Added second socket using Cigarette Socket Splice-In Tap Kit (with photos)

[Maverick_Innovation_Designs]

I've been incredibly excited to get the parts in and do this mod. I made a splice-in harness that sits between the OEM cigarette socket connectors and so I can tap the circuit for relayed (and fused) power at the front of the cab. I use the cigarette socket for the light bar on top of the truck, dash cam, and to charge my various flashlights/electronics. Since I have an XL, I had plenty of space to install a second cigarette socket (for ease of use). Next steps, I'm going to install a basic USB charger in the glove box to keep my jumper and headlamp topped up, then maybe a switch panel in the cubby for the light bar and light pods.

Note: I'm not worried about melting the wires or blowing a fuse because I almost never use the rear media cigarette socket (no power draw) and most of the accessories I'm connecting are low current (15-30W). When I use something that uses more power (light pods/bar), there's almost never an occasion where I'm doing it at the same time.

Splicing harness: Male/female cigarette socket connectors with 6" free wire leads.

Used a trim tool to remove the under-dash panel where the cigarette socket and ambient light is installed

Marked then drilled a place for the new cigarette socket using a step bit. I also added a small key-hole slot at the top using a knife to fit the mating slot on the cigarette socket.

Added the splicing harness between the OEM connectors (splice = light grey, OEM = darker grey)

Added the new cigarette socket then connected everything up to lever terminals (for ease of use). Tucked away the wires then installed the panel back.

Works perfectly now.

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[ute]

It is implied but to confirm: can you remove that under dash panel with trim tools without disassembling other parts of the dash? I am looking to use the same location for a switch. Any advice on popping it out? From the tabs in your picture it looks like it pulls straight out (towards center armrest). Thanks!

 

[Toddman45]

I have no use for it as I don't use the single one, but nice work. It would drive my OCD nuts not having the matching ports, I would have had the bought a second OEM one.

 

[Toddman45]

It is implied but to confirm: can you remove that under dash panel with trim tools without disassembling other parts of the dash? I am looking to use the same location for a switch. Any advice on popping it out? From the tabs in your picture it looks like it pulls straight out (towards center armrest). Thanks!

Yeah it comes out pretty easy there's just four plastic clips that hold it in you can use a towel on the HVAC control panel and gently get a plastic trim panel removal tool to get your fingers in there and pull that panel straight out towards you, it just snaps in and snaps out.

I tapped the 12 volt plug for my ambient lighting.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

It is implied but to confirm: can you remove that under dash panel with trim tools without disassembling other parts of the dash? I am looking to use the same location for a switch. Any advice on popping it out? From the tabs in your picture it looks like it pulls straight out (towards center armrest). Thanks!

I would have installed the smokers package which includes a separate plug presumably on a separate fuse and would be on the switch on/off circuit and not on the cigarette style power point with the delay off circuit. The smokers pkg installs in one of the cup holders.

 

[Toddman45]

I would have installed the smokers package which includes a separate plug presumably on a separate fuse and would be on the switch on/off circuit and not on the cigarette style power point with the delay off circuit. The smokers pkg installs in one of the cup holders.

When I purchased my 2012 F-150 SuperCrew XLT it came with it all's it was was an old style push in cigarette lighter that went in the 12 volt socket along with an ashtray. It didn't include an extra 12 volt port, it just used the one the vehicle came with.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

When I purchased my 2012 F-150 SuperCrew XLT it came with it all's it was was an old style push in cigarette lighter that went in the 12 volt socket along with an ashtray. It didn't include an extra 12 volt port, it just used the one the vehicle came with.

Crap.....

 

[Maverick_Innovation_Designs]

It is implied but to confirm: can you remove that under dash panel with trim tools without disassembling other parts of the dash? I am looking to use the same location for a switch. Any advice on popping it out? From the tabs in your picture it looks like it pulls straight out (towards center armrest). Thanks!

It pulls out straight, or down. I insert the trim tool at the top, then lever it up to pop the panel down/off. To install, I push the panel in (straight).

 

[Maverick_Innovation_Designs]

I have no use for it as I don't use the single one, but nice work. It would drive my OCD nuts not having the matching ports, I would have had the bought a second OEM one.

If you have an XL or XLT, it's a nice way/area to add ambient lighting.

I have learned that I shouldn't buy the OEM version until my second attempt... just in case. I might move in that direction eventually, but this is working for R&D.

 

[Maverick_Innovation_Designs]

Yeah it comes out pretty easy there's just four plastic clips that hold it in you can use a towel on the HVAC control panel and gently get a plastic trim panel removal tool to get your fingers in there and pull that panel straight out towards you, it just snaps in and snaps out.

I tapped the 12 volt plug for my ambient lighting.

Nice to know that's what it looks like from underneath!

 

[Headbanger]

OP, nice job. Much cleaner than a pigtail!

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

I would have installed the smokers package which includes a separate plug presumably on a separate fuse and would be on the switch on/off circuit and not on the cigarette style power point with the delay off circuit. The smokers pkg installs in one of the cup holders.

From what I see in the instructions, the smokers kit replaces the power port with a cigarette lighter, and does not use a new circuit.

https://www.fordservicecontent.deal...iles/SKML3J_P04803_AA_SmokerKit_Large.pdf.pdf

HRG

 

[MakinDoForNow]

From what I see in the instructions, the smokers kit replaces the power port with a cigarette lighter, and does not use a new circuit.

https://www.fordservicecontent.deal...iles/SKML3J_P04803_AA_SmokerKit_Large.pdf.pdf

HRG

Apparently so,, dang!

 

[Maverick_Innovation_Designs]

From what I see in the instructions, the smokers kit replaces the power port with a cigarette lighter, and does not use a new circuit.

https://www.fordservicecontent.deal...iles/SKML3J_P04803_AA_SmokerKit_Large.pdf.pdf

HRG

I would have loved it if there was a separate fuse. If there is something that's really that power intensive - you can use a fuse tap for the #3 or #5 as others have pointed out.

One of the main benefits from tapping the cigarette socket is the ease of use since there's both positive/negative leads AND it's fairly close to the screen cubby, dash, glove box, etc. It reduces the complexity to install "nice to haves" like USB chargers and switches.

 

[Samcat13]

Made this up for the Cubby. Haven't had time to hook it up.

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