Quick question: does cigarette lighter "stay on"?
 

Hey all,
Just have a quick question... I'm doing an in-car camera project and it will be powered by the cigarette lighter, but I'm concerned about it "staying on" while the car is off and draining the battery. I'd like a solution where I could leave it plugged in.

If it DOES stay on all the time, is there a way to "override" that somehow?

It shuts off.

sweet! thank you.

Not trying to be contradictory, but if it shuts off, then how do the battery maintainers that plug into the cigarette lighter charge the battery?

My 2000 is hot all of the time. Not ignition controlled.

always hot. except when starting due to the X circuit...

What's the X-Circuit?

Looks like this thread has derailed a little.
Back to your original question:
Hidden inside the console is a 4 prong connector which provides permanent and switched power.
If you search the forum there are several threads as how to locate the connector

The plug is under the center console stack. Pull on the carpeted panel at red arrow towards the sides of the car about 2 inches to unsnap the panel (same can be done in passenger side). Then slide the panel towards front of the car to release the panel completely.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3587/...a0c_z.jpg?zz=1


Dig around (it might be taped to the floor) for a 4 pin/wire (3 pin if MY '97) connector. Here's an actual picture of the connector and a schematic:


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3630/...ffdd9d870b.jpg
(I made this one for someone who needed to discern which wire was which based on the plug b/c they were color-blind).

If you're not color blind, here's an easier schematic I made:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3054/...82f65fed_z.jpg

Or you could always just run a lead to the fuse panel are there are a number of switched and unswitched empty slots available there too.

Good luck :)

Same with my 2001. Before I hard wired my V1, my battery died a couple times because of it.

that's what turns off your headlights and other accessories when engaging the starter.

It's hot on my '04.

Per your first answer, mine is not active when ignition is turned off.

My cig lighter is powered 24/7 whether the ignition switch is on or off.

It must vary according to model year. My 2002 Boxster S is hot all of the time and I wish it wasn't. I have an MP3 player that I have to constantly pull from the plug each time I shut off the switch. Specific directions to tie it to the switch would be appreciated.

99 stays hot 24/7 I forget to unplug the radar detector when driving into the garage

Why not...
 

Find a fuse that is switched ON with the ignition switch and wire the detector to that?

It's dead easy to find one using a 12v test light or a voltmeter. I have my V-1 wired that was for the same reason so I don't forget it! Gets to be a pita to remember each time you get out of the car to switch off the detector.

Best of luck! :D

J T

My 2000 stays hot, as I've posted. The 2009 Carreras stay hot as well. I bet all years are the same.

Anyone have copies of these images. I have to pull the USB adapter out of the liter each time we park, but otherwise the darn thing keeps draining power.