True? And if so why?

[AndySpill]

Another poster published a completely helpful link to this product on another thread

https://www.quadratec.com/p/quadratec/12-volt-power-adapter-jeep-wrangler-tj-jk-jl-jt

I'd seen this product before and its claim that it's " The only switched ignition lead available to tap into is located behind the lower dash power port. This is the only place that a switched accessory can safely be attached. "

Really, why? What's wrong with the dash 12V accessory plug, the USB ports, the Aux switches, even the cargo area port if you move its fuse from the default "always on" setting to its battery/accessory/only on when the vehicle is on setting?

I know in my heart this claim isn't true and yet think its promotional copy was something well intended when first written, having something to do with CANBUS interfence of something......

Thoughts?

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[Terrymo]

https://www.quadratec.com/p/quadratec/12-volt-power-adapter-jeep-wrangler-tj-jk-jl-jt
I successfully used that in line harness on the front and rear 12 volt accessory plugs. I also spliced into the usb harness at the back of the center console to hardwire the CargoDog storage box lights. No problems noted.

 

[Heimkehr]

Another poster published a completely helpful link to this product on another thread

(corrected link)

I'd seen this product before and its claim that it's " The only switched ignition lead available to tap into is located behind the lower dash power port. This is the only place that a switched accessory can safely be attached. "

What's wrong with the dash 12V accessory plug, the USB ports, the Aux switches, even the cargo area port...

Possibly the ad copy just requires a bit of editing to provide additional clarity.

The linked harness provides a plug-and-play installation, which is a claim that the Aux switches, with their DIY wiring pigtails, can't make. Also, USB ports by definition provide 5 volts, whereas the owner might require a 12V power source. More to the point, I've confirmed that the two USB ports in my JLU are always hot.

As for the existing 12V power ports on the dashboard and in the cargo area, perhaps the owner wants a direct hardware solution that doesn't require the use of adapters, as are oftentimes required when powering an accessory via the cigarette lighter, as I still refer to them.

 

[nU7OuxIx]

Another poster published a completely helpful link to this product on another thread https://www.quadratec.com/p/quadratec/12-volt-power-adapter-jeep-wrangler-tj-jk-jl-jt .

I'd seen this product before and its claim that it's " The only switched ignition lead available to tap into is located behind the lower dash power port. This is the only place that a switched accessory can safely be attached. "

Really, why? What's wrong with the dash 12V accessory plug, the USB ports, the Aux switches, even the cargo area port if you move its fuse from the default "always on" setting to its battery/accessory/only on when the vehicle is on setting?

I know in my heart this claim isn't true and yet think its promotional copy was something well intended when first written, having something to do with CANBUS interfence of something......

Thoughts?

Maybe some people don't want to muck with the existing wiring?

Kind of reminds me of installing new radios in cars back in the 90's. You can either buy the wiring harness for a plug and play solution or chop off the existing factory harness and manually splice and solder each wire.

 

[AndySpill]

https://www.quadratec.com/p/quadratec/12-volt-power-adapter-jeep-wrangler-tj-jk-jl-jt
I successfully used that in line harness on the front and rear 12 volt accessory plugs. I also spliced into the usb harness at the back of the center console to hardwire the CargoDog storage box lights. No problems noted.

It was your post I was reminded of the product from Terry, and I'm sure the device works, as you state, I though wish to know why it's claimed as the exclusive place to derive 12V power from in the vehicle.

 

[tomk62]

What's wrong with the dash 12V accessory plug, the USB ports, the Aux switches, even the cargo area port if you move its fuse from the default "always on" setting to its battery/accessory/only on when the vehicle is on setting?

I am not familiar with that practice, how do you do that?

 

[AndySpill]

Possibly the ad copy just requires a bit of editing to provide additional clarity.

The linked harness provides a plug-and-play installation, which is a claim that the Aux switches, with their DIY wiring pigtails, can't make. Also, USB ports by definition provide 5 volts, whereas the owner might require a 12V power source. More to the point, I've confirmed that the two USB ports in my JLU are always hot.

As for the existing 12V power ports on the dashboard and in the cargo area, perhaps the owner wants a direct hardware solution that doesn't require the use of adapters, as are oftentimes required when powering an accessory via the cigarette lighter, as I still refer to them.

Perhaps the 12V plugs in the vehicle are merely that, and although switched in the dash, and capable of being switched in the cargo area, are not "ignition leads," for what that may be worth.

