MechanicAdvice

Cigarette lighter socket always has power. Even when the car is off. Dash cam stays on

Cigarette lighter socket always has power. Even when the car is off. Dash cam stays on

Our dash cam is plugged into the lighter socket next to the gear shifter, and it will stay on for the entire day when the car is off. I'm worried |tll drain the battery.

I thought the power would cut off once the car is off?

If I remember correctly, the dash cam would power off shortly after the key is removed. I can even charge my phone when the car is turned off using that outlet

https://i.redd.it/lsk4ruyi3nbf1.jpeg
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1 day ago
Exotic-Cucumber1847

That’s normal. Some cars have powered ports all the time 

1 day ago
TomT12

My friends wife has a newer fusion that was killing the battery from having the dash cam powered on constantly. He was able to use forscan to change how long the outlet stays powered when the car shuts off.

1 day ago
HangryPixies

Ram trucks have you move a tri-leg fuse under the hood 1 pin to the side to make the dash outlet constant or accessory switched also.

1 day ago
mareksoon

That’s one of those OMG why aren’t all cars like this features.

1 day ago
Busy-Wolf-7667

because how many people do you think would leave something plugged in overnight during the winter and drain their battery.

usually if a car does have a port like that it’s one or the ports in the trunk of the car instead of in the passenger compartment.

14 hours ago
mareksoon

I mean the ability to switch between always on or only on when vehicle is on. I’ve had vehicles where always on wasn’t what I wanted, same as OP.

Yes, vehicles that have both don’t necessarily need the option to switch them, but when you have a vehicle that only has one, having the ability to choose its behavior is useful.

13 hours ago
Busy-Wolf-7667

oh don’t get me wrong. i own an outback, i wish one of the 12v ports allowed me to have constant accessory power, especially with the rear connector.

absolutely none of the ports have that option for me and there is no way for me to do so without seriously modifying it.

12 hours ago
siciro

Thank you for this. Now I know where to look.

1 day ago
DriftkingRfc

Chrysler do too.

1 day ago
HoodGyno

wait till you find out who owns dodge

1 day ago
ClosetEthanolic

Wait until you find out Dodge hasn't manufactured a truck since 2009.

1 day ago
star08273

theyre all same company and same parts. its splitting hairs in normal conversation. even AllData repair database lists Ram trucks as Dodge/Ram in the alphabetical drop down menu

1 day ago
RoaringRiley

Stellantis

1 day ago
DriftkingRfc

Who even knows now a days… but I feel you under estimate my knowledge.( dang bro you think I’m 13) But just to make sure are you talking about being under an umbrella of a major corporation or majority share holders? Because I could tell you who the corporation is but I had to look up the majority share holders.

1 day ago
Weth_C

Blackrock and vanguard probably.

1 day ago
DriftkingRfc

they own each other buddy s suggest you watch a more perfect union!

1 day ago
GeminiKoil

Is that a documentary that explains how all of those companies at a higher level just own parts of each other? Like literally all of it, the whole shitshow is connected. I learned about this not too long ago it's pretty crazy.

1 day ago
DriftkingRfc

No that last comment is specifically regarding black rock…they control people’s retirement (only 401k)BTW I’m 50% sure I have to watch the video again… donut! media did a video break down I think on stellantis..

1 day ago
ZozulZozula

My Mondeo mk3 had this in the cabin fuse box. Great feature

10 hours ago
gtbdf1

Jeeps too. Which makes sense, I guess.

1 day ago
DrHoleStuffer

Same deal with my Dodge Magnum, fuse 17 if I’m not mistaken. Not sure if that’s exclusive to Mopars or not.

1 day ago
[deleted]

[removed]

1 day ago
discoranger1994

What kind of dashcam did he get lol. Even the cheapest dash cams have an option to set a voltage cutoff Mine shuts off at 11.3 volts

1 day ago
AdultishRaktajino

That seems kinda useless. 11.3v is dead or maybe 10% depending on the type of battery and chart. Probably not gonna start your car unless you’re real lucky.

1 day ago
discoranger1994

Its still enough to crank and start my car every single time

1 day ago
Familiar-Awareness15

He probably needs a new/better battery... my bmw amd my expedition both have accessories including front and rear dash cams running 24/7 and i have waited 5 days with out starting one or the other with 0 issue... but I also just replaced my batteries

1 day ago
Significant_Tea_4431

RIP your batteries after one winter freeze. Its not too hard to use a piggyback fuse to get switched 12v if you need it

1 day ago
Alarming_Ad4722

And I’ve seen Chrysler cars that you can move the position of the fuse and it would work with ignition or always on

1 day ago
DontSteelMyYams

As much as I hate complimenting FCA/Stellantis, that’s actually pretty clever of them. Damn.

