How can I make the 12V outlet switchable with the ACC?
 

Currently the 12V outlet on the dash appears to be on all the time. I kind of hate that. I like knowing that when the ignition is turned off that the outlet turns off the power so there's no drain on the battery. Especially for my radar detector and GPS.

Is there anyone who knows how I can modify the outlet to run on switched power, instead of constant power?

Thanks

Can't give you the exact color wireing, but.....

Use a test probe to determine which wire going to the ignition is ONLY "hot" when the ignition is turned on. Cut and use the correctly sized, insulated and fused splice to run the wire, as a replacement to the "hot" side of outlet.

My suggestion only will work IF it does not interfer with any "computer" operations. Maybe someone else can help with that.

Sorta interesting dilemma. You could create an on/off switch and mount it on the dash somewhere, by splicing the hot wire. Still would be live but you could control it.
But be very careful, these new cars are very unforgiving.
Are you sure you need to do any of this?

well, no, I don't need to do this... but I'd like to. I've got years of modifying experience on cars, so it's not that I'm worried about screwing it up, but I'd like to know if anyone has done it, and if so, how. Because obviously the 12V outlet will be a higher amperage than other supplies (if I were to cut and splice into a switched source of power) so I want to choose a circuit that could handle the load.

You could also run a "hot" line from an unused holder in 1 of the 2 fuse boxes. Just determine which one is regulated by the ignition, to fit your needs.....might be marked "acc", "ext. acc.", "acc. 2", etc. And, of course, use the proper size wire.

That's great! I'll check that circuit when I get home.

Thanks!

Remember to do the outlet on the back of the arm rest at the same time, it is on all the time also.

Alien sporez did you ever make this mod? If so, how did you do it? What unused fuse did you end up using, etc, etc?

i took apart my cup holder/e-brake area panel to paint and noticed that the cig lighter in the rear of the cup holder was not even connected. no wires running to it...geez..no wires even visable in that area


as far as the cig lighter turning on with the ignition, could it be wired to the ignition wire as if wiring up an aftermarket radio

on the center dash on the pass. side there is a panel that you can remove to get to fuses, there is a dark green wire that if you use a tester you can see that will only turn on when the ignition is on. that's where i hooked up my radio. maybe that would work too for the cig lighter, or any other device wanting to turn on with the ignition.