Duncan_GT

Update:

Ok, so I can't get any power to this thing. Crimped the extension wires on, wire tucked everything, and installed the fuse tap. I tested everything and know for sure I'm getting 12 volts throughout the wiring. I even took everything apart and hooked it up directly to the battery just to get it to power on. Nope, nothing.

I'm at a loss. I figured this was pretty basic wiring

dawson1112

well you only have a red and black wire right?
red to 12v black to ground should = On. If not then the unit might just not be any good to start with . Have you ever known the unit to work at all?

Duncan_GT

Yeah used to work great. Saved me from a ticket on more than one occassion

dawson1112

out of curiosity , Im guessing the thing used a ciggerette light plug before right?
Are you sure the unit actually needs the full 12v to run ? some of the cig adaptor plugs have a circuit board and some resistors to bring the power down to 6 volts or 10 maybe even 4.7 v or something like that.

Duncan_GT

The only thing i can think of is that the cig lighter plug had a 2 amp fuse inside, and i didnt have that installed in the wiring anywhere

mattdel

Well, the fuse wouldn't dictate the amperage drawn, so that's not the answer. Although it should be fused when this is all said and done. Those skinny wires tend to break really, really easily once you've stripped them of the large rubber sheathing.. something to look for..

Duncan_GT

But i was getting 12 volts everywhere, would it still do that w broken wire?

mattdel

Oh i didnt notice that part. I assumed without reading.

Uhh........ idk. Dawson is correct about the power feed of some pieces though. Cell phones for instance use a 5v feed to charge. If it's over 5v the phone will disregard the charge and not allow it, possibly even warning of the issue if it's a smart phone.

Duncan_GT

I ended up taking it all apart and crimping it back to the original power cord and plugging it in. It didn't work then either. I havent the slightest clue lol

dawson1112

lol you have a garbage can?? start there. Id say it only takes a 5 or 6 volt feed and the plug cuts the 12 volts down to the correct voltage. Probly shoving 12 volts down its throat fried it.