1 day ago
CatSplat

Good news, that feature predates FCA/Stellantis, it's from the DaimlerChrysler era.

20 hours ago
MonumentalBatman

Our Ram has a dual position fuse for the dash outlet. stick it in one way and its switched, stick it in a different way and its always on.

1 day ago
Calm_Succotash_5871

My wrangler has both a full time power and a switch power adapter!

1 day ago
illbeyourdrunkle

Normal on fords. Most of my fords have 2 outlets- 1 always on and 1 only on when it runs. Not sure about your model

1 day ago
kalel3000

Yeah I have an old Crown vic like this. I use the constant to plug in a solar battery tender, since it doesn't get driven daily.

1 day ago
aar3y5

Clever

1 day ago
AntiPiety

So the tender backfeeds the battery through the lighter socket?

2 hours ago
Vokaiso

Not just Ford. Its nearly every older car the reason is simple the cig port is different visually from other 12V ports but also works like them the reason it always has power is simply so you can always light a cigarette.

9 hours ago
arkiser13

Also normal on Volkswagen

18 hours ago
ImTheRealMarco

Thankfully VW thought well to not power my Polo's only outlet when it's off. Sadly, Skoda had some other thoughts.

15 hours ago
Dusty-Rhoads

In some cases you can swap a fuse position to choose either switched or always-powered for the 12v outlets

1 day ago
WhatveIdone2dsrvthis

Came here to say this. Look up the fuse diagram and you may find this option - fuse in one position = always on, move fuse to adjacent position = turns off with key off. 

1 day ago
slogginhog

That's kind of a cool feature... Do you know where I could find out which fuse to move for an 02 Taurus? Mine leaves it on all the time too.

1 day ago
Jarocket

you just look at the fuse box and if one has 3 holes for one fuse. one position is on all the time and one is with Key power.

The top left 20A fuse in this picture. https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-kjasl1ug8o/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/203/659/174340792984-0__52482.1594587049.jpg?c=1

1 day ago
slogginhog

Ah... Ok that makes some sense. That just taught me something new and cool, thanks!

1 day ago
molrobocop

What does googling 2002 Ford Taurus fuse diagram bring up?

1 day ago
slogginhog

Lots of fuse diagrams I just looked through for 10 minutes and couldn't even find one that went to the cigarette lighter, much less a location you could switch it to so it doesn't stay on all the time.

I thought this is what subs like this were for, where people could get help from others who knew how to search for and find stuff like this a lot better. My bad.

1 day ago
thebestthingsinlife5

Handy site for fuse box diagrams for common car makes:

https://www.startmycar.com/ford/taurus/info/fusebox/2002#anchorfusebox0

Doesn't look like yours has an option for switching the port with ignition.

1 day ago
slogginhog

Thanks, that's really helpful!

1 day ago
WhatveIdone2dsrvthis

agreed. very neat website

1 day ago
WhatveIdone2dsrvthis

I didn’t see this option turn up until ~2010 vehicles. I’m sure some may have have it earlier, but this seems to be a more “modern” option 

1 day ago
Valrax420

does this apply to most car manufacturers or just the Ford esque vehicles

1 day ago
Organic_South8865

It probably depends. Someone else mentioned they were able to change the setting with their OBD scan tool.

19 hours ago
scipper77

Thank you for this info. I’ve never heard of this but it’s definitely something I will look for in the future.

1 day ago
ImTheRealMarco

Oh gosh.. That's amazing.

Edit: Apparently (IT'S MORE THAN JUST PLUGGING IT IN, READ EVERYTHING) if you don't have this kind of feature, but lack some option like seated heats or whatever, you should be able to plug it in that (or anything available, that's powered only when the key is in). Not sure if this is OK or safe, but as long as you keep the fuse the same amperage, value, resistance or whatever it's called, it's should be okay, worst that could happen it should just pop.. Right?

link

(it's the last comment on the forum post)

It sounds easy, but not so easy, but easy and this could be a lifesaver so erm.. I hope this help anyone.

15 hours ago
death_by_chocolate

Most cigarette lighters were/are always hot. So you can light a ciggy without startin' the car.

