Full-time 12V Accessory Plug
By: Bob_98SR5
Written: 3/30/03

Tools & Supplies
14 Gauge Positive wire
Blade and Ring-type connectors
Philips head screwdriver
10mm Rachet Wrench
Electrical Tape
3/4" Hole Saw

Parts & Supplies
12V accessory plug (Victor V5350)
15W Fuse


Obligatory Disclaimer
I am providing this write up for illustrative purposes only. Perform at your own risk. Any mods (including this one) you perform on your vehicle is your responsibility. Furthermore, commercial use of this write up is prohibited---all images and text are property of 4Runners.org. Linking or copying any portion of this write up will result in legal action.

Summary
Unlike my previous 1999 4Runner, the 1996-1998 4Runners only have a single 12V accessory "cigarette" plug up front. After reading that, I was inspired to find a single plug solution without having to use glue. It was a matter of finding the right type of 12V accessory plug and I finally found it at my local AutoZone. The maker is Victor and the model number is V5350.

Please note that this mod is more easily accomplished by installing and using an auxiliary fuse box.

Step 1: Removing Interior Panels and panel
Remove the driver's side bottom panel, the shifter panel, the front radio panel, and the passenger side footwell panel.

To remove the driver's side bottom panel, remove the four 10mm bolts. To remove the shifter and radio panel, check out SLC_Punk's (Travis) write up here. Follow Steps 1 through 4 and return to this write up.


Remove these four 10mm screws


Remove the two philips head screws here

To remove the passenger side footwell panel, press the center of the plug until it clicks. Pull the plug out. Next, slide the footwell panel in an upwards angle to the back of the 4Runner.


Push in the center pin which will allow you to pull out the plug


Slide the footwell panel up and towards the back


Step 2: Mounting the 12V Accessory Plug
Flip the footwell panel, exposing the inside part, put the accessory plug on the panel itself and trace around it. Mark a center hole. If you have a 3/4" hole saw, use it---it will produce a much cleaner hole than my drill bit. As you can see, my hole is less than perfect (ok, its ugly). Remove any flash or extraneous pieces to ensure a good, solid fit.


Here's the front side to show you the approximate location of the 12V plug


Cut or sand off any flash on both sides to ensure a smooth fit

Next, unscrew the protective cover of the 12V Accessory plug. From the front side, insert the accessory plug. Once seated, hand screw the protective cover on the back side. Do not overtighten. You will see that the fit is excellent and it does not require any glue.


Unscrew (C), insert 12v plug into newly created hole, fasten (C) by screwing tight against footwell panel. Notice the positive and negative blade-type connectors.


Hand tighten for a no-glue fit!


Step 3: Powering the Accessory Plug
Run a 14 gauge positive (red) wire from the interior, through the firewall hole and into the engine bay. Pull the wire through and crimp on a blade-type connector. Do not plug it in yet. Next, go back inside, run the positive wire to the shifter area and cut the end of the positive wire. Crimp on a blade-type connector here as well.


I ran the positive wire underneath the carpet. The carpet is held down by very strong velcro.

Other end of the positive wire w/ a blade connector

For the negative wire, plug in the blade connector onto the accessory plug. Next, crimp on a ring connector on the other end. Ground the (-) wire to a place of your choosing.

Now attach the positive blade connector into the accessory plug and plug the other connector into the auxiliary fuse box itself. Plug in a 15 amp fuse into the auxiliary box.

Test the connection with a mobile phone car charger or some other simliar device.

That's it. Reassemble everything in reverse order. Of note, make sure you do not forget to screw in the philips head screws for the radio panel. I always forget to do one or two of them.

Here is a pic of the completed 12V accessory plug. Not bad and it does have that OEM look to it.