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Underhood fusebox question: Unused power taps?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by blades, Mar 26, 2011.

  1. blades

    blades New Member

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    I just finished installing OEM style driving lights on my '08 Prius. I want to hook them up as daytime running lights (on with the ignition). I found this apparently unused bank of 4 connectors, the top of which puts out power with the ignition on. I tried it out, and this source appears to suit my needs.

    Am I safe to use one of these power points for the lights? Thank you for any help!

    I found this pic that dogfriend posted a few months ago, so I modified it for my use (hope you don't mind dogfriend! :) )

    [​IMG]
     
    #1 blades, Mar 26, 2011
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    That "bank" is a cluster of four relays. Notice that it is labeled "B", on the bottom. Depending upon the power required for the lights, you may or may not have a problem.
     
    #2 Patrick Wong, Mar 26, 2011
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  3. blades

    blades New Member

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    Yeah, I noticed that "B". To clarify Patrick, are you saying the connectors under the dummy plugs (shown with white dots in the pic) are somehow connected to the relays to their left?

    EDIT: I see what it is now after reading KK6PD's post.
     
    #3 blades, Mar 26, 2011
  4. KK6PD

    KK6PD _ . _ . / _ _ . _

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    When I did my LED DRL mod, this is the point that I taped into to get ACC power for the LED'.

    http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...about-60-led-drl-turn-signal-in-one-bulb.html

    The current draw for the LED's is 250 ma. The wire on these fuse points is rather thin, maybe 18 ga. If your Lamps draw any significant current you may want to use this fuse point to drive a low current relay,and that will supply hi power to your lights safely!
     
    #4 KK6PD, Mar 26, 2011
  5. blades

    blades New Member

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    Good info, thank you KK6PD. I actually ran across your thread after I posted this question, but I didn't look at it close enough to see that you tapped power from there.

    That also answers my question to Patrick, seeing that you show a pic of the "B" block pulled out.
     
    #5 blades, Mar 26, 2011
  6. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    The "B" block includes the following four relays: AC W/P, BK/UP LP, FAN NO. 1, C/OPN. That last one is really key, as it powers the fuel pump.

    If you use LED lights with a tiny power requirement like KK6PD did, then no problem. However if your driving lights require 55W each, which is an additional current flow of ~8A or so @ 14V, then you might have a problem.
     
    #6 Patrick Wong, Mar 27, 2011
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