Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 27

Thread: Electrical mods

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2017
    Location
    Brisbane
    Posts
    392
    Total Downloaded
    0

    Electrical mods

    Has anybody got insight into how to approach electrical system enhancements on a DS?

    #1 for me is an Anderson plug or similar for my portable compressor, so I don't have to keep taking off the battery cover and using the alligator clips. I guess that the simplest thing would be to fit a plug directly off the battery in the engine compartment. It might be nicer to have one down in the boot instead though if that's possible.

    I know nothing about the electrical system in this car so please point me to info if you know where I can get enlightened. I did poke around in the back and found this behind the panel on the passenger side:

    IMG_0453.jpg

    I tried checking for 12V on that chunky red wire but couldn't get my multimeter probe in the back of the plug to touch metal, and didn't want to pull the plug in case it messes something up. It would be convenient if that wire was a nice high current tap straight back to the battery – I could possibly tee off that for a socket. It wouldn't work if these wires went dead without the ignition on though. Unless...

    Another possibility might be to have a luggable second battery pack which could charge while the car was on and power my pump or other things when I'm stopped.

    Looking for advice and inspiration, folks. Any thoughts?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    Perth
    Posts
    148
    Total Downloaded
    0
    If you just want to be able to run a compressor I wouldn't bother running directly from the battery, or messing with the junction box in the boot, just tap into the towing electrics circuit. This is already pre-wired into the DS (something the dealer doesn't want you to know so they can charge you a fortune to wire it for towing) and will either terminate at the tow socket if you have a tow bar fitted, or in a connector in the boot if you don't.

    This provides both a 15A ignition switched feed and a 15A permanently live feed. Not as high current capacity as an Anderson plug which is usually 30A or 50A, but plenty for a 12v compressor if that's all you want to run off it.

    The wiring diagram below will help you identify the right wires, but usual warning applies - don't mess with this stuff unless you know what you're doing, get an auto electrician to do it for you instead. The permanently live wire is just that - a permanently live connection direct to the battery!


    DS Trailer Wiring.jpg

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2017
    Location
    Brisbane
    Posts
    392
    Total Downloaded
    0
    Mamil, that's awesome! Where'd you get that diagram? The forum software has scaled it down so it's hard to read the detail.

    I do have thoughts about fridges and second batteries rolling around but for the time being a 15A direct from battery sounds pretty handy for the compressor.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    Perth
    Posts
    148
    Total Downloaded
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by TB View Post
    Mamil, that's awesome! Where'd you get that diagram? The forum software has scaled it down so it's hard to read the detail.
    If you register with the LR online service portal "Topix" Browser not supported as an Independent Operator you can see the build spec of your car, access accessory fitting instructions and handbooks for free, and see what outstanding service items there are on your car. Then if you go one step further and pay for a subscription you can access the dealer service bulletins, workshop manual, and wiring diagrams, which is where I got that one from. I've attached it in PDF format so it's easier to read...

    417-01 Trailer Socket Australia (5 seat).pdf

    Edit: Don't know why the forum is saying "Browser not supported" but that is actually a working link to Topix

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    Perth
    Posts
    148
    Total Downloaded
    0
    Correction!

    I just checked my compressor and it draws 45 Amps, but it is a pretty big one at 160 L/min. So, check your compressor and if it's over 15A then I take it back - you would need to run a new feed from the battery to an Anderson plug in the rear, which incidentally would also come in handy for the fridge you are considering. I knew there must be a reason I attach my compressor direct to the battery rather than using the trailer socket

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2017
    Location
    Brisbane
    Posts
    392
    Total Downloaded
    0
    Thanks again. I tried subscribing to topix for a day yesterday morning but the payment process was messed up.

    Yeah I thought 15A might be a bit low for a compressor. I've got the Dr Air AC495 150lpm... and I just found out its normal working current is a bit shy of 45A with a peak close to 60 when there's no back-pressure!

    So I would need a 60A connection to the back of my car, or a second battery back there with an isolator and such. Time to ask an actual sparky I think.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 1970
    Location
    Queensland
    Posts
    7,768
    Total Downloaded
    0
    Hi TB, and while I have no intentions at this time to produce a dual battery kit for the Discovery Sport, if you didn’t mind a drive down to the Gold Coast at some time, I would be happy to take a look at what you already have in your DS and see if I could give you some assistance.


    I would also be getting a look at a DS and could see if a simple setup was viable.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jun 2017
    Location
    Brisbane
    Posts
    392
    Total Downloaded
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by drivesafe View Post
    Hi TB, and while I have no intentions at this time to produce a dual battery kit for the Discovery Sport, if you didn’t mind a drive down to the Gold Coast at some time, I would be happy to take a look at what you already have in your DS and see if I could give you some assistance.


    I would also be getting a look at a DS and could see if a simple setup was viable.
    That's a date – thanks!

    Will reach out via pm in the next couple of weeks.

  9. #9
    DiscoMick Guest
    If all you want is a compressor Anderson plug connection couldn't you just connect it to your battery and tie it to the battery clamp so it can't move?

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jun 2017
    Location
    Brisbane
    Posts
    392
    Total Downloaded
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by DiscoMick View Post
    If all you want is a compressor Anderson plug connection couldn't you just connect it to your battery and tie it to the battery clamp so it can't move?
    Yep. That's plan A.

Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

Tags for this Thread

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
Search AULRO.com ONLY!
Search All the Web!