Correct voltage on cigarette lighter?

[jba3]

I'm trying to wire up a toggle switch for an electric cutout (no flames, please ), and the cigarette lighter seemed like a good switched 12v. I've seen threads on here say the same, and I have it wired the same way on my evo. But, my evo is around 12v at the cigarette lighter ... my vr4 is only showing 10v. Is this normal? I've been DD'ing the car for about 3 months and haven't had any issues with low battery voltage.

Eventually I'd like to put the toggle switch, and 6 gauges off that circuit. The ProSport gauges have minimal draw (1ma I think?), but would like to know if that circuit will support it well enough, or will I have to run another one off the fuse box. If so, what size fuse?

Thanks!

[3KGTVT]

I put in a toggle switch for my interior neon. I dont know if you have an aftermarket head unit but I wired my toggle switch to the yellow + wire that goes to the head unit, works great.

[Dave57]

Originally Posted by jba3

I'm trying to wire up a toggle switch for an electric cutout (no flames, please ), and the cigarette lighter seemed like a good switched 12v. I've seen threads on here say the same, and I have it wired the same way on my evo. But, my evo is around 12v at the cigarette lighter ... my vr4 is only showing 10v. Is this normal? I've been DD'ing the car for about 3 months and haven't had any issues with low battery voltage.

Eventually I'd like to put the toggle switch, and 6 gauges off that circuit. The ProSport gauges have minimal draw (1ma I think?), but would like to know if that circuit will support it well enough, or will I have to run another one off the fuse box. If so, what size fuse?

Thanks!

First I would check the voltage at the battery under the same load as when you check the lighter socket. The internal connection in the socket may not be good if it has been used. An underdrive pulley will lower the charging output at an idle too.

[Dave57]

Diagram attached

[jba3]

Originally Posted by Dave57

First I would check the voltage at the battery under the same load as when you check the lighter socket. The internal connection in the socket may not be good if it has been used. An underdrive pulley will lower the charging output at an idle too.

That's exactly what it is, the underdrive pulley. I had checked the battery previously and it was fine.

Thanks Dave!

[bert0mac]

its actually pretty simple to put another positive lead in directly from an unused slot in the factory fusebox.

good luck with your mods, post pics when your done