12 volt plug in on the dash

Stereo, security systems, vehicle electronics, and electrical-related discussions
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bryonfriesen
Posts: 6
Joined: Mon Aug 28, 2006 7:40 am

12 volt plug in on the dash

Post by bryonfriesen »

Is the 12 v adapter on the console supposed to be powered all the time?? I have a 2006 vibe and as soon as the key is off so is the power to the 12 volt adapter.Bryon
Vibr8tr
Posts: 833
Joined: Thu Apr 06, 2006 9:59 am

Re: 12 volt plug in on the dash (bryonfriesen)

Post by Vibr8tr »

All of them are like that. Even the 12V in the center Con is shut off when the key is turned off. I guess it's a safty feature by auto makers so that you can't run your batt. down by leaving a Cell phone or something plugged in. It's annoying though. Honestly, I have yet to find a Cell that would drain a car batt in a matter of 24 hours. But if that's what they think... more power to them....
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Mase
Posts: 602
Joined: Fri Aug 06, 2004 6:21 am

Re: 12 volt plug in on the dash (Vibr8tr)

Post by Mase »

it's a safety feature because automakers have no control of what things get plugged into those outlets. I had a cheap gas-station phone charger that melted and burned out in my other car because it was powered all the time. It wouldn't be hard for the right piece of cheap equipment to catch fire.Some people would also like the outlet to shut off with the ignition. Like GPS users, etc.
zionzr2
Posts: 3174
Joined: Tue Jul 27, 2004 4:59 am
Location: Austin, TX

Post by zionzr2 »

I think there are a couple of folks that re wired the 12-Volt socket to be on all the time by re running the postive lead direct to the battery with a fused line.
Jahntassa
Posts: 2979
Joined: Wed Jul 09, 2003 2:06 pm

Post by Jahntassa »

It's a manufacturer preference actually. Almost all Foreign cars have their 12v outlets wired that way. Whereas many domestics are wired to be on constant, or have one constant and one switched.
2003 Vibe GT Lava"He inched his way up the corridor as if he would rather be yarding his way down it.""For a moment, nothing happened. Then, after a second or so, nothing continued to happen." - Douglas Adams...we all miss you
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