1 day ago
BonusSweet

I find the opposite to be true

1 day ago
patico_cr

So you can start your truck without lighting a smoke

1 day ago
BonusSweet

Exactly!

1 day ago
bigtexasrob

Japanese cars usually don’t, Americans usually do. Not sure about Germans because the cigarette lighters don’t work in the German cars I can afford.

1 day ago
BonusSweet

Ha yea I'm in Aus, we don't get many US cars here

1 day ago
Beautiful_Extent3198

Newer cars typically have an option in the fuse box you move the fuse on way for constant and the other way for switched.

1 day ago
bigtexasrob

that’s not an option you’re just fucking with the wiring

1 day ago
BonusSweet

Nah some cars have two positions for the lighter socket fuse and which one you use determines if the socket is powered with ignition on or wired direct to battery

https://preview.redd.it/s7hblgarvnbf1.jpeg?width=415&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d9766c0e4d16e24fdb04663606f2e0235bcc10fa

1 day ago
bigtexasrob

I’ve never seen this on a vehicle in 35 years, that’s fascinating.

1 day ago
BonusSweet

Yea I've never seen it personally just heard about it in passing, that picture I posted is from a Dodge Ram

1 day ago
Wooden-Quit1870

That the way it was on my 2005 Dodge Magnum

1 day ago
sonicbeast623

Depends on year of vehicle think it was mid 2010s where switched power points started to become common.

1 day ago
BonusSweet

The oldest car I've owned was a 71 and everything in between and they've all had switched lighter sockets, maybe it's a USA thing?

1 day ago
molrobocop

It varies, IMO. My Chevrolet van, they're always on. My Japanese cars, switched. I doubt ALL US automakers do it that way, though.

1 day ago
HotRodHomebody

seems to very by brand. Japanese vehicles seem to almost always be switched/accessory power, domestic and German seem to be more commonly constant power. Many domestic trucks can be mixed and they can have one of each in the dash sometimes.

1 day ago
OutlyingPlasma

I've found it's an American vs Rest of The World thing. "American cars" like ford GM, Dodge tend to have always on ports while everyone else shuts them off with the ignition.

1 day ago
BonusSweet

Haha im just being pedantic but it annoys me when people from the USA use the term American to refer to themselves.. Brazilian and Argentinian made vehicles are just as American as anything Mopar, GM or Ford put out

1 day ago
stuckinmyownass

One of my professors was from Brazil, and he talked about becoming an American when he got his US citizenship. Guess he didn’t get the memo that he was always an American.

13 hours ago
BonusSweet

Guess not. I prefer the term USAsian

4 hours ago
Inconsideratefather

The switched ones usually don't let a lighter lock in. They are just power outlets

1 day ago
imabustanutonalizard

Yep my 04 has the constantly hot plug in my center console

22 hours ago
Killentyme55

None of the cars built in I don't know how long can use an actual pop-out cigarette lighter in the 12VDC outlet, in fact I'd hate to see what would happen if someone tried. These are for accessories only.

1 day ago
saustin66

Melted wire is what would happen

1 day ago
Killentyme55

Good point, gold would make a better fuse filament rather than an actual wire.

1 day ago
doctorcane

Unplug it

1 day ago
animatedhockeyfan

Just hardwire it once instead of plugging and unplugging it for the rest of time

1 day ago
flainnnm

Buy a hardwire kit.

1 day ago
cosmicosmo4

I bought a hardwire kit, but I think it isn't working because the cigarette lighter still stays always on, even with the hardwire kit sitting in its package in the center console.

(/s)

21 hours ago
Monstah727

You may want to consider unplugging that every night so it doesn’t drain the battery

1 day ago
MonsieurReynard

That’s pretty standard for the 12v plug. Usually if there are separate USB ports they will power down when the car is off.

1 day ago
Soros_G

Some manufacturers just do that

1 day ago
Big_Z_Diddy

You could just pull the plug, or find another socket that isn't always on and plug it in there.

1 day ago
Insaniaksin

My 2020 ram 1500 has a fuse i can change positions for to turn off the outlets when the car is off.

1 day ago
FELonMusk333

Only newer cars have the shut off. Older cars almost always keep the power to the socket even when car is off.

20 hours ago
M0U53YBE94

Some cars have the fuse setup so you can move it over a space. This would make your lighter socket ignition powered. Check your manual and/or look at the fuse diagram. It will be obvious if you can move the fuse one spot to change its power source.

