I’m about to install a JBL BassPro Go sub/amp in my 2005 Subaru Baja and wondering if I can tap power from one of the cigarette lighter ports. The sub/amp requires a 20 amp fuse. My vehicle has two cigarette lighter ports: one below the radio and one behind the center console for rear passengers. I checked the manual and saw a 20 amp fuse in slot #4, which is described as ‘Mirror heater, Cigarette lighter, Remote controlled rear view mirrors’. I don’t think my Baja has heated mirrors and the rearview mirror probably doesn’t use much power. So, if I avoid using the front cigarette lighter port, is it safe to use the rear port to power my sub/amp?
This is a bad idea. It’s not hard to run a dedicated cable the proper way. This could be a way to mess up your car.
Yes, it can be done, but should you? Absolutely not. If you do, at least you’ll know you figured it out. But here’s a saying I live by: ‘Do it right the first time.’
Why not just run a dedicated power wire with its own fuse? That would isolate the sub/amp. If you hook it up through the cigarette lighter, any issues could make it much harder to fix or cause more damage if something goes wrong.
Theoretically, you can, but it’s not the best idea. If something goes wrong, like the amp failing, the main circuit could short out. Normally, the amp would ground directly to the battery, but now it would go back into the vehicle’s electronics. I also don’t think the cigarette lighter wiring is strong enough for the sustained load of a subwoofer, but if you’re not asking for too much power, it might work.
Terrible idea. Do NOT do this.