Can the ZCI Wiring Kit # 119250KIT be Powered by the Cigarette Lighter in a 2017 Mini Clubman

Updated 07/14/2017 | Published 07/13/2017

Question:

Wiring kit part # 119250KIT looks like *just* what I need. However, I was hoping to tap it into the cigarette lighter in the hatch area 2017 MINI Cooper S Clubman though, and not have to touch the battery. The battery rather scares me. I see that the instructions insist on a direct battery connection. I dont care that the cig lighter is not powered when the car is off but does that black-box controller part of this kit require full time power? Does it have to remember stuff, that it would lose if the power went out to it?

asked by: Deb B

Helpful Expert Reply:

The reason why their is a power converter on the ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness w/ 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector and Installation Kit # 119250KIT is so that it bypasses the wiring on your 2017 Mini Clubman. It draws power off of the Black wire connected to the battery and the quick splices will connect to the wiring behind your tail lights so that the converter knows when to send each signal.

Bypassing the wiring on your Clubman helps to prevent any wiring issues with your trailer "leaking" over and disrupting the wiring on your vehicle. Since the whole purpose of the converter box is to bypass the wiring on your Clubman, wiring to the cigarette or 12V power outlet would eliminate the purpose of the converter box. You will need to wire the power for the converter box to the battery per the instructions to keep from messing up the wiring on your Clubman.

Running the Black wire to the battery really isn't as difficult or intimidating as it sounds. I have attached a video of this kit being installed on a 2008 Land Rover Range Rover that you can use as a reference.

If installing the 12V Power source to the battery still freaks you out a little then I recommend having a shop install the kit so that everything will function properly.

expert reply by: Jon G