1 day ago
rhyno95_

Some dash cam always-on power kits can detect if the voltage drops too low (before battery dies) and turn off power to the camera. Might be a good option here.

I modified my car’s two cigarette lighter ports to each have a relay that only turns on when ACC power is on.

1 day ago
jasonsong86

That’s normal on some cars.

1 day ago
Traditional_Hornet91

If uts an issue for you you could rewire it but in many cars there are some sockets that get constant power and some that are tied to the ignition.

1 day ago
Colin_with_cars

Yeah ford has power there at all times. It can be a blessing or a curse. Just unplug when you get out.

1 day ago
Illustrious-Peak3822

By design.

1 day ago
HornyRaindeer

I use Garmin obd2 port to USB adapter for dash cam. It cuts the power if battery voltage goes too low.

1 day ago
I_dropkick_kittens

I wired in a Viofo dash cam into one of my vehicles last summer and used their wiring kit, you may want to see if the brand of dashcam you have offers something similar.

The wiring kit has a cutoff switch that you can adjust to where it cuts power to the camera when battery voltage drops below the amount you set it for. It's super easy to install with simple fuse taps, so no cutting/splicing is needed at all. The kit's called viofo hk3 acc hardware kit. If it has the same type c power plug, i'd imagine it'd work.

1 day ago
lostinaquasar

Grip the power adapter with a couple fingers. Gently pull it out of its socket when you desire the dash cam to be off. Make sure no coins find their way into the socket or it will short out and blow a fuse.

1 day ago
maxman162

So unplug it.

1 day ago
DrHoleStuffer

Check your owner manual and find the fuse slot, my car has a provision for that particular fuse slot so that you can pull it out and slide it one half a slot over to make it only on when the ignition switch is on, in the default position it is constant power.

1 day ago
RealMisterG

My 05 Ranger has this. The charging port has power even when my truck is off. Well, not anymore since I stuck a screwdriver in it and accidentally caused a short which blew the fuze but my cigarette lighter still works.

1 day ago
WHAT1300

I have a Ford escape with the same issue. To fix it, I plug the dash can into the cars USB port. I use a special USB cable that is power only. If your cable is not power only, the car will try to connect to the camera as if it were a music device.

1 day ago
Few-Register-8986

I have same issue for dash cam. I solved it by plugging into the usb port for the data. It turns off when vehicle off.

1 day ago
seymourj98

Check your owner's manual, it should tell you what outlets, if any, are switched with ignition vs. always on. Some cars allow you to swap a fuse in the fuse box in order to change an outlet from always on to switched or vice versa.

The dash cam only turns off after the key is removed if the outlet is switched with the ignition. The dash cam doesn't know when your key is in, it only knows when it's receiving power.

1 day ago
toolsavvy

I didn't think anyone called these "cigarette lighters" anymore lol I mean I do but I'm an old fart who grew up back when they actually were cigarette lighters.

1 day ago
CornPop747

You will need to look into using a fuse tap to swap the cigarette lighter with something that powers off when the car is off. Alternatively, I had the same issue and ended up getting an obd2 adapter to power the dashcam instead. The adapter has a switch for parking mode if you want, otherwise it'll cut power once it detects low battery voltage (car is off)

20 hours ago
DadEngineerLegend

Normal. Just innstall a switch for the cigarette socket. Preferably use a MOSFET or relay so you don't run high current throuGH the switch contacts.

20 hours ago
Putrid_Anteater_3456

I’ve seen on some cars in the fuse box there is a fuse that you can change its position to make it shut off with the car

20 hours ago
jds8254

Looks like a Ford Escape - that outlet is always hot. I hardwired the dashcam in my Escape so I could stop forgetting to unplug it, and to get the wire out of the way. . The good news is that it never died even being left plugged in and not started for a week, haha. Relatively new battery, though.

Most modern-is Fords are the same way - my Fusion and Focus are the same as my Escape.

13 hours ago
clesportscards216

Yea just unplug it.

13 hours ago
jss58

Wait, WHAT??!? You know, it sounds crazy, but it just might work!

13 hours ago
Justa_Schmuck

Just unplug them.

7 hours ago
PbCuSurgeon

You could cut the ground wire, run a switch to it, and choose to turn it on and off.

1 day ago
SquidVischious

MK3 Focus by any chance?

