professorman

Is there any modification I can do to turn by cigarette lighter into a switchable power source that is only on when the ignition is on, rather than stay on even when the car is off?
On my boxster, the cigarette power used to drain my battery. I also want to keep other accessories plugged in that only turns on with the car.

Or has anyone done any other mods to add extra power outlets that comes on only when the car is on?

5CHN3LL

Use the switched +12v "phone" connector in the center stack to drive a relay; install the relay in-line before the cigarette lighter.

I would not simply use the switched +12v from that connector to drive the cigarette lighter; I believe it's fused for less current than the lighter.

bumerang911

This works for me, I installed the 3-socket adapter in the passenger footwell where it can be reached from the driver’s seat. The on/off switch means that I don’t have to pull it out of the socket each time I want to turn it off, and it has a voltage display as well.

ZuffenZeus

Brown - ground
Yellow/Black - telephone mute
Green/Black - switched 12 volts
Red/Green - unswitched 12 volts

professorman

I like this idea. I will use the telephone wire to drive a relay, then use that to power a 3-socket adapter with usb ports in the passenger footwell. I normally do that with my other vehicles and mount it in the glovebox, but my 01 does not have a glovebox.

b3freak, I can not tell where this is in the car, which panel did you remove? Where is this connector located? It does not look like the center console, because I do not see a gear shifter.

fpb111

Pull one of the cubbies in front of the shifter. They just snap in/out. You could mount your usb etc. in the back wall of the cubbie. There is a wired plug available to plug into the phone prep socket.

professorman

I converted my cigarette lighter to switchable power using a relay, and the telephone wire switchable power to turn on and off the relay. I am loving it, now I can plug in my charger and not have to worry about it killing my battery. I am also able to hard wire in my devices in the car. Now I need to find a dash cam.

wyovino

Can someone explain why a relay is needed if you want a switchable cigarette lighter? Inserting a switch between the battery and the lighter would be the same as connecting and disconnecting the positive wire, no? Assuming that the switch can handle the maximum load of 15 amps.

Curt C

This is what I did. Very clean

professorman

I used a relay because I was not sure what load the telephone wire could handle. I trust the cigarette lighter to handle greater amp than the switchable telephone 12v wire.
I was also able to piggyback off this same relay to hardwire my dash cam and radar.

wyovino

Thanks for the explanation. I'll remember that if I decide to install a dash cam. After my recent accident I think it's a good idea.