Hello everyone!

I have a problem with the cigarette lighter socket not turning off when the car is locked. My last car (96 Camaro) also did this. Its great for charging things while the car sits but my new application of a Bluetooth FM transmitter is causing problems.

The problem is that the device really needs to sit in the socket instead of in and out. I feel the socket and the device will wear out quickly with me plugging and unplugging over and over again. Keeping it plugged in will surely kill they battery over time (overnight/days sitting).

The only solution I can think of is putting an inline switch to the power wire that goes to socket.

Any other ideas?

Thanks for any help!

 

Are you certain the device will drain the battery? I have a car charger plugged in to my lighter socket 24/7. It has a LED on it that is always on. I have let the car sit for more than a week without starting and it has never run down. A little LED draws far to little power to drain a car battery.

How much power does this bluetooth device use?

 

Honestly, I think your inline switch is your BEST answer. Either that or pull the fuse (but that's just annoying). Maybe someone with more electronics skills could devise a way to shut it down and turn it on as a result of an "event" (l engine off shuts it off, engine on turns it on).

BTW - In tune with zzapultimate, is it really an issue? How long do you intend to leave it in a car without being used? Longer then a week? How much juice does it draw? Remember, even off, these cars have a lot going on (I know my radio has an active LED and there are other systems using a trickle of juice). If it is causing a problem, perhaps you have a failing battery, as my battery would be dead in about 4 days of not using the Monte and I have no non-factory electrical stuff going on (my battery was just failing).

 

Just wire the cigarette lighter socket to have power only when ign is on..

 

I doubt that it would kill your battery, i had a gps plugged in 24/7 and never had any issues.

 

find the power wire behind the cig lighter and switch it wth a ignition

 

Thanks for the quick responses!

The device is rated to draw 5.0V DC @ 600mA

Where would I find a safe ignition "on" power source?

Either route I take will require me to take apart the center console. Are there any tricks with this?

Thanks again for any info!

Edit: In regards to the battery issue, it is more of a preventive measure. I've never really had a startup issue due to low a battery.

 

The closest is the one to your radio

 

Based on what you said about the device, I really don't think you battery is at any risc of problems. Your plug in device does not sound any more demanding then existing systems that run on the car when the car is off. I understand the idea of trying to prevent a problem, but I question if it's worth the effort.

 

I just seen a power adapter at walmart that plugs into your lighter and has 3 sockets on it with switches for each socket. This would be your only option without tearing your dash apart. Something like this.