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Cigarrete Lighter Socket - Worried of battery drain

Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 2:20 pm
by binlo
I need some advice and help, I tend to have my radar detector connected to the lighter socket for charging etc.  However after I remove the keys from the ignition power is still going to the socket as the light stays on.  I have also left it for an hour thinking there maybe a time-out but the power still there.

The issue I have is I have to keep removing the power source from the socket and is becoming a bit of a pain.  Does anyone know of any way or device I can use where the power can be cut once the ignition is switched off.

I would have thought in a BMW this facility would be standard, as I also have rear DVD screen connected and again I have to keep removing the power from the socket as if I don't I am concerned that the battery will go flat.  It is also a nuisance to remember to do this.

Any help would be greatly appreciated from all the knowledgeable peeps on this great forum.

Thanks
Binlo

Re: Cigarrete Lighter Socket - Worried of battery drain

Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2012 1:21 pm
by Steamyrotter
It's easy enough to rig a relay on to the ignition source, prob best on back of radio (depending upon model) but there are switched lives back behind it somewhere

Link from original socket supply and place another one in a different location, or just fit the relay in line with the current socket.

Not sure if it's a setting option that can be changed.  But wouldn't have thought so

Re: Cigarrete Lighter Socket - Worried of battery drain

Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2012 1:41 pm
by X5Sport
When I wired in my Road Angel, I dropped the front fuse box and looked for a switched live on the back of the board, then just tapped off it.  I think I used the one that feeds the torch charger as the Road Angel needed very little current.

You could use a higher rated one for your screens and run a +ve back from the box to the screen power point under the near side carpet.

The newer models all have everything switched now - which is a right pain if you are using a powered cool-box and going shopping!!