Anyone know what it would take to convert the 12-volt socket in the center console to be switched, instead of always on?

TIA

Edit: In other words, does anyone know of a switched power source into which I could tap and connect the "hot" terminal on the socket?

 

 

you just need a toggle switch to break the current


oak

 

Thanks for the reply, but I guess I wasn't clear enough it my initial post. I have since edited it.

I was thinking of a more elegant solution. Maybe something like re-wiring the hot wire from the socket to a switched power source, so when I turn the key off power is automatically cut to the socket, and subsequently, anything plugged into it.

While a toggle switch might apply for other applications, I don't think it would be the right solution for this particular application, especially since the center console power socket is hidden, and it would be easy to forget to hit the switch.

 

Look at your fuse block under the passenger floor and see what fuse turns off with the key. Then get a fused jumper wire (it plugs into the fuse socket and gives you a wire to connect to) and then run that wire to your center console. You can get those fused jumpers at most auto supply stores. But be sure your always protected with a fuse.

 

Thanks for that info.

I guess I can go that route, too, but I would've thought that the car would already be equipped with an "open" wire, which I could just splice onto. My C4 actually had a circuit complete with wires designed for just that.

However, I will check out those "fused jumper wires". I kinda don't understand how they work since there's not much excess room around the spades that insert into the fuse sockets. Unless this device plugs into the socket where the fuse would normally go, then the fuse plugs into the device, thereby relocating the original fuse slightly, while providing a wire connection, as well?

 

You can always run off of the ACC circuit that runs the radio when the key is on the ACC position.

Forgive me if C5s are some weird car where this does not apply... this is just general info not anything C5 specific.

 

Yes, that is exactly what it does, it goes in the place of the fuse and then you insert the removed fuse back into the splice devise. It then gives you a fused wire to connect to. It keeps it clean so you don't have to cut into any harnesses or splice any wires. You will look at it and say, "That is a great idea!"

 

I've been looking around the web for the term "fused jumper wire", but can't find a pic of one. Any ideas on a site that might depict one?

Thanks again.

 

$2 from Radio Shack. You can find them cheaper!

Just slide the end over the removed fuse, then put the fuse back in its place. This will provide you with the "hot" side, you will still need to find the "negitive."

 

Thanks alot, the pics really helps. But, I'm looking for something that's a more permanent mod, because I can't think of one thing I'd need constant power to under the console lid, you know what I mean? In fact, I was actually shocked (no pun intended) to find out that the receptacle had a constant hot to begin with. After all, the lighter socket is a constant hot already, so there was no reason that I can think of that GM put a constant hot under the console lid, you know what I mean? Any items I would power from under the console lid is more than likely fine to have power shut off when the car is off. I mean, if I had to use an air compressor to pump up tires, I would use the lighter receptacle with the car off anyway, as it would be cumbersome to try to power something like that with the lid open, does that make sense?

I might just have to take a look in the footwell to see what circuit into which I can re-route the hot for the under-console receptacle. And, if I can tap a switched hot wire on the output side of a fuse, I could use that same fuse for the receptacle circuit, which would result in clean mod.Of course, I might want to up the amps on the fuse to accommodate what I'd use the receptacle for, which is a cell phone charger.

The reason I don't just want to wire the cell phone charger itself directly to a different circuit is because I tend to use the charger in my other cars from time to time, when I force myself to drive something else. :-) Hence I want to keep the recptacle side of the charger intact.

Anyone have a schematic that might show hot wires AFTER the fuse center that might be a sensible hot spot? Obviously I'd want to tap into a switched circuit that powers non-critical items like some interior accessory like a courtesy light or something, so if the fuse blows I'm not stranded somewhere, or something.

Negative side is already there at the 12-volt receptacle, remember? All I need to do is use the switched "hot" in place of the constant "hot" that is there already.

FWIW, not all is lost on that fuse jumper item, as I just learned about something new, which will undoubtedly come in handy for the next "project".

 

Cut the + wire to the lighter socket and connect a relay between the two. The relay should be rated for about 20 amps. Tap off an acc + or ign + wire and connect to one side of the relay coil, connect the other side of the coil to ground. A small diode should be added across the coil to snub any turn off spikes, +to + and - to -. A DC solid state relay is preferred but they are more expensive. Now the acc or ign will turn on the power at the lighter and it remains fused as before. The relay coil won't load down the circuit that provides acc or ign +. Make sure to tape or silicone the connections so they won't short to ground.

 

This link might be of some help: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1117959

 

 

Just a thought. Could you pick up 12v fused/switched of the gas door release button next to the cig. lighter?

 

I think that wire is HOT all the time too.

Realistically, the Relay method is by far the best method. It keeps the ability to run a high current (when/if ever needed) and the safety of the same thicker gage wire to that socket. The relay uses much lower amps is just acting as the 'switch man' to turn it on and off with the key on/off.

I would best you could do this for less than $15 easily! What other are talking about, you can find at any auto parts place. Look for the name, Add-A-Tap, or Add-a-Circuit, and get the 'mini' fused one. It will become very obvious when you go into the footwell, how to connect this up to power the coil side of the relay.

Good Luck ----->

 

Here is an install for a V1, shows where to get switched power in passenger foot well from already supplied accessory harness.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...=165&TopicID=1