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Old 01-15-2017, 10:05 AM
Soledad Soledad is offline
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Default Connecting cigarette lighter to 12v ignition

All,

In my 2003 XL both the cigarette lighter and aux power port have 12v to them all the time even with the key turned off. I thought for sure the cigarette lighter would be connected to 12v ign but it isn't. And so I was wondering if anyone has a super easy way of making the cigarette lighter 12v ign so that it turns off with the key? I know I can just run new wires to an ignition source but was thinking/hoping maybe I could swap a wire around at the fuse panel or do a quick clip and move.

The reason for this is because I want to keep a USB charger plugged into that port all the time and most USB chargers draw a small amount of current when not in use. I do keep the truck on a trickle charger when I'm not using it but would still like to do this. I even thought of removing the cigarette lighter port and installing a permanent USB charger but I can't seem to find any that would fit and look OEM.

Anybody done anything like this before or have some words of wisdom?

Thanks!
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  #2  
Old 01-15-2017, 11:12 AM
cowboybilly9mile cowboybilly9mile is offline
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Default Re: Connecting cigarette lighter to 12v ignition

Nearly always do I take the high road but since you said, "a super easy way", maybe install a relay at the lighter and wire the coil into something like the stereo. Depending on which of the two common relays you pick from, the coil draw is 250mA, max; not a concern on the deck circuit and while in there, add the least length possible to the cig lighter wire.

Alternatively, you could see use an ammeter on the usb adapter and see if there is any meaningful draw when it's plugged in but not in use.
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Old 01-15-2017, 09:00 PM
JAMMANICA JAMMANICA is offline
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Default Re: Connecting cigarette lighter to 12v ignition

Just checked. A dual output USB charger draws 15MA when nothing is connected. I bet a single would pull less but my curiosity ended after the first test.

I really doubt unless you park the truck for 6 to 8 weeks at a time if it makes a difference.

Now I wonder how much the radio preset memory pulls.
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Old 01-16-2017, 08:10 AM
Soledad Soledad is offline
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Default Re: Connecting cigarette lighter to 12v ignition

Thanks for the ideas everybody! I very much appreciate it.

I'll get a good dual port USB charger (with no "On" indicator") and try that for a while.

There are times the truck is parked for 4 weeks at most, but, I always try to remember to plug it into the BatteryMinder charger and so this should be fine if the USB charger pulls so few MA's.
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