Convert cigarette lighter to constant-powered? - Toyota GR86, 86, FR-S and Subaru BRZ Forum & Owners Community

Open Loop · 04-01-2018, 10:19 PM

Hi everyone. I would like to power a data recorder through the cigarette lighter in the center console, but I need it to constantly get power, even when key is in the off position. Has anyone done this or have an idea of how I can do this.

Alternatively, is there an ideal location in the center console or under the dash that has a wire that is constantly getting power from the battery?

Thank you in advance!

sharpsicle · 04-02-2018, 12:11 AM

You could always wire it to the constant supply to the radio. That's probably the easiest place to route a wire from, and the easiest wire to get to. You could either wire it behind the radio, or run a wire from the radio to the cigarette outlet and wire it to that. If you are planning to wire it to the cig outlet, just remember to cut and cap off the accessory wire that powers it. If you tap in, all your accessories will run with the key off and drain your battery.

Ultramaroon · 04-02-2018, 12:54 AM

Power is switched by a relay with a signal from the ECU. Just replace the relay with a jumper. Link to manuals are in my sig line.

...edit: I remembered wrong. ACC1 relay switches the radio too. :|

Open Loop · 04-02-2018, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharpsicle

You could always wire it to the constant supply to the radio. That's probably the easiest place to route a wire from, and the easiest wire to get to. You could either wire it behind the radio, or run a wire from the radio to the cigarette outlet and wire it to that. If you are planning to wire it to the cig outlet, just remember to cut and cap off the accessory wire that powers it. If you tap in, all your accessories will run with the key off and drain your battery.

Thank you both. This sounds like a simple way to do it.

Open Loop · 04-02-2018, 08:42 AM

Thank you both. The constant power line to the radio sounds like a simple way to do it.

Chimera · 04-02-2018, 11:12 AM

add a fuse to the brake lights circuit can be used too, or a direct battery tap.

04-01-2018, 10:19 PM	#1
Open Loop 2013 FR-S Whiteout / SSC Join Date: Aug 2016 Drives: 2013 FR-S Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 107 Thanks: 60 Thanked 43 Times in 26 Posts Mentioned: 4 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Convert cigarette lighter to constant-powered? Hi everyone. I would like to power a data recorder through the cigarette lighter in the center console, but I need it to constantly get power, even when key is in the off position. Has anyone done this or have an idea of how I can do this. Alternatively, is there an ideal location in the center console or under the dash that has a wire that is constantly getting power from the battery? Thank you in advance!

04-02-2018, 12:54 AM	#3
Ultramaroon not playing cards Join Date: Sep 2014 Drives: a 13 e8h frs Location: vantucky, wa Posts: 32,395 Thanks: 53,053 Thanked 37,228 Times in 19,308 Posts Mentioned: 1117 Post(s) Tagged: 9 Thread(s)	Power is switched by a relay with a signal from the ECU. Just replace the relay with a jumper. Link to manuals are in my sig line. ...edit: I remembered wrong. ACC1 relay switches the radio too. :\| __________________ service manuals Last edited by Ultramaroon; 04-02-2018 at 02:16 AM.

04-02-2018, 11:12 AM	#6
Chimera Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Drives: FRS Location: Atlanta Posts: 1,181 Thanks: 575 Thanked 291 Times in 216 Posts Mentioned: 17 Post(s) Tagged: 1 Thread(s)	add a fuse to the brake lights circuit can be used too, or a direct battery tap. __________________ Car Journal: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1513783

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Few things I found out on the BRZ - extra cigarette lighter outlet	86design	BRZ First-Gen (2012+) — General Topics	42	04-15-2023 12:56 AM
12v Cigarette Lighter Wire Color	KenTK808	Electronics \| Audio \| NAV \| Infotainment	2	05-18-2019 09:52 PM
Flush USB Cigarette Adapter	Crispy517	CANADA	18	11-18-2014 06:43 PM
Cigarette Damage?	Jac	Cosmetic Maintenance (Wash, Wax, Detailing, Body Repairs)	2	09-09-2013 11:27 AM
Power Ports/ Cigarette Lighter Issues	Tanuki	Issues \| Warranty \| Recalls / TSB	6	11-21-2012 05:59 PM

04-02-2018, 12:11 AM	#2
sharpsicle Certs You Dont Care About Join Date: Mar 2017 Drives: 2013 Galaxy Blue BRZ Location: Milwaukee, WI / Tampa, FL Posts: 230 Thanks: 34 Thanked 131 Times in 80 Posts Mentioned: 1 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	You could always wire it to the constant supply to the radio. That's probably the easiest place to route a wire from, and the easiest wire to get to. You could either wire it behind the radio, or run a wire from the radio to the cigarette outlet and wire it to that. If you are planning to wire it to the cig outlet, just remember to cut and cap off the accessory wire that powers it. If you tap in, all your accessories will run with the key off and drain your battery.

04-02-2018, 08:42 AM	#5
Open Loop 2013 FR-S Whiteout / SSC Join Date: Aug 2016 Drives: 2013 FR-S Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 107 Thanks: 60 Thanked 43 Times in 26 Posts Mentioned: 4 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Thank you both. The constant power line to the radio sounds like a simple way to do it.

User Name		Remember Me?
Password