Hardwiring a computer fan for the back seat

[Mkozie]

Hey all,

I'm in the process of getting materials to do this task. I have a child and the rear vents do not circulate air that well, especially for a rear facing car seat. I'm going to use a computer fan- since light and wont be a dangerous projectile. I have thought of using the trunk power source outlet to do this task. I am planning on getting a fuse splitter to put in place of the Aux Pwr Cargo, then replace the fuse that was there along with one for the fan. Next I want to be able to control with a button so I am going to use the open button to the left of the "snow" button. I will run the wires correctly (fuse splitter to lead of the switch, switch to ground and fan, and hopefully have a nice conx. The fan will be attached on the middle headrest somehow.

Any ideas? Has anyone done this before? (most likely not) I haven't had a lot of practice with electricity or car electronics but i'm a DIY kind of guy and seems like a good project.

Anyone also know much about circuit boards and creating a conx of LEDs? Preferrably SMD LEDs. ...and creating one to run on 12v?

Thanks.

 

[sir21]

Looks like you know quite a bit about electronics cool project. I would probably stick to battery powered one though. Eliminates all the hassle

 

[porkandbeans]

A big project indeed. I like your thinking, but would also consider battery or a DC plug in.
Do you image yourself using it later on down the line past the infant period?
Maybe consider hiding a fan in the location under the headrest, in the armrest compartment, or from the ceiling grab handle. Switching off the fuse to the rear cargo power port is a good idea.

 

[GetLuckiFX]

I'm actually planning on adding a fan in my trunk, to keep my amp cool and add some air circulation. I'm looking into ways of connecting it and possibly installing an on/off switch to not keep it on all the time, just when needed. Was considering a heat sensor as a way to activate the fan and then shut it off when the desired temp is achieved. But I like your thinking of fan in the back of the cabin. If I get to it this weekend I will share my finding on here.

 

[Chedman13]

I'm actually planning on adding a fan in my trunk, to keep my amp cool and add some air circulation. I'm looking into ways of connecting it and possibly installing an on/off switch to not keep it on all the time, just when needed. Was considering a heat sensor as a way to activate the fan and then shut it off when the desired temp is achieved. But I like your thinking of fan in the back of the cabin. If I get to it this weekend I will share my finding on here.

Was going to do this too, but bought a digital amp and no issues.

 

[Mkozie]

I'm actually planning on adding a fan in my trunk, to keep my amp cool and add some air circulation. I'm looking into ways of connecting it and possibly installing an on/off switch to not keep it on all the time, just when needed. Was considering a heat sensor as a way to activate the fan and then shut it off when the desired temp is achieved. But I like your thinking of fan in the back of the cabin. If I get to it this weekend I will share my finding on here.

Yes, please do share if you do so. I have been looking at different options. I went to Advance Auto to get the fuse splitter, but it only works up to 10A/fuse and the Aux Pwr has a 15A fuse- no go. I just bought a aux pwr adapter from Wal Mart for $1.99 and i'm going to find a computer fan that can run on 12v and wire it together. The switch may have to be wired from the fuse for that outlet?
I'm sure you could also change out the resistors on a fan that runs on lower power, but I wouldn't want to mess with that stuff. I'm just starting to learn about circuit boards. You could also use a long enough cord to go from the cargo pwr outlet, under some trim/carpet, up to the switch location, and then back to the fan .
I'm also in the process of replacing the interior lights for some LEDs. Wife doesn't want the car to be "pimped out", but the LED lighting is for visibility purposes and i'm also carrying precious cargo! :ninja: ...and yes, I will say that she has the power in the house since i've been out of a job :eek.:

Keep us updated!

---------- Post added at 08:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:06 PM ----------

A big project indeed. I like your thinking, but would also consider battery or a DC plug in.
Do you image yourself using it later on down the line past the infant period?
Maybe consider hiding a fan in the location under the headrest, in the armrest compartment, or from the ceiling grab handle. Switching off the fuse to the rear cargo power port is a good idea.

Yeah, I think the DC plug in is going to be it. And yeah, I see it being used past the baby years. The air circ back there is not good at all. I was considering making a holder for the fan to fit up against the back of the bench with a little velcro? Also have a DVD player hanging from the back headrest...kids these days have it all .

We are climbers and take the FX off-roading, yes, off-roading. I know some people wouldn't dare venture off-road with their $45k SUVs but this thing kicks ASS. Not going for the "street racer" look for the FX, i'm going for the utility look . Yakima rack looks pretty on a FX.