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How to Make Car Charger Work When Car Is Off

Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2024 5:36 pm
by Zack Norman
If you're constantly on the move and rely on your car charger to keep your devices powered up, you might find it frustrating when it stops working once your car is turned off. But fear not, there's a solution to keep your car charger active even when your car is off.

By installing a separate relay in parallel to the original wiring and ensuring a direct connection to your car's battery, along with adding a simple toggle switch, you can keep your car charger outlet powered on and use it whenever you need, regardless of whether your car is running or not.

Safety Precautions

Before you dive into modifying your car's charging system, it's crucial to consider a few safety precautions:
  • Make sure you have a service manual with a detailed wiring diagram for your car to guide you through the process.
  • Be mindful of the drain on your car battery, especially when charging larger devices or leaving accessories on for extended periods.
  • Check the health of your car battery regularly to prevent damage to the electrical system.
  • If you're not comfortable with electrical work, it's wise to seek professional assistance to ensure safety and avoid voiding your car's warranty.
Step-by-Step Guide

Here's a brief overview of the steps involved in modifying your car charger to work when your car is off:

Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials
  • Service manual with wiring diagram
  • Relay and fuse
  • 14-12AWG wire
  • SPDT toggle switch
  • Wire stripper, cutter, and crimping tool
  • Electrical connectors and tape
Study the Wiring Diagram
  • Identify the 12V outlets and their connections.
  • Determine if they're directly connected to the battery or through a relay activated by the ignition.
Locate the 12V Outlet Wiring
  • Find the outlet's wiring, typically behind the dashboard or center console.
Install a Relay
  • Add a separate relay in parallel if the outlet is ignition-dependent.
  • Run dedicated wires to each outlet.
Wire the Toggle Switch
  • Connect the switch to the always-on power source and the ignition-dependent source.
  • Connect the center terminal to the 12V outlet.
Test the System
  • Ensure the setup works correctly by testing with the ignition off and the switch in the always-on position.
Secure All Connections
  • Double-check all connections and use tape or connectors to prevent any loose wires.
By following these steps and taking necessary precautions, you can modify your car charger to stay active even when your car is off. This simple modification can be incredibly useful for long trips, camping, or any situation where you need to charge devices without running your car constantly.

Read more here - https://www.motorverso.com/how-to-make- ... ar-is-off/