do so.

[chin_k]

Thanx, Scott. I will look for the schematic.

( I got a copy of the Econoline Club Wagon wiring diagram for the 1999 chassis, thinking that it is the right reference mentioned by Kev and others, but it turns out that I should get the Electrical and Vacuum Troubleshooting Manual instead.)