2010 M3 12v outlet in centre console

[Auroraboy]

Just picked up a 2010 Mazda 3. I noticed that the 12V centre console box power outlet always has power according to the manual, and a quick test with a Motorola car charger. Power to the front console 12V outlet is controlled by the ignition switch.

Is there an EASY way to make the centre console box outlet switched to the ignition, so that I can leave my phone charger plugged in there?

Thanks

[McGuyver_3]

That can be done but it does involve cutting the positive wire for the cig lighter and rerouting it to another power source that is ignition controlled

[Auroraboy]

How much power does a phone charger draw, without a phone attached? I am using a Motorola charger that glows blue to indicate it is powered. If this is left hooked up continuously, will it drain the battery, or is it drawing a very minimal current, and would not be a concern if you drive the car daily?

Just did not want to leave plugged in and come out and find the battery dead.

[Chester_Lampwick]

What you talkin' 'bout Willis? The outlet in the dash is ignition switched. The one inside the armrest box is constant feed.

Why would you want your phone plugged into the one that is switched off when the car is off? I'd be more likely to plug it into the always hot and leave it in there when I'm away so it could charge...

Anyway, you have one of each. Just choose the one you want. No modding required IMHO.

[SonicBoy]

I dont' think the charger draws that much. Once the phone is at 100% it goes into trickle charge.

You should be OK.

Not sure if the auto power down would kick in though. The feature I'm talking about is the one that prevents battery run down say if you leave your doors open, it will shut down power after a set period of time.

[McGuyver_3]

My phone just stops charging once full and like stated goes in to trickle charge I think you should be allright though but if youreally wanted to have it 12v switched now that I think about it you could put a switch on the power or the ground side of that lighter and that way youcan control it however youlike

[Auroraboy]

I was more concerned about just leaving the phone charger plugged into the console outlet - without a phone. THe Motorola charger lights up blue on the end (other have a red power light). If only the charger is plugged in (without a phone), does it draw any significant current over time? Since the power light is on, I assume it is drawing some power. If it is a small LED, its probably insignificant, but I am only assuming its a small LED, and not a bulb.

Just did not want to keep having to open the console to unplug the charger when not using it. My Acuras have had an ignition switched outlet in the console. As suggested, I could use the front outlet below the HVAC controls, but its just neater having the cord etc. in the console bin.

Not a big deal, just wondering.

[YesMazda]

it doesn't draw significant power without a phone plugged in, basically the led and insignicant for the inverter circuit, only when the phone is on when lots of power is drawn.

leaving it plugged in without do harm to your car (ie it wouldnt kill the battery to stop you from starting your car). the only thing is that your phone charger probably won't last as long it would if it wasn't always used.

this is what I would do, i know a little bit about electronics, so I would run a switch from your charger and extend it out, that way you can turn on your charger whenever you want.

[Tarkie]

There is another, cheaper possibility for the constantly powered console outlet that is cheap and may take care of your "problem". Canadian Tire sells a splitter that is individually switched for 4 outlets. thus, you can leave 4 chargers connected but can switch off one or all of them. It fits in the console and can be permanently attached with the double sided tape that is provided. The price is $19.95. My first test appears to suggest that this solution is simple, cost effective and doesn't leave one with that feeling that your battery will be depleted.