How To: Modify Rear Power Outlet for Constant Power

[bmlawless]

DISCLAIMER:This guide outlines the procedure I used to modify my 1999 QX4. I do not know what other years this modificaton would apply to. I am also unaware of what it would take to make the front power outlet active at all times. Perform these modifications AT YOUR OWN RISK. I am not responsible if something goes wrong and your Nissan/Infinity melts into a little puddle of goop.

PURPOSE:Performing this modification will change the behavior of the power socket located in the center console. The socket will now be energized at all times rather than just when the ignition is on.

BACKGROUND:Prior to this modification, the rear power outlet in my 1999 Inifiti QX4 was only active if the power was on. I have three electronic devices which I carry on a daily basis that I am constantly charging and I was frustrated that I could not charge the devices while the vehicle was parked. I found this procedure on another sight, but decided that we could use it here too. This is a very simple modification that took me less than 20 minutes.

OVERVIEW:The factory design energizes the relay coil for the rear socket when the ignition is turned on. However, +12V is present at the relay switch regardless of the ignition status. By creating a permanent switch connection inside the coil, we are by-passing the function of the relay.

PROCEDURE:STEP 1-Located the relay box under the hood. Mine was on the driver's side fender. Identify the relay for the rear power socket using the guide on top. Mine was located in the lower left corner and was identified as "POWER SOCKET". Remove the cover to expose the relays.

STEP 2-I chose to purchase relays from Radio Shack rather than alter the factory relays. The Radio Shack part number is #275-0226 and they cost me $6.79 on 7/17/2008.

Pry the cover off of the relay. You can use a small screwdriver. Be careful not to damage the internal components of the relay.

STEP 3-Locate the small open contact inside the relay (it is the only piece that moves in the relay.) Using forceps or a small pair of needle-nose pliers, bend the contact so it stays closed all of the time. In the photo below, the contact (identified by the arrow) has been bent to stay closed. Replace the cap on the relay.

STEP 4-On the bottom of the relay, locate the pin labeled "85" and cut it off. Be sure to trim it as close to the body of the relay as possible.

STEP 5-Trim the plastic mounting tab from the top of the relay.

STEP 6-Replace the factory relay with the modified relay and test for functionality.

THAT'S IT!


Modified by bmlawless at 7:07 AM 7/18/2008

[ubpsanity]

Would it not be simpler to remove the relay and just place a jumper between pin 30 and pin 87? That's essentially what you're doing.

[bmlawless]

Yup! You don't need a relay at all. I didn't see that until I wrote the overview.

If this cost more than $6.79 and took more than 20 minutes, I'd be pretty pissed. You can use the simple blade connectors that you can by anywhere to make the jumper ends.

For grins, I will do the super simple method later with pictures.

[ubpsanity]

I was just thinking that some people might be put off by buying a part (a very cheap part), and then basically destroying it. More people will be comfortable just plugging in a wire.

Now, I'm not sure, but if pin 87a isn't there, or not even connected, then it would just be a matter of wrapping some wire around pins 30 and 87, and just plug the relay back in. No-one would know the difference by looking.

I think a jumper would be the best :-)

And I'll be doing this later on myself actually, so thanks.

[bmlawless]

These relays don't have a Normally Open and a Normally Closed connection, so there is no 87a pin, just 30, 85, 86, and 87.

Here is the SSM Procedure (Super Simple Method)

STEP 1-Prepare a small jumper wire approximately 2" long. Use 12 gauge wire and the appropriate connectors since this wire could potentially carry large power loads. Mount the connectors 90 degrees off from each other to make installation easier.

STEP 2-Replace the factory "POWER SOCKET" relay in the relay box under the hood with the jumper. The jumper should connect to the sockets corresponding to pins 3 and 5 on the factory relay.

[timmack]

awesome post. lemme guess, theres no relay for the one in the console? its just fed off of the fuse block inside the car?