Tools and Materials Needed:
- Soldering iron
- Solder
- Wire cutters/strippers
- Multimeter
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Flathead screwdriver
- Electrical tape
- Cigarette lighter socket
- Fuse
- Wire (18-gauge or similar)
- Wire connectors
- Crimping tool
Instructions:
Step 1: Disconnect The Negative Battery Terminal
- Open the hood of your Ford Fiesta Mk3.
- Locate the negative terminal of the battery, which is usually marked with a "-" sign.
- Loosen the bolt that holds the negative battery cable, and remove the cable from the terminal.
Step 2: Remove The Fascia
- Open the driver's side front door.
- Remove the panel beneath the steering wheel by prying it out gently with a flathead screwdriver.
- Locate the screws holding the fascia (the plastic trim piece around the center console) in place.
- Remove the screws holding the instrument panel upper bezel and then remove the bezel by gently pulling it off.
- Disconnect any electrical connectors found there.
Step 3: Run Power Wires
- Locate an ignition-switched 12-volt power source.
- Many prefer tapping into the wires around the stereo but you can locate the power source using a multimeter.
- Connect a male spade terminal connector to the fuse you will use. Then crimp a 6" length of 18-gauge wire to the connector. Strip 1/4" of the other end of the wire and install a butt connector or solder it to a longer length of wire.
- Connect the fuse end to the power source via the butt connector or solder.
Step 4: Prepare and Connect The Cigarette Lighter
- Remove the center console trim as well.
- Find a suitable location on the center console for the cigarette lighter socket.
- Drill a hole and file the edges smooth if necessary to accommodate the cigarette lighter socket.
- Connect the power wires to the cigarette lighter socket; typically, red wire goes to positive, and black or any other color to negative.
- Secure the cigarette lighter socket in place using a mounting nut or other appropriate hardware.
Step 5: Test the Cigarette Lighter
- Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery.
- Turn on the ignition of your car.
- Plug a device (such as a phone charger) into the cigarette lighter socket and check if it powers up.
Step 5: Reattach the Fascia
- Reattach the fascia and other components you removed earlier, following the reverse order of the removal process.
- Secure all screws properly.
Tips:
- Always exercise caution when working with electrical systems.
- Test the cigarette lighter before reinstalling all the panels to make sure it works correctly.
- You may need to refer to the specific wiring diagram or user manual for your exact vehicle model to identify the appropriate ignition-switched power source.
By following these steps and taking necessary safety precautions, you can successfully wire a cigarette lighter to your Ford Fiesta Mk3.
