12v accessory ports - always on? (Success!!)
 

I just purchased an '08 mariner hybrid, and loving it. I do have one question, though - I use a bluetooth fm transmitter that plugs into the 12v cigarette lighter to listen to podcasts on the way to work. The power to it always stays on - even when the ignition is off and the key is removed.

Is there a setting to have the 12v power turn off when the engine is off?

And yes, I could use the aux in feature, but I much prefer to use the bluetooth to make and receive phone calls hands-free.

Thanks - Adam

Re: 12v accessory ports - always on?
 

On my 2007 there are two 12v outlets, one is always on, the other is on/off with ignition.

Re: 12v accessory ports - always on?
 

So which is which?

To the OP, it's simple to change the power source to a switched feed as long as you don't ever use an actual cigar lighter in the socket.

Re: 12v accessory ports - always on?
 

I'd love to know how to do it - you're talking about a switched adapter of some sort?

Re: 12v accessory ports - always on?
 

Simple wiring job. Just disconnect the 12V feed (on the back of the power socket) which is currently hot all the time, tie it off, then connect a wire from any other power source that is switched - radio power, dome lights, etc. Usually there is something nearby to tap in to. The ideal source is the other power outlet which is already switched, as it has lots more current capacity than you need. As long as you are just running USB ports from it almost any circuit should be OK. You can also run a longer wire from the fusebox which will have several points to pick up switched (and unswitched) power.

Hope that's not confusing.

Re: 12v accessory ports - always on?
 

There's probably a way to make the change at the fuse panel.

On the MMH do you have the fuse panel on the left side of the passenger foot well? If so, confirm that fuse F17 (20A) is the one for your circuit by pulling it to interrupt the "Hot at all times" power.

Fuse F24 (20A) is the fuse for the switched circuit that you want. That fuse socket maybe empty since you don't have the switched "Power Point" that I have.

Depending on what you see so far, this could be as simple as pulling F17 and jumpering one side of it's socket to F24. Then again, the MMH could be completely different than the FEH but I doubt that.

Let us know.

Re: 12v accessory ports - always on?
 

Here's a shot of my fuse panel, on the passenger side:

Attachment 4025

So by jumping you mean take a wire and plug it into each of the fuse sockets?

Thanks - Adam

Re: 12v accessory ports - always on?
 

Adam, my 2007 fuse panel is completely different than your 2008, so my wiring diagrams aren't going to help.

Do you have the Owner's Manual? Does it show the fuse descriptions in a table? Is one of them labelled "Power Point"?

Re: 12v accessory ports - always on?
 

I do - it's labeled as a 20 amp 'front power point'. (#40 fuse location).

There is also a 20 amp fuse for the rear power point, but that is located under the hood apparently.

Re: 12v accessory ports - always on?
 

Okay then, pull fuse F40 and see if that cuts power to the cigar lighter that you want to use.