Unswitched Power Outlet

[tonyn1]

Has anybody figured out an easy way to get an unswitched power outlet inside a Vibe? Having an outlet lose power when I take the key out is a major annoyance as I sometimes want to leave my cell phone or other items to charge while I am away from the vehicle. This is the first vehicle I've owned that does that. Is there a simple fix to get one in the cabin or do I have to go through the firewall to the battery, and if so, what path do I take?

[joatmon]

http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=6403 should work for the 03 - 08 Vibes, but you have an 09, so since that was a significant model rework, I'd guess it won't work in an 09.in http://forums.genvibe.com/zero...73005 j42.snyder said he had the official factory service manual for an 09, maybe if you IM him he can post up a copy of the electrical diagram for the power outlet and we can see how it's set up. In the 03 & 04, there was a cigarette lighter/12V outlet in the dash, and one inside the center console. In the 05-08's, there was the one in the dash, but only the wiring for the one in the center console. It was easy enough to add an outlet to that existing wiring to add one to the center console. But I've never been in an 09 Vibe. How many 12V outlets do you have, and where are they located?

[tonyn1]

I just have just one 12V socket plus the 120V outlet and they're both located at the front of the center console below the shifter. By the way, auto companies need to come up with a new standard for outlets and plugs for 12V accessories, as what we used now started with a cigarette lighter and these are much bigger than they need to be. They are really dated.

[gimmegimme]

Are you trying to keep the cigarette lighter socket powered? Or the 110V outlet?The cigarette lighter should be easy enough. You should just need to connect the positive side of the socket to a 12V constant source.For the 110V outlet, you'd probably want to try some trickery with the button to allow you to enable the AC outlet even with the car off. I don't know how fast this would drain the battery though, so it might not be a good idea.

[tonyn1]

I just have just one 12V socket plus the 120V outlet and they're both located at the front of the center console below the shifter. By the way, auto companies need to come up with a new standard for outlets and plugs for 12V accessories, as what we used now started with a cigarette lighter and these are much bigger than they need to be. They are really dated.

[tdono42]

Hey tonyn1, did you ever get a solution to this power outlet problem? I, too, would like to charge my cellphone overnight. Like you, this is the first car I've ever owned where the power outlet was switched. Any suggestions? Thanks, Thomas

[SlammedNiss]

Almost all import cars have switched power on their cig lighters. Making them constant is as simple as changing the power source to a constant 12v. With the radio at your convenience, this will be your easiest choice. Just grab a multi-meter and find the wire that is 12v constant regardless of the position of the key. The best choice would be just running a wire directly to the ignition column and fusing it separately. Again, use a multi-meter to find the wire that is 12v constant.

[VibeBear]

I just added a second power point in between the existing one & the 120v outlet in my '09. Took my power from the distribution block to the left of the steering wheel (behind the cubby)

[j42.snyder]

Sorry I didn't add something earlier. As I mentioned in another post, these manuals don't have the best diagrams going - pretty vague. If I find something useful, I'll scan it and add it on here. I'll review it again tonight.John