1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Installation of high current, 12vdc devices?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by priusham, Aug 17, 2004.

  1. priusham

    priusham New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2004
    525
    1
    0
    Location:
    Michigan - land of everlasting snowflake icon!
    I would like to install a radio that can pull as much as 22 amps of DC current at 12 volts. Is this even possible?

    If not, I'll deal with it. If so...

    In a conventional car, this radio would be wired directly to the large starter battery. Where would I connect this in my '04 prius? At the little battery in the trunk, or at the 12V connection in the engine fuse box.

    Thanks!
     
  2. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2003
    5,339
    917
    251
    Location:
    Surprise, AZ (Phoenix)
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tesla Model 3
    Model:
    N/A
    The 12V connection at the engine is fused for 100A max. Pop that guy and you may not be too happy.

    We concluded in earlier threads that as long as you don't run your blower at max speed with the electric PTC heaters running (cold start), rear defroster going while using the power outlets at a high draw with headlights on, you'll probably be okay.

    There's probably some breathing room - if you keep the radio off during these times, you'll probably be just fine.