Meth Install, Cig Lighter Help

G2K · 10-29-2019, 11:02 AM

Maybe I can get more help here as in the Electronic section there was only 1 response.

I'm looking for recommendations from guys who know their way around electronics and see what you guys suggest in my situation.

I just installed my AEM water meth kit and decided to use the cig accessory as the switched 12v. All is working fine BUT here is my situation. On this kit, there are 3 things that need a switched 12v source (the aem controller, the low-level sensor LED, and the solenoid) I connected all 3 to the cig lighter.

Again all works fine BUT coincidently that weekend I needed to put some air in one of my tires... I came to the surprise that the air pump that comes with the car doesn't turn on... Like the air gauge light turns on but as soon as I press the button to turn on the pump shuts off (the gauge light and all). I tested the pump on another car and its working fine so I know it has to do with my connections.

It does make sense that now the cig accessory doesn't have enough power I mean, darn I put 3 more things on it.

Another thing to note is while daily driving I also connect my radar detector here and I noticed every time my detector beeps the on switch for my Meth kit (which has a bulb to indicate power) dims for the time the radar is beeping.

- So is there a way to fix this?
- Would I have to source another 12v for my meth stuff in order for this to work? Or even distribute each thing to a separate switched 12v.

- On a separate note, would I need to add in inline fuse to the added lines? Please note that the AEM controller has its own fuse, the install instructions have NO mention of adding an inline fuse and I believe its because the controller has its own V regulation, hence why it has a built-in fuse, BUT would you still suggest adding ANOTHER fuse into the line?

95 imp · 10-29-2019, 11:24 AM

If you have the meth off and the detector on, it sounds like you have a bad connection.

If both are on, it sounds like you're overloading the circuit.

The air pump definitely has a bad connection.

Dysan911 · 10-29-2019, 11:30 AM

Here is what I would do.

Get yourself an automotive Relay. Use the 12volt from the Cig to trigger the relay. Then Run a fused 12volt from one of the terminals near the underhood fuse box.

This way the 12volt CIG when it powers on. Will energize the Relay and make the 12volt dedicated source avail to those extra items without having to worry about putting too much load on the Cig Circuit.

thebanks06 · 10-29-2019, 12:23 PM

what he said

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dysan911

Here is what I would do.

Get yourself an automotive Relay. Use the 12volt from the Cig to trigger the relay. Then Run a fused 12volt from one of the terminals near the underhood fuse box.

This way the 12volt CIG when it powers on. Will energize the Relay and make the 12volt dedicated source avail to those extra items without having to worry about putting too much load on the Cig Circuit.

TJay74 · 10-29-2019, 05:54 PM

The best and correct way would be to run a 12v switched from the front fuse panel box and as said to a relay that is triggered from key on. A relay can carry more load than the fuse can carry.

The fuse in the fuse panel is there to protect the wiring in the car, not the devices that are attached to each end of the wiring.

KingLT1 · 10-29-2019, 08:03 PM

^Agreed!

G2K · 10-30-2019, 07:32 AM

Noted, thank for you help guys.

