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Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by InTheWASide, Aug 1, 2004.

  1. InTheWASide

    InTheWASide New Member

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    Auto door lock and a 12v solar modifier? DIdn't really follow the description of the one too well... But either way...

    WOOHOO!
     
    #1 InTheWASide, Aug 1, 2004
  2. LeVautRien

    LeVautRien Member

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    I'm with you there, I didn't get the second one either.
     
    #2 LeVautRien, Aug 1, 2004
  3. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    I didn't see a link to the solar modifier....
     
    #3 efusco, Aug 1, 2004
  4. LeVautRien

    LeVautRien Member

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    It's there, under "Power outlet modifier" (Or modification...I forget)
     
    #4 LeVautRien, Aug 1, 2004
  5. ALoLA

    ALoLA New Member

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    I've been wondering about this. My old Mitsubishi Galant had the autolocking feature. Most of the time, I just open the driver side door, but I am still curious about this mod. How "safe" is it, and would it void my warranty?
     
    #5 ALoLA, Aug 2, 2004
  6. LeVautRien

    LeVautRien Member

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    The safety just comes in the form of never having your doors accidently unlocked, in the event that somone tries to carjack you.
     
    #6 LeVautRien, Aug 2, 2004
  7. eak354

    eak354 Member

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    anyone buy the auto doorlock gizmo they sell? was it hard to install? where is it installed (inside dashboard wiring or engine compardment)? this is a great feature!
     
    #7 eak354, Aug 2, 2004
  8. LeVautRien

    LeVautRien Member

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    Well since it was just announced, it might be a bit before anyone has installed one.
     
    #8 LeVautRien, Aug 2, 2004
  9. jamarimutt

    jamarimutt New Member

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    Fear of affecting the car's warranty and of installing something incorrectly that may fry your batteries seems to be the main factors keeping more Prius owners from installing these accessories.

    According to several posters, the Coastal Tech EV switch works well, but the installation is somewhat complicated due to the many wires and the little space available between them.
     
    #9 jamarimutt, Aug 2, 2004
  10. mikepaul

    mikepaul Senior Member

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    This is why I'm still interested in having Coastal do the mods for me, when I can get there to have it/them done.

    Of course, that'll be when the best MP3 or AUX solution I can afford is offered too...
     
    #10 mikepaul, Aug 2, 2004
  11. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    Ok guys, somebody spell this out for me b/c I'm just not seeing it. Under the outlet mod description it talks about the ability to plug in a solar trickle charger for purposes of maintaining the battery and also the option of using one of those little emergency jumper batteries through that outlet. But I still can't find any wording about a 12v solar modifier anywhere.

    Where and what is the phrase that's causing confusion.

    FWIW, I have a solar charger for my 12v attached directly to the battery (I just plug in the panel when needed).
     
    #11 efusco, Aug 2, 2004
  12. mikepaul

    mikepaul Senior Member

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    Perhaps
    means "solar modifier" to the original poster?...
     
    #12 mikepaul, Aug 2, 2004
  13. mboileau

    mboileau New Member

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    I just ordered both of the new items. I can't help it. If there's a new toy for this, I have to have it. I'll let you know how it works out.
     
    #13 mboileau, Aug 2, 2004
  14. bruceha_2000

    bruceha_2000 Senior Member

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    Probably. In reality, it is a mod to allow the outlet to be 'hot' even when the car is not on, acc or otherwise. You could plug in any 12V appliance. The solar panel concept may have came about from the early discussions of how to keep the 12V charged when the car is sitting for several weeks. Someone suggested using a solar panel with a cigarette lighter plug, but that was a no go since the outlet isn't hot.
     
    #14 bruceha_2000, Aug 2, 2004
  15. mikepaul

    mikepaul Senior Member

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    I'm likely to get the 12V kit and try to do it myself. It seems simple enough.

    That jumper I bought would work if the outlet was hot 24/7...
     
    #15 mikepaul, Aug 2, 2004
  16. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    Goodness folks, Dave detailed exactly how to do this mod....you can go to Radio Shack and buy the parts to do this yourself for $2...you don't need his kit at all. I haven't decided if I'm going to do that mod...I mostly want it for charging my cell phone when I'm not in the car, but I tend to use that plug for my radar detector and I don't want it on all the time draining the little 12v.

    And yes, exactly what he means is that you can plug a solar panel into the 'hot' plug to keep the 12v battery trickle charged. There is no 12v "mod" of any kind mentioned or alluded to.
     
    #16 efusco, Aug 2, 2004
  17. mikepaul

    mikepaul Senior Member

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    But I bet Dave would like us all to buy one... :|
     
    #17 mikepaul, Aug 2, 2004
  18. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    Funny thing is, I honestly don't think he feels that way. He didn't have to publish the information on how to do it right there on his web site, the same page he 'advertises' the modification on. He could have just listed the product description and price. I know Dave, met him once and have an online relationship with him and his wife Kelley. The Prius is a small offshoot of their main business and income generating source. The Prius is a passion and he's able to provide some products as a service to the Prius community, but he doesn't generate significant income from it.

    Sure, you can buy from him and he'll gladly take your money, but I don't think he'd feel the least bit slighted if you didn't.
    --evan
     
    #18 efusco, Aug 2, 2004
  19. inventor00

    inventor00 Active Member

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    Power Outlet Mod - CoastalEtech

    http://www.coastaletech.com/power_outlet_mod.htm

    We got it, talked dealer into installing it (just one cable with a jumper clip at both ends) - since we are all left feet for installing electrical stuff(me).

    Works great for keeping the cell phone charging, when the car is off.
    Dave includes directions of what to hook to what which is worth the $10, especially for something that was a pain for us (no cell charging if car is turned off).
     
    #19 inventor00, Sep 9, 2004
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