Air Compressor Connection
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Joined: Sep 2015
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From: SW Kansas
Air Compressor Connection
I use all-season tires on my 2016 C7. With that, I have the usual tire repair items and a 12 volt compressor. This compressor has alligator clips to connect to the battery but, if possible, I'd like to connect it to a point in the engine compartment. My battery is a real hassle to get to and when I am on a trip there's luggage to unload as well. As I understand it, there is a 12 volt connection near the fuse box on the passenger side. Is there any reason I cannot use it to connect the charger when needed. An engine bolt would provide ground.
Last edited by Highplains; Nov 3, 2018 at 11:40 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 2,012
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From: Central Commiefornia
I use all-season tires on my 2016 C7. With that, I have the usual tire repair items and a 12 volt compressor. This compressor has alligator clips to connect to the battery but, if possible, I'd like to connect it to a point in the engine compartment. My battery is a real hassle to get to and when I am on a trip there's luggage to unload as well. As I understand it, there is a 12 volt connection near the fuse box on the passenger side. Is there any reason I cannot use it to connect the charger to when needed. An engine bolt would provide ground.
Last edited by jimmbbo; Nov 3, 2018 at 10:31 PM.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2015
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From: SW Kansas
Converting the clips to a cigarette lighter type of connector would be a simple cut and splice job and was the first thought I had. But like you, I'd be concerned that the compressor pulled enough amps that it would burn up the wires from the battery to the receptacle.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 955
From: Central Commiefornia
The current draw would be my concern about connecting it anywhere except the battery... FWIW, I have the Slime 400040 compressor with a cigarette lighter connector that I have tested without any smoke, so it was apparently acceptable for the purpose, although it does have run/cool down cycle times.
Slime indicates that their higher pressure units have the battery clamps...
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/22...67560740635376
Slime indicates that their higher pressure units have the battery clamps...
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/22...67560740635376
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 558
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From: SW Kansas
I think I'll stay away from converting the clamps to a cigarette lighter plug. I've noticed on various sites that it's only the lower powered compressors have the cigarette lighter plugs. What I need is someone familiar with a 12 volt battery connection under the hood. I'm pretty sure I've read about that but am not too sure where it's at or whether I should use it.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 26,234
Likes: 4,358
From: Chirper Island
Why not just buy a compressor that will fit (and already has) the cig lighter plug?
They are less than thirty dollars, and available darn-near everywhere.
Jerry-rig and blow a fuse or more. Then, where would you be?
They are less than thirty dollars, and available darn-near everywhere.
Jerry-rig and blow a fuse or more. Then, where would you be?
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Verdad Gallardo
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: NE South Carolina
1st: There is a connection in front of the front fuse panel that has the wire that powers it. There is a threaded rod that sticks up that you can clip the positive wire to. You have to remove the plastic cover. Not all that easy. There are videos showing how- try searching for install of a curb detector that uses that connection for power. Can put the ground clip on a bolt on the frame.
2nd: the rear receptacle and the front (that must have the car running to be hot) are 20 amp fuses. Doubt whatever compressor you have is over 20 amps. Should be a label on it that shows current draw.
2nd: the rear receptacle and the front (that must have the car running to be hot) are 20 amp fuses. Doubt whatever compressor you have is over 20 amps. Should be a label on it that shows current draw.
Last edited by JerryU; Nov 4, 2018 at 06:16 AM.
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From: Jacksonville Florida BWO Dayton, Cincinnati, Bloomsbury NJ, Cincinnati
2015 C7 of the Year Finalist
I don't think this is correct. The stud is a direct connection to the battery in the rear and is hot at all times. I connect my battery maintainer to that stud to keep my battery topped off. You can use that connection for your air compressor without a problem.
You CANNOT use that stud to jump the car in the case of a battery problem. To jump a battery, you need to get at the battery directly.
Elmer
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 34,990
Likes: 12,385
From: NE South Carolina
I don't think this is correct. The stud is a direct connection to the battery in the rear and is hot at all times. I connect my battery maintainer to that stud to keep my battery topped off. You can use that connection for your air compressor without a problem.
You CANNOT use that stud to jump the car in the case of a battery problem. To jump a battery, you need to get at the battery directly.
Elmer
You CANNOT use that stud to jump the car in the case of a battery problem. To jump a battery, you need to get at the battery directly.
Elmer
Would take a high capacity switch to shut power off to the front fuse box. In addition a number of things would not work!The 2014 Owner’s Manual had a “mistake” in the front section that said you could jump start the car from the engine compartment and referenced a page inside. However that inside page said nothing other than jump start at the battery. I questioned the wire size being capable as I used a wire gauge ~3 times that size for the right rear mounted battery to starter in my Street Rod after calculating the voltage drop.
But many were posting that connection as to what should be used. There were many GM Customer Service folks monitoring the forum in 2013 when I got my 2014. I asked them to define where that jump start location was. After checking several times, the response was, “Their resources were not responding to the question!” Realized GM will never say there is an error in their docs! Bottom Line: Later Owner’s Manuals eliminated the incorrect statment in the front section!
Last edited by JerryU; Nov 4, 2018 at 10:06 AM.
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Joined: Sep 2015
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From: SW Kansas
This PM went out and connected my Viair compressor to the 12 V connection by the fuse box. It worked like a charm. Filled a flattened rear tire in less than 3 minutes. Had no difficulty getting the plastic cover open over the 12 V connection. This will be a real convenience if and when the time comes. Thanks to all of you who replied. And by the way. I noticed that the pump label says it pulls 19 amps which is perilously close to the limit cited by one member so I won't be converting it to a cigarette lighter type plug-in.
Last edited by Highplains; Nov 4, 2018 at 03:09 PM.