Electronics Need help wiring something up? Thinking of adding an electrical component to your car? Need help troubleshooting that wiring glitch?

adding power seats

Old Oct 14, 2008 | 11:42 AM
  #1  
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adding power seats

I gave a 88 firebird base model and have just purchased new seats with a power drivers side and was wondering what is the best spot to wire it at? a picture would be great, also I would like it to be a constant on 12 volt source so i could adjust the seat even with the key not being in the car. Thanks for your help.
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Old Oct 14, 2008 | 11:55 AM
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Car: 92 Trans Am Convertible
Engine: 5.0L
Re: adding power seats

I would suppose there are lots of ways to do it, I just grabbed off my Cig Lighter and ran a wire to the seat (Driver only - Passenger was not elect) I have been running that way for a good 10 months with no problem, and it is hot all the time so I can move the seat with the key out.
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Old Oct 14, 2008 | 04:06 PM
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Re: adding power seats

i though the gauge of wire used for the cigarette lighter wasn't thick enough for what the motor draws and could cause a fire. was that not true?
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Old Oct 14, 2008 | 10:17 PM
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From: St Louis Missouri
Car: 92 Trans Am Convertible
Engine: 5.0L
Re: adding power seats

I have not burned yet, and I did not change the fuse so the line is protected.
Changing the fuse to a higher amp fuse would eliminate the purpose of the fuse.

If you are concerned about using this as a source please read this thread
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/elec...ght=seat+power
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Old Oct 15, 2008 | 08:41 AM
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Re: adding power seats

i though the gauge of wire used for the cigarette lighter wasn't thick enough for what the motor draws and could cause a fire. was that not true?

That's VERY true !


Scooby Doo I'd put a small extingisher in your car if I were you !


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Old Oct 15, 2008 | 11:48 AM
  #6  
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From: St Louis Missouri
Car: 92 Trans Am Convertible
Engine: 5.0L
Re: adding power seats

I'll go back and check it out, but what is the purpose of the fuse, self destruct in an overload situation, I think I'll be fine.

Any ways if it starts to burn, I'd rather have marshmellows than an extinguisher
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Old Oct 15, 2008 | 03:14 PM
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From: St Louis Missouri
Car: 92 Trans Am Convertible
Engine: 5.0L
Re: adding power seats

Now before you all get some hot dogs to throw on the fire I did some checking.

The cig lighter is on the ACC circuit.
The ACC circuit is protected by a 20 Amp Fuse, so every wire in that circuit can handle at least 20 Amps.

The Cig lighter pulls 6 amp draw.

The power seat pulls a 6 amp draw while moving, when you dead end it the draw jumps to 18.

So I think mine will stay the way it is and I'll leave the marshmellows at home.

So in closing
I would suppose there are lots of ways to do it, I just grabbed off my Cig Lighter and ran a wire to the seat (Driver only - Passenger was not elect) I have been running that way for a good 10 months with no problem, and it is hot all the time so I can move the seat with the key out.
Legal disclaimer: your seat may be different than my and have a larger motor and draw more Amps, individual results may vary, not responsible for the actions of others.
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