Running accessory lead off of alternator post?
 

Would like run power to a new auxilary cigarette lighter I plan on adding to the ds cargo area of my 86 4Runner. It would be easier to run the 12 guage wire (fused) from the alternator top post vs. adding extra length to reach the battery.

Any reason why I can't mount this to the top post of the alternator?

I guess you could run it off the B terminal.

You do have the thermal cycling so close to the engine.

I just know for me it is so much easier to run off the battery.

To me a little more wire is cheaper then fighting with the alternator harness and then cable tying the new wire to keep it out of the way.:camp:

If you want it closer go to the starter just like the alternator B terminal it is always at Battery voltage.

Maybe I wasn't clear. I'm not tapping into the alternator harness. I simply want to put an additional ring terminal on the alternator post to give my new wire juice.

I assume that since this post is where the lead from the battery comes in that it would be okay to do so. I just have never done this before. Running the wire to the battery requires many more feet of wire plus going around the radiator to the other side of the engine bay - seems like a lot of extra work to power a simple cigarette lighter.

No I knew just what you wanted to do.

What engine is this on??

That post is the B terminal.

To me the few extra feet of wire is much cheaper then taking the time to get at the alternator.

Unless your engine compartment is so stripped down you can easily reach into the alternator. I know with my big hands the only way I can get at the alternator on the 22rec is from the bottom after removing the lower radiator hose Looking at the 3.0 it looks to be more of a nightmare.

As far as the electrical side it is safe as long as you fuse the circuit.

Just be careful not to short the new terminal to the case.:camp:

Be warned it will put off over 12 volts so u migght burn some stuff up i would run to batt wire is cheap

tap off the fuse box. i believe they sell a plug that fits into it. gooluk

Guys you might like to know that battery voltage is the same through the whole vehicle.

Your voltage when running is what ever the voltage regulator allows it to put out.

with vehicle off i have seen between 12and 13 volts with a good battery and how good a meter is being used.

Does anyone know who makes a reverse mount alternator bracket for the 5.4? thanks!