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Thu Mar 18, 2010 11:05 pm

Hi All,
On my 74 SB, I hooked up a stereo and lighter. Stereo got hooked up to a red fuse for constant/memory power, last fuse for ignition/main power, and the lighter hooked to 1st fuse.

Everything is fine; except the headlights need to be on if I want power to the lighter. Obviously that #1 fuse is on a switch. I don't believe I have any more male ends to stick the lighter on in the fuse box. There is an open red fuse with 3 male ends that seems dead.

Car is stock.

Disclaimer:
I'm not an electrician so that crazy wiring diagram does me no good ;) Where should I put the lighter?

Thanks,
Sean

Fri Mar 19, 2010 5:40 am

You can use a "piggyback" connector, they look like this:

You should connect the lighter to the fused side of the panel; the side which has no power when the fuse is removed.
It is your choice whether connect it to a "terminal 30" circuit (always hot), or a "terminal 15" circuit (hot with ignition on).
Some people, and manufacturers prefer terminal 15 because it prevents battery drain when the car is not running.
Some people, and manufacturers prefer terminal 30 because it lets you charge the battery or charge your phone with the ignition off.
It's your decision.
Use adequately sized wire for the load you intend to plug into the lighter socket.
You might need to use a 16 amp fuse (red) on that circuit.
Either way, consider using heat shrink tubing around the piggyback and the connector plugged into it before you connect it to the fuse panel.

Good luck, Mondshine

Fri Mar 19, 2010 6:23 am

Quote: Some people, and manufacturers prefer terminal 15 because it prevents battery drain when the car is not running.
Some people, and manufacturers prefer terminal 30 because it lets you charge the battery or charge your phone with the ignition off.
Or both. #30 to keep the time and pre-sets. #15 for 'music' on with the key on

Fri Mar 19, 2010 7:08 am

Run-
I was referring to the lighter circuit.
Check this post: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=404416 for the radio.