[rondeo]

DLC = diagnostic/data link connector = OBDII connector.

The difference between reading battery voltage at the lighter socket and the DLC is battery voltage is always present at the DLC but needs a door opened to turn on at the lighter socket, which turns on interior lights, instrument panel etc. By looking through the driver door window you can see battery voltage under almost no load via the DLC.

Either way would be fine for generator testing I'd say.

I wired up a DLC plug to a small lead acid battery to keep the system alive while I changed the main battery (fuse and diode in series). The cig lighter turns off so no good.