cigarette lighter charger question

[QueBert]

Had a 2000 Taurus up until this week, I often would charge my cell phone in it when the car was off. Usually when I was on site somewhere working and had a low battery and knew I'd need to use the phone before I was driving home. My 02 Camry won't charge anything while the cars off, as won't my GF's Honda Civic. My Taurus was the first car I had where I used a charger in the car. I'm wondering if it's typical of other cars to charge stuff while it's off? It was a small thing, but it came in real handy for me a few times. I guess thinking about it it's probably not a great idea do something that drains the battery while the car's off though.

 

[LTC8K6]

Whether the 12V power outlet is powered all the time, or only when the key is on, is sometimes changeable by moving a fuse.

 

[Kroze]

Most imports doesn't have a constant wire connected to the cigarette lighter while most domestic does. I had to reside my cigartte lighter on my Toyota celica so it would charge even the car is off. It drain the battery though so it's not a good idea.

 

[LTC8K6]

Isn't there one inside the console that's powered all the time in the Camry?

 

[QueBert]

Isn't there one inside the console that's powered all the time in the Camry?

The one in mine doesn't provide power no.

 

[hanoverphist]

my dodge truck cig lighter turns off with the key. the accessory 12V port is powered all the time, and is located about 4" below the lighter

 

[Kroze]

What you can do is rewire the cigarette lighter to a constant 12volt and you're set to charge even the car is off. You can find the constant in the harness going to the cd player. Otherwise live with the fact that you can only charge batteries when the car is running

 

[QueBert]

What you can do is rewire the cigarette lighter to a constant 12volt and you're set to charge even the car is off. You can find the constant in the harness going to the cd player. Otherwise live with the fact that you can only charge batteries when the car is running

I think I'll live with the fact, the mod you mention isn't something I could probably do in a few minutes without the risk of damaging something in the process.

 

[sdifox]

what would you prefer, not being able to charge stuff while car is off or a drained battery?

<--- my avatar seems appropriate for once

 

[LTC8K6]

Some modern cars, and some older ones, will not allow the battery voltage to drop too low, so it's perfectly safe to leave a cell phone or anything else plugged into the 12V power outlet. The outlet will be shut off before the vehicle battery gets low.

 

[ChaiBabbaChai]

I charge my cell phone once every 2 days with mild use. If you charge your cell every night then it shouldn't be problem and if it is... get a better phone (including a network that gets great reception wherever you use your phone often because it will save batt power). (Sorry I didn't answer your question but it's a solution to your problem ) Or just charge it every night and in the car while you're making trips.