 

[JEEP4U]

Folks...... just remember. If you split / splice your wiring, you may have just voided your warranty on any item it feeds or is linked to.

 

[Terrymo]

It was your post I was reminded of the product from Terry, and I'm sure the device works, as you state, I though wish to know why it's claimed as the exclusive place to derive 12V power from in the vehicle.

Maybe to oversell the need for their product. IDK

 

[AndySpill]

I am not familiar with that practice, how do you do that?

I think that you're asking how one makes the cargo area plug of type "accessory": on only when the vehicle is on, rather than its default of always on or "battery."

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/12-volt-or-usb-always-on.8688/post-664650

 

[AndySpill]

Folks...... just remember. If you split / splice your wiring, you may have just voided your warranty on any item it feeds or is linked to.

Sure, it get that, but plugging into the cigarette lighter in the dash will give you switched 12V power and worse case scenario a blown fuse, not a voided warranty.

 

[Yawnie'sPapa]

Another poster published a completely helpful link to this product on another thread https://www.quadratec.com/p/quadratec/12-volt-power-adapter-jeep-wrangler-tj-jk-jl-jt .

I'd seen this product before and its claim that it's " The only switched ignition lead available to tap into is located behind the lower dash power port. This is the only place that a switched accessory can safely be attached. "

Really, why? What's wrong with the dash 12V accessory plug, the USB ports, the Aux switches, even the cargo area port if you move its fuse from the default "always on" setting to its battery/accessory/only on when the vehicle is on setting?

I know in my heart this claim isn't true and yet think its promotional copy was something well intended when first written, having something to do with CANBUS interfence of something......

Thoughts?

That's generic market-speak. On a stripped down Jeep, you don't have aux switches, and tapping into USB for real power isn't great - these are low power USB and limited to what a USB port can deliver amps and voltage-wise.
With a JT - note the JT is covered with that harness - there's no power in the bed and aux switches are an option - they don't come with the tow package like a JLU might.
They are covering bases, and frankly, for higher amperage 12 volt power that's switched, that lighter circuit is the easiest, best place to get it.

I used this harness, on Amazon, extended the power leads between the connectors to be able to move my 12v outlet to the right to make room for a trailer brake controller. I didn't figure I'd use the 12 volt power and ground tap until I put a snow plow on my Jeep and needed a place to get power for the plow hand-held controller.

i do have aux switches but could never find the leads that are supposed to exist inside the cab. the engine bay aux switch leads were obvious, easy to find. Me and another fellow both looked and didn't find the wires inside the cab. Probably buried up behind something, oh, well.

 

[tomk62]

I think that you're asking how one makes the cargo area plug of type "accessory": on only when the vehicle is on, rather than its default of always on or "battery."

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/12-volt-or-usb-always-on.8688/post-664650

Ah perfect, thank you! That very specifically only refers to the rear cargo power port.

What's wrong with the dash 12V accessory plug, the USB ports, the Aux switches, even the cargo area port if you move its fuse from the default "always on" setting to its battery/accessory/only on when the vehicle is on setting?

The dash locations would require you to hack into their wires (as opposed to the product's simple and safe snap in harness) and the fuse trick only applies to the rear cargo port.

I though wish to know why it's claimed as the exclusive place to derive 12V power from in the vehicle.

That's not what it says. In looking at the product install manual it's clearly for easily tapping in behind the dash. Here's exactly what the product description says:

The only switched ignition lead available to tap into is located behind the lower dash power port. This is the only place that a switched accessory can safely be attached. This is an easy way to add accessories without causing damage to the electrical system. The kit allows you to neatly wire accessories that are switched on and off with the ignition key.

 

[Heimkehr]

I have aux switches but could never find the leads that are supposed to exist inside the cab. the engine bay aux switch leads were obvious, easy to find. Me and another fellow both looked and didn't find the wires inside the cab. Probably buried up behind something, oh, well.

I'd swear I've seen a pic of the pigtail that you're seeking: behind the glove box door, attached adjacent to the HVAC blower assembly. Have a look and let us know. ?

 

[Terrymo]

I'd swear I've seen a pic of the pigtail that you're seeking: behind the glove box door, attached adjacent to the HVAC blower assembly. Have a look and let us know. ?

@Yawnie'sPapa
Here’s a pic of the interior aux wires at the top edge of the carpet under the passenger side dash near the HVAC blower motor. My wiring bundle was folded over and terminated closer to the center console. It was also fully wrapped in Tesa tape so the individual wire ends could not be seen.

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