Cigar lighter rewiring

[Gary]

Does anyone know how to rewire the cigar lighter so it is only active when the ignation is on?

 

[JTang]

You could use a relay, but then tapping the lighter area would be just as much work as establishing a new set of wiring for the relay. A relay has a constant power, a ground, the power out to what it will be turning on and off, and another connection that serves like a remote lead. The first three connections are self-explanatory. The connection similar to a remote lead needs to be connected to a small power source that be told when the key is in the ignition, similar to the radio's power. This wire you could tap into either the radio's wire which involves the ignition, or you would use a fuse tap and tap into your fuse box where power is engaged through the ignition there. Make sure you get a relay with the correct amount of power; do a search through the archives here, because this topic has been discussed better than I can do about fuses and such. Also maybe ask your question in the other area of these boards, since relays are helpful in lighting and stuff too, and other can help you.

If your application is primarily for car audio, I would really recommend the "Remote Power Adapter" by DEI. I think it's www.directed.com. It's an advanced relay for just a little more. It can handle more power, takes less power to turn on, and has timed relay power, so it turns on a few seconds after which is nice to help reduce turn on noise, etc.

Good Luck!