Which fuse is a switched accessory fuse?

**RichTJ99** · 05-24-2008 09:09 AM

Hi,

I was looking at the manual & I am trying to figure out what fuse I should use to tap power for an Ipod dock. I would like a switched accessory fuse. It would be nice if there was a switched power fuse that isnt being used (a spare fuse).

Is there a spare switched fused? If not, whats safe to use?

Thanks,
Rich

**Brent27** · 05-24-2008 10:13 AM

if you open your fuse box which is on the left hand side between the dash and your door theres a chart and tell you which fuse is for what....also if your tapping the fuse make sure u use a mini fuse tap no the full size....ground the wire to one of the screws right inside the fuse box

**RichTJ99** · 05-24-2008 10:47 AM

Brent,

I did not see any fuse that is an unused accessory switch. Should I just be tapping into "something" like the windows (which only work when the power is one)?

In terms of the ground, I can use just about anything right? Any screw that goes into metal?

Thanks,
Rich

**Sanjman** · 05-24-2008 11:42 AM

Read the specs on your iPod dock. It will say the voltage rating and current limits... most probably 12V and ~1100mA. You want to make sure you tap into a fuse that will allow enough current to pass through otherwise you will blow that fuse often. I think it may be best to tap into a fuse of the audio equipment.

On the other hand, what kind of iPod dock do you have? Is it not compatible with our OEM audio equipment? Maybe you can ask TeddyBGame to create you some kind of custom plug-n-play harness.

**RichTJ99** · 06-04-2008 07:48 AM

Im still having a hard time figuring which fuse in the fuse box is switched & which is perm +12V.

I am using a DLO homedock with an inline fuse & a fuse tap currently plugged into the sunroof fuse (which I rarely use). When the power is turned off in the car, the DLO still is able to power on.

Can Teddy make me an Ipod plug that will fit directly into the OEM slot? The OEM ipod plug doesnt have anything for video.

Thanks,
Rich

**minameismud** · 06-04-2008 08:09 AM

for my escort 8500 hardwire, i used the washer fluid heater fuse (dunno the number). as i recall, it's only 5 amps, but it's switched. i've only had it wired up for a month, and i don't even know what turns on those heaters (or if they're always on with the car), but it hasn't blown yet. took a bit of trial-and-error to find one that was switched that wasn't something vital (like transmission control or headlights).

**RichTJ99** · 06-04-2008 08:52 AM

I will give that a try for the switched power!

Any idea what would be a a perm +12V?

**peta8368** · 06-04-2008 09:28 AM

you can use something like this so you won't have to unplug any existing circuits

Peter

**minameismud** · 06-04-2008 09:57 AM

Originally Posted by peta8368

you can use something like this so you won't have to unplug any existing circuits
Peter

i dunno about this. if you can get one locally, sure, but my guess is that you won't be able to get the cover back over the fuse panel if you try to use one of these. didn't look like there was much room with it all buttoned up.

**peta8368** · 06-04-2008 10:28 AM

I have something similar for my escort 8500 hardwire (not exactly that one, but it looks to be the same size as far as i can tell), and it fits behind the fuse door fine. I have it tapped on fuse 31.

Peter

**freeflow** · 06-23-2008 11:06 AM

which side of the fuse do you tap if facing the fusebox? left or right?
or if vertical, top or bottom?

**minameismud** · 06-23-2008 11:19 AM

Originally Posted by freeflow

which side of the fuse do you tap if facing the fusebox? left or right?
or if vertical, top or bottom?

not sure, but yank a permanent fuse (so the car can be off...) and stick a multimeter on each terminal to see what's powered. if you want the existing fuse to protect whatever you're wiring in, then the unpowered side. if not, the powered side.

**Sanjman** · 06-23-2008 12:11 PM

Originally Posted by minameismud

for my escort 8500 hardwire, i used the washer fluid heater fuse (dunno the number). as i recall, it's only 5 amps, but it's switched. i've only had it wired up for a month, and i don't even know what turns on those heaters (or if they're always on with the car), but it hasn't blown yet. took a bit of trial-and-error to find one that was switched that wasn't something vital (like transmission control or headlights).

I would recommend checking that out... an escort passport 8500 uses MUCH less power than an iPod dock that powers AND charges the iPod and therefore requires much more power than a radar detector. I would say a radar detector uses a maximum of 300mA no where close to an iPod.

Also... I think the homelink fuse might be free if you don't have homelink

**freeflow** · 06-23-2008 01:37 PM

i don't have homelink, but i tried inserting a fuse in that slot and it wouldnt bite... which leads me to believe if you dont get it from factory, then they dont bother wiring the fuse slot.

I'm trying to finish this DIY for my 8500i: http://www.audiworld.com/tech/elec156.shtml

I have wired everything correctly and double checked, but for some reason am not getting power. I've tried using the switched reverse light fuse #31 which is 15amp with an in-line 1amp fuse.

I wish i had a multimeter... any ideas?