1 day ago
hbl2390

I thought you wanted a dash can to be always on to catch any hit and run or other nefarious activities.

1 day ago
Easy_Drawer4773

There is a fine line between that capability and desire not to kill your battery

1 day ago
ford-flex

Just chiming in with my experience, I had a cheap dashcam in my old Flex that was plugged in and running 24/7. The only time I had battery issues was when I left it plugged in for 2 weeks when I was out of town. Two or three days was not an issue. Just my personal experience, ymmv. 

1 day ago
iamBoard1117

There should also be outlets in the center console that aren’t constant hot.

1 day ago
FewAct2027

just manufacturers doing dumb shit, check your fuse diagram.

1 day ago
Mr-Krabs13

Not all cars do, for example, my 2013 VW CC RLine does not

1 day ago
ChooseLife1

Order a 7 in 1 cigarette lighter from Lihan on Amazon for $13. It has a flip switch on the side to turn it off and on.

1 day ago
Gunk_Olgidar

Some cars are like that. Others are not.

It *can* be rewired to a key-on circuit, but if you don't know what you're doing then get a professional to do it for you. Automotive electricians exist for reasons.

1 day ago
No_Location3976

Feature, not a bug. If you buy some 16ga wire and good electrical tape, you can convert your cig socket plug so you can wire it into a switched circuit.

1 day ago
Futrel

Look up and buy a fuse tap kit. Use it in a switched fuse (a fuse that only has power when the key is on).

1 day ago
HotRodHomebody

here’s the upside, now you have “parking mode“ recording with the engine off, provided it doesn’t kill your battery. I work in car stereo and we hardwire dash cams routinely, but for it to record n parjing mode it needs to be compatible or have an optional hard wiring kit in order to make connections to both accessory power and constant power. There’s no hard and fast rule on how they operate otherwise if you just plug into the lighter. Some vehicles will have multiple lighter sockets where some are on constant power and some are switched accessory power. You can search and try another in your car. The clean and neat way to wire a dashcam is to have it hardwired properly, even those that just use switched power. That cord can still be routed cleanly and hidden instead of draped across your dash and console.

1 day ago
dan1101

Have you checked after 20-30 minutes? It was my impression that the ports cut power after a few minutes.

1 day ago
runway31

Yup, its on the hot battery bus and will remain powered always 

1 day ago
Swimming-Ad-3810

In my car I just hardwired it to an ignition source. They sell kits on Amazon for like 15 bucks and pretty straight forward.

1 day ago
Latevladiator351

My old G6 Pontiac used to do that, my new GTI does not. Some cars do that, some don't. What I ended up doing was getting a fuse tap device that made a usb port for me to plug my dashcam into, and stuck it in a fuse that cut off when the car was off.

1 day ago
chrispark70

Generally, this is normal.

1 day ago
lululock

My car does not let power to it when the ignition is off.

1 day ago
JacenHorn

That's how it's supposed to work.

Especially if you installed a decent cam, you'll want it recording "parking lot" moments. 

1 day ago
noscope513e

I had the same thing on my traverse and used a fuse tap to make it only on with the engine

1 day ago
Ravenblack67

You should be able to change the settings on the camera to disable parked mode. If not, just unplug the cord. Could it drain your battery? Maybe. It depends on the current draw from the camera and the condition of the battery. On my personal vehicles the camera is hard wired to an ignition on fuse.

1 day ago
Dorkamundo

Some cars leave these on, most turn them off.

You can re-wire them to a circuit that is dead when the ignition is off using a jumper in your fusebox, that's what I'm doing in my 2000 Ford Ranger as it has the same problem.

But if you're not comfortable with basic wiring, it might be something you want to pay someone to do.

1 day ago
CheapSound1

This doesn't look like a VW/Audi but on those cars there's a fuse you can move from one socket to another and in one the 12V socket has power all the time (Audi) and in the other it doesn't (VW). Maybe this make has something similar

1 day ago
MSM_757

Some cars are like that. If you know what you're doing you can re-wire the fuse panel and run the hot side of the fuse from that circuit over to the "Hot-in-run" buss. and then it will work with the key. I did this on my BMW.

