Inverter 400W anytime and adding in-cab plugs
This mod will allow you to use your OEM inverter in your Toyota Tacoma at 400W all the time. For some reason in the stock configuration it limits you to 100W (~0.87 amps) after you start driving down the road which is about good enough for nothing
This mod applies to the 05-11 Tacomas with the TRD package and possibly the 2012+, check your wire colors and refer to your specific schematics to make sure they are the same before attempting this. I in no way take any responsibility for any potential damage ensued by performing this mod, this thread is just a guide for those wanting to attempt this on their own.
There are two different circuits for the 100W interlock, one for the automatic and one for the manual. I wrote this up for the manual transmission but the writeup should be close to the same steps for those who have automatic (I will try and point out the differences).
Supplies needed:
- Automotive wire, 8 feet or so (I used 18 awg) (M/T only)
- Add a fuse tap (M/T only)
- Wire cutters/crimpers
- Spade connectors (M/T only)
I also added some in cab AC plugs while doing this, it's a convenient time while you have the console out.
Apparently these are tough to find but I found a guy selling them on ebay a while back for super cheap:
AMP Receptacles ( Outlets ) 5-15R,
AMP Convenience Outlet # 208979
Rated at 110/120 v , 15 amps
I mounted mine in the back of the center console. Here's a few shots:
What it looks like from the back, I used some clear silicone to seal the plugs into the console:
I used this schematic for a reference.
1. Remove center console, there are a couple 10mm bolts underneath the inside of the console, then you pull the cupholder out and there are two screws holding the front of the console in. The console will then just pull out. Removal is pretty simple.
Lift up the little carpet in the console, and you will see the two 10mm bolts, I am pointing to one, the other one is removed in this picture
Pull cupholder out, just give it a firm grip and pull straight up and it will unclip
Remove these screws then the console will be free lift up for access to the inverter
The inverter sits towards the rear of the console.
2. (M/T only) Tap into a fuse with the add a fuse and route some wire under the drivers side console routing under the center console and over to the inverter. I used the rear power window fuse since I have an access cab and that circuit is not used. I installed a 5 amp fuse. I do not believe this circuit draws much current and have had no problems with the rating of the fuse since the install.
3. Cut and cap the violet wire with the white stripe, this will defeat the speed interlock to the OEM inverter (SPD).
4. (A/T only). Cut and cap the violet wire. Then ground the solid violet wire from the inverter. This is the Park/Neutral shifter switch interlock to the inverter (NSW). Note:this circuit is not used for the M/T
5. (M/T only). Cut the blue wire with the black stripe and attach the wire you ran from the add a fuse and connect it to the CONNECTOR end of this wire. Be sure to cap the other end or wrap in electrical tape so you don't blow a fuse. This bypasses the cruise control clutch switch which opens when you depress the clutch pedal (CCCL)
Seal everything up with electrical tape so you don't short anything out, sit back and have a beer. You can be happy knowing that now your inverter will no longer be limited to 100W!
You can also solder these connections if you choose I know some people are finicky about electrical connections but I figured these are in the cab and see little wear and tear, so the spade connectors have worked just fine for me.
To tap into the existing inverter AC output I used some in-line wire taps that can be found at radioshack for super cheap. Since they won't be handling too much current (3.5 amps max) they will hold up just fine for this application.
Tap into the AC output wires, red w/white stripe and light green. These will be your hot and neutral. For the ground I just ran my ground wire to a local ground connections right by the inverter that it already uses.
Final product with voltage
If you have any questions post it up on here and I'll try and answer them for you!
Cheers,
Anthony
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Originally Posted by Oswego