10-29-2019, 11:02 AM	#1
G2K @Blackmamba_1LE Drives: 2017 1LE Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: South Florida Posts: 740	Meth Install, Cig Lighter Help Maybe I can get more help here as in the Electronic section there was only 1 response. I'm looking for recommendations from guys who know their way around electronics and see what you guys suggest in my situation. I just installed my AEM water meth kit and decided to use the cig accessory as the switched 12v. All is working fine BUT here is my situation. On this kit, there are 3 things that need a switched 12v source (the aem controller, the low-level sensor LED, and the solenoid) I connected all 3 to the cig lighter. Again all works fine BUT coincidently that weekend I needed to put some air in one of my tires... I came to the surprise that the air pump that comes with the car doesn't turn on... Like the air gauge light turns on but as soon as I press the button to turn on the pump shuts off (the gauge light and all). I tested the pump on another car and its working fine so I know it has to do with my connections. It does make sense that now the cig accessory doesn't have enough power I mean, darn I put 3 more things on it. Another thing to note is while daily driving I also connect my radar detector here and I noticed every time my detector beeps the on switch for my Meth kit (which has a bulb to indicate power) dims for the time the radar is beeping. - So is there a way to fix this? - Would I have to source another 12v for my meth stuff in order for this to work? Or even distribute each thing to a separate switched 12v. - On a separate note, would I need to add in inline fuse to the added lines? Please note that the AEM controller has its own fuse, the install instructions have NO mention of adding an inline fuse and I believe its because the controller has its own V regulation, hence why it has a built-in fuse, BUT would you still suggest adding ANOTHER fuse into the line? __________________ OG: Pray Perf FBO ET:11.5 @119 THEN:LT4 SC, E85 + Meth :10.6 @135 NOW: H/C Whipple 416ci

10-29-2019, 11:30 AM	#3
Dysan911 Drives: 2017 50th Anniversary 2SS Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 930	Here is what I would do. Get yourself an automotive Relay. Use the 12volt from the Cig to trigger the relay. Then Run a fused 12volt from one of the terminals near the underhood fuse box. This way the 12volt CIG when it powers on. Will energize the Relay and make the 12volt dedicated source avail to those extra items without having to worry about putting too much load on the Cig Circuit. __________________ Former Ride: 17 Camaro 2SS, M6 - Fifty \| Procharger P1SC \| 3.7 Pulley \| Stage 2 IC \| Race Bypass \| DSX FF Kit \| JRE Custom E85 Flex Fuel Tune \| LT4 Fuel System \| JMS Voltage Booster \| MSD Plug Wires \| American Racing 1-7/8's LT Headers Full System Catback \| Baro Breakout Harness \| LT4 Map Sensor \| Katech Ported TB \| MMS Oil Catch Can \| 160 Thermo \| Solo Performance J-Pipes

10-29-2019, 05:54 PM	#5
TJay74 Drives: 17 Camaro SS 1LE & 16 Sierra AT CC Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Norman, OK Posts: 2,424	The best and correct way would be to run a 12v switched from the front fuse panel box and as said to a relay that is triggered from key on. A relay can carry more load than the fuse can carry. The fuse in the fuse panel is there to protect the wiring in the car, not the devices that are attached to each end of the wiring. __________________ 2019 Corvette Z06 2LZ A8 - Halltech CAI, AWE non-catted X-pipe, Mamo V2 ported TB 592rwhp, bone stock 566rwhp 2017 Camaro SS 1LE - Procharger D1SC w/ Tial 2" BOV & Race intercooler / ARH full length catless headers / Alky meth injection system - 650rwhp on conservative tune SOLD

10-29-2019, 08:03 PM	#6
KingLT1 Drives: 2016 1SS NFG A8 Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: 46804 Posts: 6,792	^Agreed! __________________ 2016 NFG 1SS A8 Options-2SS Leather/NPP Perf. mods-Whipple 2.9/Fuel System/Flex Fuel/103mm TB/Rotofab Big Gulp/Cat Deletes/Corsa NPP Per. times- 10.5 @ 137 w/ 1.8 60ft Full weight on 20's 1200DA

10-30-2019, 07:32 AM	#7
G2K @Blackmamba_1LE Drives: 2017 1LE Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: South Florida Posts: 740	Noted, thank for you help guys. __________________ OG: Pray Perf FBO ET:11.5 @119 THEN:LT4 SC, E85 + Meth :10.6 @135 NOW: H/C Whipple 416ci

10-29-2019, 11:24 AM	#2
95 imp Dumb Ass Deluxe Drives: A Tricked Out Mountain Bike Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,959	If you have the meth off and the detector on, it sounds like you have a bad connection. If both are on, it sounds like you're overloading the circuit. The air pump definitely has a bad connection.

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