12V Cig Socket always LIVE in Fiesta Mk6

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gcorgnet

1078 posts

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#218056 24-Jul-2017 09:36

Hey guys, I have a 2005 Ford Fiesta which has it's 12V Cig Lighter socket always on. I am using an FM transmitter and I therefore would like this socket to be switched on and off with the ignition.

I am hoping I can do that using Piggy Back fuses rather than having to cut existing wires.

Does anyone have enough knowledge to assist here?

Basically, I am hoping I can find an unused (but ignition live) fuse bay and put a piggy back fuse in there. Then connect the wire from that to another piggy back fuse which I would put in my normal cig lighter fuse bay. (won't put a normal fuse at the back of that one though, so that the circuit is only closed when the ignition is on) Hope that makes sense? Can anyone think of any issue with this?

Any other/better idea?

Thanks,

Guillaume

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6614 posts

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#1828149 24-Jul-2017 09:37

I also have a permanently live socket in my BMW, Unless you want to install a switch on the posi there isnt much to do. Could get fancy with a relay but meh.

Edit: Get a make and break relay, Put it in the dash, Wire the 12v socket through the switched side, Connect the other side of the relay to a switched circuit, Profit!

gcorgnet

1078 posts

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#1828150 24-Jul-2017 09:39

What about that Frankenfuse idea above? Wouldn't that work?

Not keen on a switch as I know I will not remember to use it...

Mattmannz

471 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1828159 24-Jul-2017 09:46

Is the cig lighter socket on it's own fuse?

If so then it's straight forward to move that circuit to an ignition switched feed.

Coil

6614 posts

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#1828160 24-Jul-2017 09:47

Coil

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#1828183 24-Jul-2017 09:50

Use your radio feed as a trigger wire or maybe some other random thing, Maybe use a dash light thats only on when the ignition is?
That should have you right tho..

solutionz

589 posts

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Inactive user

#1828187 24-Jul-2017 09:54

gcorgnet: What about that Frankenfuse idea above? Wouldn't that work?

Yep, not the best but probably the easiest way to go without disassembling anything.

You'll have to jery-rig a couple of spade terminals to fit within the fuse holder.

You should also add an extra inline fuse on the socket side so if it blows it doesn't take out your ignition.

Bung

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#1828193 24-Jul-2017 09:58

Is this FM transmitter used with the radio? I'd see it the car radio still has an aerial output lead that's live when the radio is on. Now that cars don't tend to have extending aerials that may not be the case.

We had a Ford rental on holiday once and found the always on lighter socket was great for camera and phone charging.

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solutionz

589 posts

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#1828194 24-Jul-2017 09:58

https://www.jaycar.co.nz/double-blade-fuse-socket-wire-tap/p/SF5115

https://www.jaycar.co.nz/30a-inline-stackable-blade-fuseholders/p/SZ2045

gcorgnet

1078 posts

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#1828201 24-Jul-2017 10:03

Bung: Is this FM transmitter used with the radio? I'd see it the car radio still has an aerial output lead that's live when the radio is on. Now that cars don't tend to have extending aerials that may not be the case.We had a Ford rental on holiday once and found the always on lighter socket was great for camera and phone charging.

Yeah, always on is great except for the part where I don't want to drain my battery if I forget to take out that transmitter...

Coil

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#1828202 24-Jul-2017 10:05

I am reluctant to use or suggest wire tap fuses and the piggyback ones, In my current role I see a lot of trucks with Electronic Hubos wired up this way. A lot of the piggyback fuses fail and arc out at times. They are of crap quality. This is on a truck so it may be subjected to more wear but the company didnt outlaw them for no reason..

It will work but look messy and chances are the contacts wont be very great and it will fail in time. Solder and a relay would be a more permanent option but long lasting.

gcorgnet

1078 posts

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#1828204 24-Jul-2017 10:05

solutionz:

Thanks solutionnz. Would you be able to clarify what you mean by: "You'll have to jery-rig a couple of spade terminals to fit within the fuse holder."

Maybe in simpler terms. All of this is a bit foerign to me ;-)

Thanks

sbiddle

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#1828205 24-Jul-2017 10:09

Wouldn't it be a lot easier to just fit the factory AUX cable? (I'm 99% certain the 2005 Fiesta supports it)

FM transmitters are pretty much useless these days.

Coil

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#1828206 24-Jul-2017 10:09

gcorgnet:

Just by getting some flat spade connectors and shoving it in the fuses holder.

gcorgnet

1078 posts

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#1828210 24-Jul-2017 10:14

Mattmannz:

Is the cig lighter socket on it's own fuse?

If so then it's straight forward to move that circuit to an ignition switched feed.

How straight forward?

gcorgnet

1078 posts

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#1828216 24-Jul-2017 10:16

sbiddle:

Wouldn't it be a lot easier to just fit the factory AUX cable? (I'm 99% certain the 2005 Fiesta supports it)

FM transmitters are pretty much useless these days.

Pretty sure my car doesn't support AUX. The transmitter I got is surprisingly good. does bluetooth with a good connection and supplies a pretty good sound

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