Best way of tapping a fuse?

[dan_rav4]

As part of my DVR install, I want to install a module which will provide 12VDC to my DVR even when the car is turned off, but also monitor battery voltage in order to cut off power should the battery get low.

I uploaded the manual here (only 4 pages, 4MB), was hoping for some tips as to make this process very easy. Quick instructions say:

1. Connect the red wire 'ACC(+)' to the fuse where power is supplied to when the vehicle engine has been started. (e.g. cigar jack or audio)
2. Connect the yellow wire 'BATT(+)' to the fuse of a permanent power source. (e.g. emergency lamps, cab light or tail light)
3. Ground the black wire to a metal part of the vehicle.
4. Connect the cigar jack of the vehicle drive recorder to the cigar jack socket.
5. Connect it to the main body of the product.

So it's a pretty easy process.

I do have experience dealing with installing electronics (signal mirrors, CarPC, etc.) in general, just not in the RAV4.

Should I get/use fuse taps? What's the best location for ground? Are there better ways of doing this?

Thanks guys!

[rav4uk]

This should help me on my DRL's, now to order and find the cigar lighter fuse... thanks

[rns]

Originally Posted by rav4uk

This should help me on my DRL's, now to order and find the cigar lighter fuse... thanks

But isn't it like that both those (e.g. cigar jack or audio) turn on at Acc on, not at ignition on when engine is on?

[vanib]

RAV4 4.3. uses these low-profile mini fuses. I had a hard time finding wire taps fitting this size. I ended up soldering a piece of wire to a low-profile mini-fuse!
A regular mini fuse might fit but then the fuse box cover would not fit .

[vanib]

For ground, I used a bolt in the driver footwell, near the left foot.
I am not sure if it is the best ground but works perfectly for my foglights and heated seats.

[dan_rav4]

I'm guessing I will have to get some of these fuses with a pigtail (item # is 330692566963).

Do you have any pictures of the soldering job? Never had to deal with fuses this small before.

[dan_rav4]

Originally Posted by vanib

For ground, I used a bolt in the driver footwell, near the left foot.
I am not sure if it is the best ground but works perfectly for my foglights and heated seats.

Are you still able to put the cover back on? What gauge wiring did you use? I took the cover off today, and there is 0 room. I need an 'always on' fuse, 'on when running' and ground. I don't think I can pull that off without leaving the cover off (or modifying it).

[dan_rav4]

No other suggestions? Anyone?

[dan_rav4]

Originally Posted by vanib

RAV4 4.3. uses these low-profile mini fuses. I had a hard time finding wire taps fitting this size. I ended up soldering a piece of wire to a low-profile mini-fuse!
A regular mini fuse might fit but then the fuse box cover would not fit .

Do you remember which fuse you tapped for always-on 12VDC? The only 'tap' product on the market is $25 shipped via eBay, which is just too much, so I need to come up with another solution. I do have basic soldering experience, but am mostly concerned that the dealer will freak out when he sees this setup, and give me a difficult time.