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Made up a little DIY 12v pressure washer and like the idea of permanently mounting the pump in the boot of my Passat. How easy is it to wire the pump into the fuse board? There is actually a blank 12v cigarette point in the boot as some models have 12v in the boot.
Any advice or guidance would be cool.
Thanks
'There is actually a blank 12v cigarette point in the boot'
err. Plug it in there?
I just plug my 'ghetto' washer into the ciggy lighter - less messing. You could wire in a 12V socket if you've got a blank there.
err. Plug it in there?
err blank as in non-functional?
The cigarette lighter socket in the boot isn’t wired in so needs connecting back to the fuse board I guess. That would be the cleanest solution. Would it be easy to do?
I'd probably wire it to the front socket.
My B7 has a cigarette lighter socket in the boot and it IS wired in. If I were you I'd wire that in (if it isn't already) and plug into that.
You may find the looms already in to that blank. Check that 1st.
You got a towbar fitted
I ran a couple of new wires directly off the battery terminal (via an inline fuse obviously) in my Berlingo as the BSI (Cotoren ECU/fuse box thingumabob) goes into power save mode after a few minutes even with the key in the ignition.
Also, the wiring to the socket will be really skinny, it might be safe for 12V/10A or whatever the pump draws, but you'll probably be loosing a couple of volts at least. Stick some dedicated wiring in (just run it under the car and in through the boot floor) gives you a fighting chance of still having the full 12V a the pump.
Obviously don't leave anything plugged into it that will flatten the battery!
Thanks all.
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molgrips
Full MemberMy B7 has a cigarette lighter socket in the boot and it IS wired in. If I were you I’d wire that in (if it isn’t already) and plug into that
Thanks. I’ve had the socket out and definitely not wired in. Will maybe delve further in and see if the loom is about.
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duncancallum
Full MemberYou may find the looms already in to that blank. Check that 1st.
You got a towbar fitted
Yes I’ve got a towbar fitted. Should I tap into that?
Josh Vegas - is that just soldering extra wires onto the back of the existing cigarette socket?
Do you know what the current draw of your pump is? Might be easiest to just plug into front cigarette lighter port if it isn't too high
I’m not the most experienced with car electrics but wanted a neat power source without trailing wires really