Tapping into Accessory Plug

[Fordy55]

I took apart the back of my center console where there is a plug for accessories. There are two wires going into the plug, one is black the other one appears purple. I tried to use a circuit tester and put the ground clip on a bolt and then tried to peirce the purple wire assuming it is the power wire, but the circuit tester didn't light up. I then tried peircing the other wire and still nothing. I tried cliping the ground clip to other metal parts on my car but still no luck. Am I doing something wrong or am I just not peircing the wiring all the way because I don't want to damage the wire? Also, what wire would I tap into for power, the purple one I assume? I have a 2005 Ford Explorer.

 

[Bill Kemp]

Was the key in the ON position? That outlet may be key/ignition switched.

 

[Fordy55]

yupp, tried doing it when the car was running and not running

 

[KPSquared]

plug something in and make sure the plug works, if it does, then the fuse is good. After that, the only problem is maybe a bad ground.

In the cab if you can clip your test light (or multimeter) ground to the key when it is in the ignition, I have found that always gets a good ground. If thats to far away then try a seat mounting bolt or seatbelt bolt. Just make sure they are clean.

Grab a multimeter and set it to check continuity. Then you can make sure you have a ground and check that the black wire is ground. Then just flip it to 20volts and see if your purple wire is hot.

Not a big deal on your accessory plug but be careful with a test light under the dash on newer vehicles... that little bulb can create a lot higher draw then some circuits were designed for and could even cause you computer issues...

 

[Fordy55]

Thanks, turns out i wasnt piercing the wire enough because I was afraid to damage it.