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Under-Hood Fuse Box/Position Source of +12V at "READY"?

Discussion in 'Prius v Technical Discussion' started by Air_Boss, Mar 1, 2013.

  1. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    For a DRL project on the 2012 v Five, does anyone have an under-hood fuse box/position (fuse number) source of +12V at "READY" (Ignition On)? A populated position is fine, I would use a low profile fuse tap to add a circuit. Thanks.
     
  2. alekska

    alekska Active Member

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    For my (LED) self-made DRLs I took +12V from windshield washer motor circuit, right by the fluid tank. My consumption is 2A, so I believe washer circuit is not going to be overloaded even when I'm using washer. I have in-line fuse between washer and my DRLs.

    -Aleks
     
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  3. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    Thanks. So either a wire-tap, or fuse-tap the washer motor fuse.
     
  4. ImeanGreen

    ImeanGreen Prius v Five BP Brigade #236

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    How about looking for the fuse for the washer motor in the fuse box?
     
  5. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    Right, fuse-tap the washer motor fuse, if it can be found.
     
  6. pat767

    pat767 Junior Member

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    Any news on this? Has anybody found a +12v at READY fuse at all?
     
  7. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    IG2 fuse #43 from both spare capacity and location for low profile fuse tap perspectives (see under hood fuse box layout, attached). Didn't want to use a wire tap.
     

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  8. pat767

    pat767 Junior Member

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    I believe the original fuse is 20A, right? Which kind of fuse should be used for the added circuit on the fuse tap?

    Also, having trouble locating a low profile mini fuse tap locally (Montreal). Any hints as to where I could obtain one?
     
  9. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    Just enough to cover the load; so assuming 2x22W LEDs, 5A should do it. eBay is your friend.
     
  10. pat767

    pat767 Junior Member

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    Sorry, I'm not too good with these calculations. You're mentioning LEDs (which are the headlights in my Prius v Five). Is this related to the IGN fuse I'll be using to tap?

    But I'm going to be installing the Webelectric DRL-2P module, which uses the turn signals as DRLs.

    So I'd lift the 20A fuse out of its socket, insert the fuse tap in its place, put the 20A fuse back in, then populate the remaining slot with a 5A fuse and connect the butt connector to the yellow wire of the module.
     
  11. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    Wattage is Voltage times current in Amperes (W = V x A), so based on the application you describe, if the turn signals are 5W each, that's 10W total load, assuming only the two front (left and right) turn signals are being driven. Assuming a 12V electrical system, the current to drive 10W is less than 1 Ampere (10/12 < 1), so a 5A (even a 2.5A) fuse would more than cover the turn-as-DRL circuit, which fuse should be placed in the fuse tap slot associated with the butt connector (be sure which slot is which -- it isn't always clear). I am not familiar with the Webelectric module but if the yellow lead is to be connected to +12V power with IGNition on (i.e. at READY on the Prius), then yes, connect the mini fuse tap butt connector to the yellow lead.
     
  12. pat767

    pat767 Junior Member

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    Sounds exactly right. That's what I'll do. Thanks.
     
  13. pat767

    pat767 Junior Member

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    Having trouble locating the Add-a-Circuit low profile fuse tap. Might have to use eBay.

    Apart from the IGN fuse, is there another wire that I could splice into, that is 12v at Ready?
     
  14. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    The windshield washer motor power lead was mentioned.
     
  15. pat767

    pat767 Junior Member

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    Sorry for my lack of automobile knowledge. I've located everything except for the 12v source. Where do I find this windshield washer motor? I noticed at least 2 "pumps" at the base of the tank... Is this it?
     
  16. pat767

    pat767 Junior Member

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    Hopefully I find it.
     
  17. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    It would be tank-mounted, yes. Haven't looked, so can't comment on which motor (front and rear?) or wire/trace color is +12V at READY. My preference is not to use wire taps, since when used in the engine compartment their continuity tends to deteriorate with dirt and moisture, which increases resistance and generates heat, which causes further deterioration.
     
  18. pat767

    pat767 Junior Member

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    Finally located it. Purple wire on the washer motor connector has the +12v at READY.
     
  19. pat767

    pat767 Junior Member

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    Here's the Webelectric DRL-2P in action:



    Took just over 3 hours to install. The light switch is in the OFF position.
     
  20. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    Fuse position #43 and the rest appear to be +12V at all times. None are only +12V at READY.