If you don't want to do that. There is a dash-cam wiring kit that you can buy. They sell them on Amazon. It's a wiring kit that allows you to tie the dash-cam right into the vehicles electrical system. It also comes with a little box that has a computer inside of it. And if it detects if the the car was bumped, it will power itself on and turn your Dash-Cam on. And it also has a minimum voltage threshold, so if it's been running a while and your car's battery starts to go down, it will turn itself off, so it wont kill the battery. I used one of these Kits when i install the Dash-Cam in my Nissan Xterra. Ran the wires from the camera through the headliner and down the A-pillar and mounted the little box behind the little kick panel in the driver's foot-well. Just below the fuse box. Worked pretty well. I got my kit from Blueseasky on Amazon. But doing a quick search, it looks like Redsia has a pretty decent looking kit.
https://www.amazon.com/Hardwire-Dashcam-Parking-Charger-Protection/dp/B0CH6N8YK2?crid=UHBJKS1BKZ2P&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.djLMPg62wan0lf2KhOSl2u6VR27Zu6_-8Z1nv7XdiLuG_fqDWKIA3BRlEcUlT0hyQnxfcP0ZYsEU_9bviVWxzs5ls_hvjBg-8xnBVTT7rcSomXv3xPTm4oT2LMYX84MKzjLQSri4BAvVgHDEfan7Umvkmlv0hUiFvem0zlvHIwSIGSLMm1cspuUKBKqTWefWXq-gVYqEPnbveUutUFZi1QKa5ZBUJx36_yKzHkhicgo.wsBvDXVB59Jh3njo_tVgDGEbIIYYaGH5Cg-GPhKtelY&dib_tag=se&keywords=Blueseasky+dash+cam+wiring+kit&qid=1751995282&sprefix=blueseasky+dash+cam+wiring+kit%2Caps%2C130&sr=8-16

Some cars have a triple-leg fuse, where you will have three little holes where your fuse goes instead of two. The 3rd hole will be unoccupied. You just flip the fuse around to the other hole, and it goes from Hot all the time, to Hot-in-run. But most cars don't have that. I've only seen it maybe once on an old Dodge.

If you don't care about doing it "right" you could get a small piece of wire, and take an old fuse, and cut the terminals out of it and then solder them to each end of the wire. put a 10amp fuse between them for safety so you don't burn your car down in the event you plug it into the wrong thing. Always a good idea to have a fuse on it. Most fuse panels will have one or two extra slots on them for different features for different trim levels and stuff. If you don't have that trim level you'll have some blanks in the panel. So what you do is test it to see if that blank is a "hot-in-run" blank. And if so, just plug one end of that jumper you made into the blank and the other end into the load side of the hole the fuse was in for the power outlet. That works too. Is it the "right" way to do it? Absolutely not. Will it work? Yeah, pretty much. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Here's how you would wire up that KIT i linked above. It's a pretty basic install. If you aren't comfortable tackling this, you can always hire a professional.

https://preview.redd.it/5vy72vd7qobf1.png?width=677&format=png&auto=webp&s=49dd40e120b0a4641b347a0a6d734c2b3c60653f

1 day ago
Armed_Accountant

Is there a second outlet somewhere in the car you can try? My wife's Cherokee has one outlet by the dash that's accessory power and one in the center console that's always on.

1 day ago
jdownes316

I bought a small adapter with an on/off switch. Hop in flip it on, hop out flip it off. I enjoyed having places for 4 cables, plus 3 plugs, and not having to jump my truck every time I got in it.

1 day ago
hairylegballs

The battery in my 17’ Sierra kept dying ( I drive my 05 Silverado everywhere except out of town) after it sat for 2 weeks with a brand new battery and it was my dashcam😂 it’s great til you forget

1 day ago
Pitiful-MobileGamer

Usually the cover will have a picture of a battery or a key, that's usually an indicator that it's an always-on socket versus a socket that is powered only when the vehicle is on.

Sometimes you can change this in the fuse panel by moving a fuse over a position, your instruction manual would have the details of such a case.

1 day ago
jurvanpelatyin

Same on my skoda octavia

1 day ago
JailEveryOtherMonth

Use a fuse tap and find a fuse that has power to it only when key is turned. Then run the power wire to your 12v outlet.

1 day ago
saxovtsmike

Depends on the car. Ive had cars that have the socket on, some have not

1 day ago
Impressive-Trick-892

Try switching your plug to a power outlet. That's the difference between a power outlet and a cigar/cigarette lighter port. Power outlets power down when the vehicle is turned off, cigar/cigarette lighters do not.

1 day ago
Jon199102

Hardwire it properly to a acc fuse on the fuse board.

