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How to Connect a 12V Car Accessory Without a Cigarette Lighter Socket

Model: (Various brands) Various
Part: Cigarette lighter

Video tutorial

In this video, we will see how to install an electronic accessory without using the cigarette lighter socket, opting for a direct connection to the fuse. The car is not clearly shown, but the method is universal for most vehicles with ATC/mini-ATC fuses and applies to Nissan, Toyota, Ford, Volkswagen for dashcam displays, LED lights, and more.

You will need the aforementioned fuses, a cable with a USB/12V connector; ring terminals for ground and a multimeter. Cut the connector and separate the wires: the red wire +12V connects to the fuse, the black wire is the ground and is attached to the body.

Find the "accessory" fuse in the fuse panel, and use the tester to identify a circuit that is active only with the key inserted (to prevent the battery from draining). Install the original fuse in the "add-a-circuit" socket and connect the red wire to the free terminal of the additional fuse.

Connect the ground to a clean metal bolt; hide the wires under the windscreen seal, start the car, and check the operation. It is important to choose the correct fuse: the capacity must be lower than that of the original circuit! Protect the wires with heat shrink tubing.


Posted on 8 March 2026 by ScegliAuto


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