[MRTIKKET]

Does anybody know if your portable cell phone still charges, if it is plugged into the cigarette lighter while you run into a store, so your engine is off an your keys are out of the ignition?

 

[dtkw]

Okay, with the carkit which I believe is wired to the live wire of the car. So, it would still be charging when the key is removed. But just the cig lighter slot, I tried it and it's off. So, it wouldn't be charging when you take the key off the ign.

 

[jupiterpbc]

On my car, a 1990 560SEL, my car charger DOES NOT function when the ignition is turned off. I am sure there is a way to reconfig the wiring so that a direct connection to the battery would facilitate a constant charge when the key is removed. I just have to make sure I plug the phone in while I am under way.

Gary

 

[Prochambers]

Why would you want to rewire your cigarette lighter? Just charge while you're driving.

 

[ScrapingScrap]

Definately doesn't work when the key is out. I re-wired the rear ciggy socket on my last SEC, so that I could run my coolbox at car shows to keep the beer cold. And as we all know, cold beer is important!

I just ran a wire direct from the battery (with an inline 10amp fuse) through the firewall, along the side under the carpet and across to the socket. The original earth cable is fine, just make sure you cut and insulate the old power cable properly, as it will of course still be live when the engine is running.