I want to add an auxiliary power source that is constantly powered to my 2010 xb. I want to do this so that my Zune is constantly powered and will automatically sync while it is still in my car (without power, you need to manually initiate a wifi sync). My previous car's cigarette lighter was constantly powered, and I miss the convenience of never having to take my zune out of the car to add/remove stuff to it, especially podcasts (this was the main reason I got the zune in the first place).

Anyway, I got an add-a-circuit thinking that would be the quickest way to set this up, or at least test it out to see if different locations in the car get better/worse wifi reception. I then went to install it with the notes/images I got from various xb forums, only to realize that the under-dash fuse box info I had was from 1st Gen XB, not 2nd Gen !

So, any suggestions on which fuse slot I should go with? I want to use an under-dash fuse and the add-a-circuit because I don't want to make any permanent changes just yet. Also, is there a ground near that fusebox that I can use?

The zune charger is rated at 300mA. I may also use this for powering a Boost Mobile phone I am working on as a cheap GPS-tracker for my car (its a mini usb charger, so no more than 500mA).

Thanks,
-leb

 

In case you aren't aware, those are very sizable loads on the battery without the engine running. If they were to be sustained, your battery would run down. Normal battery loading with key removed is well under 30mA, maybe under 10mA (unless you leave the lights on, of course ).

If you're going to do this, I'd take a look at the courtesy light circuit. Check the wiring information in the tech files for circuit details, connector info for locating a suitable pick-off point, and the owner's manual for fuse location.

The tech files can be found here: https://www.scionlife.com/forums/for...lay.php?f=1820

 

Run a fused wire from the battery, with a 8 gauge wire, you should have all the juice you'll need for small accessories. And TrevorS makes a good point about electrical loads while the engine is off. You may want to invest in a deep cycle type battery when the stocker craps out.

 

Thanks for the suggestions, I will definitely follow them when I go to do a permanent installation. What I am looking for now though is a quick, temporary solution in order to do a proof of concept (which won't fry my car ... or send me to 1955 if I drive 88 mph). This is why I am looking for a fuse slot within the cabin that I can use the add-a-circuit on. If things work out, and I know where good interference-free locations are, then I will go through the effort of connecting directly to the battery, adding an in-line fuse, going through the firewall, hiding wires, mounting, etc.

As far as the load goes, the numbers I was giving were the maximum for the devices under the most heavy usage (for the zune it would probably be while playing videos). When the engine is off, the devices shouldn't be anywhere near those numbers. The zune only connects intermittently and then it only takes a few minutes, at most, to do any necessary syncing. For the phone, once it is stationary for a period of time, it is set to only connect to the server and give its position every couple of hours (a connection that lasts only a couple of seconds).

If I'm reading the files TrevorS linked to correctly, it looks like the sunroof has constant power. My xb doesn't have a sunroof. Should there be any issues with using the add-a-circuit on that?

Thanks

 

Not sure about the sunroof, but I'm sure you have a multimeter handy. Start checking for 12V+ when the engine is off, and pick one with a high fuse rating. Any one you choose should be okay. I'd stay away from the car's computer systems though (ECU/TCM etc).

 

Is there a trick to removing these fuses. I have tried two types of fuse pullers, needle nose pliers, and tweezers, and I just can't a grip on the fuses! It's driving me crazy!

 

The fuse puller is located in the engine bay fuse box.