How to convert always hot to switched...

[galladanb]

How to needed...
My in dash OEM ciggie outlets are always powered up...

I would like them to be on/off with when the engine is running, but not on when the engine is starting.

How do I do that? I know I could add a switch, but I way too forgetful for that.

I want the GPS to run and turn off with the key basically...

 

[Trebor English]

Just switching the GPS is easier than the general purpose 20 amp outlet switching.  Find a heavy duty circuit like the air conditioner fans circuit and tap into that.  The 20 or 30 amp circuit should handle 1 or 2 more amps without adding a relay.

To switch, use the ac fan circuit to power the coil of the relay.  Feed the relay switch contact with a new 20 amp fuse from the battery.  Connect the other switch contact to the cigarette lighter socket center pin.  Connect the outer contact of the lighter socket and the other relay coil connection to chassis ground or run a wire back to the battery minus.

 

[SternWake]

Much easier to flip a switch, or pull out the ciggy plug 1 cm, and push it back in.

It is not like forgetting sets off the self destruct sequence and starts an Audible ticking countdown to nuclear anniliation.

Take a step further, when I put the transmission in park. i want the ignition to read my mind so I do not have to turn the key to off, as I am likley to just open the door and walk away with engine still running.

And when i put it in park I want to rig a way for the seat belt to automatically release as I would otherwise forget.
And when the seat belt automatically releases i want the drivers door to automatically open, because i keep slamming my forehead into the window

And afterr I do my business in the morning, I want an robotic arm to wipe my bunghole as otherwise I would forget.

Isn't there an App for that?

 

[TMG51]

I did exactly that with my GPS, except I didn't modify the stock plugs. Instead I added a pigtail 12v socket behind the dash, wired to a 12v line that is hot only when the ignition is on, and I plugged my GPS unit into that; this way, it is all seamless and turns on when I start the engine, and if I ever buy a different GPS unit I can just swap it out.

Grab a multimeter and get to work!

Also, I taped the ciggy plugs together behind the dash so they won't rattle apart... garbage that they are.

 

[galladanb]

I did exactly that with my GPS, except I didn't modify the stock plugs. Instead I added a pigtail 12v socket behind the dash, wired to a 12v line that is hot only when the ignition is on, and I plugged my GPS unit into that; this way, it is all seamless and turns on when I start the engine...

Thx for this. I guess that would have been a better way to ask the question.

How do I find such a line? I understand the multimeter idea, but the connectors there are all already taken... Right? I mean I didn't see a circuit back there.

I considered the radio power, but I figured I should reconsider that one...

 

[TMG51]

You could look up the wiring diagram for your vehicle and figure out which lines are hot when the ignition is on, but, it would probably be faster to test with a multimeter. Get in there and check a few of the big red wires that go into the steering column, both with the key on and off...

When you identify a wire that is hot with ignition on, my preferred method of splicing is to strip a bit of insulation and solder my new wire on to it without cutting anything (then re-insulate with electrical tape). You can buy so-called "vampire clips" splice connectors such as these to do the same thing without cutting or soldering, but, these types of connections are notoriously unreliable.

Your GPS will not be adding enough of a load to worry about whatever line it's on.

Then grab the ground from the nearest convenient body/frame location.

 

[blars]

If you have a fusebox there, you may have a labeled place to find a circuit, and maybe be able to use a piggyback fuseholder.

 

[rvpopeye]

A test light would do it for you.
(Check at the fuse box or the bundle going to the steering column or wherever your ignition switch is.)
Big wires to ignition switch,,,,one is always hot and the other is hot when running.......