FOR REWIRING YOUR CIGARETTE LIGHTER OUTLET 

1. Locate existing cigarette lighter outlet power source wire.
2. Locate new power source.
3. Cut existing cigarette lighter power source wire.
4. Connect to new power source.

TOOLS/PARTS REQUIRED 

• Power wire locator 

• Pliers 

• Wire cutters 

• Electrical tape 

• Extra wire (optional) 

• Splice connectors (optional) 

DETAILED STEPS

Note: Although this process is relatively straight forward, with some vehicles, the cigarette lighter/power outlet socket is located high in the dash panel and/or the wires are difficult to reach.  If you are not comfortable with rewiring, or cannot locate the wires to the cigarette lighter, you should consult your mechanic.

These are general guidelines.  Installation across different makes of vehicles may vary.

1. Locate cigarette lighter/power outlet wires (typically two wires).  Typically, a black wire is used to indicate the ground wire.  This wire is also usually connected to the side of the cigarette lighter/power outlet.  The power wire (typically red or orange) will be connected directly to the back of the cigarette lighter/power outlet.  Once you have located the cigarette lighter/power outlet wires, it is time to confirm which wire is the power wire.
   
   Using a power wire locator, connect the ground clamp to a ground source (this could be a bolt connected to the steering column or chassis).  Make sure the clamp is grounded well and is not connected to a painted surface.  If the grounding source is painted, you may need to work the alligator clamp back and forth to scratch through the painted surface to make a good ground.  To confirm that you have a good ground, touch the point of the power wire locator to a known power source, such as a terminal on the fuse panel.  You may need to check a few different terminals until you find one that has power.  If the wire locator lights up, you have a good ground.  
   
   Now its time to test the cigarette lighter/power outlet wires.  With the ignition turned on (cigarette lighter/power outlet is functional), push the tip of the power wire locator through the wire insulation.  If your power wire locator lights up, you have found the cigarette lighter/power outlet power wire.  Label this wire for future reference.  If it doesn't light up, check the other wire coming from the cigarette lighter/power outlet.  If this wire doesn't light up, your Power Wire Locator may not be sufficiently grounded.  Recheck your ground, ensure your ignition is turned on, and repeat above steps until you have found the power wire.
   
   

2. Locate a new power source.  With your ignition turned off and your key removed, use your power wire locator to check for another wire that always has power.  Check wires of similar size and color to the cigarette lighter/power outlet power wire you originally found.  Avoid wires significantly larger than your existing cigarette lighter/power outlet power wire.  Once you have located a new power source, mark it for future reference.
   
   

3. Cut the original cigarette plug power wire in a location that is easy to reach and is close to your new power source.  You should not cut the new power source wire.  You will only be tapping into the new power source.  If your cigarette plug power wire will not reach your new power source, you may need to use a piece of wire as an extension.
   
   

4. Connect to the new power source by using splice connectors or by soldering.  Cover all exposed connections with electrical tape or heat-shrink tubing.  

Test the cigarette lighter/power outlet by pushing in the cigarette lighter, or inserting the Plug-N-Protect Alarm Indicator, or another device such as a laptop, portable CD player.

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