Here I am again with another enquiry about tapping into existing 12V power lines in my '05 Prius. This time it's the dashboard clock. I need an always-on 12V line for a low-power after-market accessory. I believe I can tap the associated fuse in the fusebox by the driver's left shin, but the clock is closer to the accessory. I'm willing to sacrifice the clock if necessary, because I've already mounted a more legible silver-cell clock atop the LCD panel.
Any thoughts on how to gain access to the back of the factory-installed clock?
I'm not aware of how to remove the clock in the Prius but be aware that the clock gets power from 2 sources - 1 always on and 1 that comes on with the accessory or ignition to make the display illuminate. The same is true of the radio.
It is probably a lot easier to use one of those fuse taps that fit around the blade of the fuse and run the wire under the dashboard.
The clock is a VERY low current application. You're better off installing one of those fuse-blade-thingys like Ray says, and adding a fuse in-line to boot. Both can be had at AutoZone or CarQuest.
All my add-ons are low-power, so normally I add the tap to the fuse's downstream blade. That way, the original fuse assumes the additional responsibility for protecting the new load. So far I've had no problems from that approach, but you're absolutely correct that an additional fuse dedicated to the new device is better practice.
Absolutely. One complication is that the fusebox in the Prius's cabin has a snap-on lid that hugs the top of the fuses. For safety I can't use a scheme that leaves the box unlidded. I've abandoned the idea of accessing the clock's connector, though.
Toyota's blade-style fuses are smaller than the ones I'm familiar with from earlier American cars. I'm glad to know the taps are available for these as well.
WOW! I thoiught I was the only one that did that! Bravo!
BTW, isn't there an outlet in the console? Do you have a Power Plug? If so, you could stop in at Radio Shack and get an adapter that plugs into the socke and doubles or triples it.
Traditionally, Toyota clocks just pull out from the dash, if you can get a grip on it! I can't recall the position of the Prius' clock.
Yes, there are two 12V sockets: one below the dash by the front passenger's left shin and one inside the center console. Those are excellent sites, but both circuits are conditioned on the state of the ignition. I'd love to switch them over to always-on, because sometimes we use them to charge our cellphones. They could be charging when we're away from the car too. Would it be costly for Toyota to to allow a toggling between ignition and battery modes for the sockets?
As of now I have a two-from-one adapter in the dash socket. It's an offset design, so both of the adapter's new sockets lie against the strange half-tube that extends from the dash down to the floor. They're nicely out of the passenger's way.
Don't get me started! The Prius clock is too small, too dim and too far from the driver's natural line of sight to allow a quick reading. I bought a cheap LCD clock with 1" numerals and mounted it atop the molehill. All occupants can see it at a glance.
So now I have no further need for the Prius's original clock, hence the enquiry about kidnapping its 12V source.
I appreciate the time you and Ray are taking to respond to my posting. I have a lot to learn.
MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here.
All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.