1 day ago
Radical_Warren

Does your stereo have a usb port? It might turn off when the the car is off. You could also plug a small 1 to 3 usb hub into it to power both cables.

1 day ago
Paegaskiller

Some cars keep the power on, some don't, some have multiple sockets on different circuits, some powered some unpowered. My X-trail had three sockets, and if I remember well, the one in the dash storage and the one in the boot remained powered.

1 day ago
Wooden-Quit1870

2014 Ford Escape or Focus? Titanium trim? Just use the USB ports inside the console - they switch off with the ignition.

1 day ago
mpworth

I had an outlet like that. I added a relay that that is controlled by the ignition circuit. Works fine.

1 day ago
ChiefKraut

Is this a Ford Focus? (I recognize the interior). The car's interior power stays on for a little bit after turning the car's engine off (maybe roughly an hour?)

The power turns back up when opening the door, locking/unlocking the vehicle.

Source: I'm a previous Focus owner.

1 day ago
Stuffinthins

Feature, not a bug

1 day ago
TWreckx_Plays

Some cards it depends how the fuse is placed

1 day ago
Ok_Mail_1966

How else was I gonna light one up when I was 12 and sitting in the 100F car while my mother was food shopping?

1 day ago
Significant-Ad2944

Take a feed from the back of your stereo it will have a switched 12v

1 day ago
Parking-Position-698

If you would like to put in the effort you can buy a fuse tap, find a fuse in your car thats only on when the car is on and the connect the power to the camera to the fuse tap.

Or just unplug the camera when you get out of the car.

1 day ago
Unlikely_Trifle_4628

There's a couple of ways around this.

I don't have accessory power at the fusebox due to canbus so I ran a wire for all my accessories from the battery and switched it via a relay triggered off an ignition source.

You can also get an OBD power lead for your dashcam, some have an accelerometer to allow power when moving then shut down after no movement for a period.

Many dashcams also have an auto-off setting in the menu for this.

1 day ago
DPJazzy91

You can get splitters and adapters with switches. You still have to remember to flip a switch, but you don't have to pull it out of the outlet each time.

1 day ago
Signal-Confusion-976

Some cars the power outlet has power all the time. My 2006 Dodge Dakota had a cool feature. The fuse could be moved to change the outlet to power all the time or only when the ignition was on.

1 day ago
Tomatocustard

It might also stay on for a while, while Keynes in or door hasnt yet opened. My car keeps power to usb until I open the doors, it tripped me up when I installed dashcam too

1 day ago
Sbualuba

My ford escape is like this to!

1 day ago
Lukksia

most dash cams have a setting for this

1 day ago
morgfarm1_

Every Ford ive owned has power always going to 12V. Most Japanese cars ive seen will cut power to 12V but it ultimately varies from vehicle to vehicle. Just unplug it when you get out. Thats what I do 🤷‍♂️

1 day ago
theChzziest

You need to wire the dash cam into the fuse box some ports are hot and will stay on with the car off find one that is not “hot”

23 hours ago
yepppers7

What is the question?

21 hours ago
ShadNuke

The lighter tends to be always on if a car even has one nowadays. The 12v sockets will typically be run off the ignition. At least that's how my van and jeep are. Use the option to hardwire the camera in to the fuse box. There are multiple options and they are very simple to install with minimal tools.

20 hours ago
Geezerglide1

Better dash cams have parking modes that keep the cam live in case of movement. They normally will have a minimum voltage setting to shut down so you can still start your vehicle.

18 hours ago
vodka-bears

When I had a 2007 Ford Fiesta I mcgyvered a relay switcher circuit parallel to a cigarette lighter that powered an embeddable charger and a separate dashcam PSU. I used a radio acc wire to trigger the relay.

17 hours ago
Eddles999

Some cars keep the cigarette lighter socket switched on for a time after turning off the ignition. I had a few Fords that left the socket powered on for 30 mins before switching off.

17 hours ago
ursucuak

Its normal on all vws that i drove

16 hours ago
itusedtorun

Is there another outlet in the car? Inside the console maybe? Many Subarus have two outlets. One is always on, the other is switched.

13 hours ago
sgrass777

Take the fuse out of the cigarette lighter,put a wire and inline fuse in it's place,and the feed side stick the spade in a spare ignition fuse,feed side . That will swap it from permanent to ignition.

10 hours ago
GoodTimes1963

Thank the Lord my cig sockets are on all the time in my 2014 Explorer. Wifey’s 2017 Rav 4, they don’t. So annoying. If you need to keep your phone charging, you can’t.

10 hours ago
aazankhawaja12

By looking at it it’s a ford focus

10 hours ago
Vokaiso

Usually a thing on all older cars that didnt have any excess 12V plugs. The Cigarette lighter doubles as 12V port but its different from other 12V ports because of the lighter, The reason why this always has power is pretty simple, so you can light a cig even with The Ignition off. My old VW has only one socket which is the cig port and it also has this property i have to unplug my charger every time so it dosent suck dry my bat.

9 hours ago
luxshokk

Some dash cams have a parking mode. They will just periodically make photos and start filming if they detect the car is moving or was hit and will consume much less power in this mode. I believe they should even be able to auto detect parking. You could try this if your dashcam supports this and you are worried about draining the battery.

8 hours ago
X7DragonsX7

2015~ or so Ford Escape? Yeah mine does that too. If you're worried about drain unplug it I guess

8 hours ago
Kdiman

On GM products there is a fuse that can be installed in 2 different positions allowing you to choose between switched and constant power you might want to check the owners manual to see if they provide the option.

7 hours ago
Low_Championship909

Unplug it problem solved

5 hours ago
Visible-Drop-4360

That's normal for all Ford's car

4 hours ago
Beginning_Moose_328

My 06 GMC has its cigarette lighters powered full time. I also have an 18 toyota that shuts off all the ports immediately after the car shuts off. Basically just depends on the make and model of the car but it is normal for some cars.

In my 06, my dashcam would kill my battery after about 3 days without starting the car. If I knew the car would be sitting awhile I'd just unplug everything from the cigarette lighters. Could be annoying for some people but it's nice to be able to leave a device like a phone charging in the car while I go to a restaurant for example.

Personally I'd prefer the cigarette lighters that are on full time, just something you have to pay attention to. I also like that my dashcam continues to record while the car is parked in public. Just an extra sense of security.

4 hours ago
Scary_Childhood_7456

Honda crv 2014 does not

3 hours ago
wdwentz93

If it’s a VW product there may be a fuse moved over to supply power all the time instead of with ignition

2 hours ago
Whats_Awesome

That tracks. Mine has a battery symbol on the cover to remind you, that’s the battery you plugged into.

2 hours ago
13Vex

Lotta cars have that hooked directly to battery

1 day ago
Killentyme55

Not exactly "directly to the battery", more like to the unswitched section of the fuse panel. The circuit is still protected by a fuse, it's a requirement.

1 day ago
Uncledonssyrup

They always have power thats normal.

1 day ago
Hunter_Apolow

I'd just be careful about leaving broken charging wires connected. My sister burned the inside of her car that way. Lucky she had insurance for it but definitely learned her lesson about wires with tears on em

1 day ago
BonusSweet

If you tell us what colour the car is we will have a better chance of answering your question

1 day ago
Superb_Astronomer_59

It would take days to kill the battery. USB 2.0 delivers 0.5A maximum to an end device. A typical car battery has a drain capacity of 50 Amp-hours. Thus it would take 10 days to kill your battery if the vehicle wasn’t started.

1 day ago
foxjohnc87

USB 2.0 delivers 0.5A maximum to an end device.

That is not at all accurate. The default standard is 0.5a, but many USB 2.0 chargers are 2A+ and the limit is 5A when power delivery is used.

1 day ago
Superb_Astronomer_59

You are wrong. Google it. This cigarette lighter adapter is powering a device and thus limited to 500mA. My answer stands.

1 day ago
junhawng

Though it’s the standard, it’s very rare to see USB ports limited to 500mA these days. I’d reckon these ports have at least 1A on them, most dash cams require at LEAST 5W to function in the first place.

Your 50Ah comment is correct but lead acid batteries should only be realistically discharged to around 50% of its capacity to avoid permanent damage. If it’s done pretty frequently the capacity will continue to tank with each cycle.

1 day ago
DiamondplateDave

It also doesn't account for existing parasitic draws on the battery. During the Pandemic, a lot of people found their batteries went dead in 1-2 weeks if the car wasn't driven.

21 hours ago
foxjohnc87

Your answer is r/confidentlyincorrect. Perhaps you should do a bit of googling for yourself.

That is very clearly a PD compliant charger, so the current draw can be several amps depending on the particular power requirements of the dashcam.

1 day ago