How to rig up cell phone charge when car is off?

[BennyLava]

Hi all. I want to rig my 2009 Yaris sedan to still be able to charge my cell phone when the key is out of the ignition. Right now, when you take the key out, it cuts power to the power points (aka cigarette lighters) in the car.

How can I make those things still have power when the key is out? I often would like to just leave my phone charging while I go do something, when I'm out in town or at work. My Ford car and my Chevy truck both allow you to charge when the key is not in the ignition. But my yaris won't. I assume that I just need to replace a relay, or merge a fuse somewhere?

[Altitude]

There is an always on connection on the interior fuse block. It's noted in some thread here but I'm too lazy to look it up. Maybe search for constant power or constant 12v. You should be able to find it.

[BennyLava]

Ok i can find the connection but what you're saying is, I need to somehow move that wire over to the constant connection slot?

[fnkngrv]

You can search for constant power here or else give me a little time and I can help you later today. PM me if you wish.

[Altitude]

Ok i can find the connection but what you're saying is, I need to somehow move that wire over to the constant connection slot?

It somewhat depends on what sort of charging device you are using. If you are using something that plugs into the lighter socket, you can either opt to rewire the existing socket to the constant source and ground or purchase a new standalone socket and wire that up. Then you'd just need a place to mount it.

Either way, the constant point on the block has a spade connector on it so you just need the female connector and some wire to tap the constant +12v.

[BennyLava]

Either way, the constant point on the block has a spade connector on it so you just need the female connector and some wire to tap the constant +12v.

I'm looking to be able to charge my cell phone when I am not in the car. I want to leave it in there when im at work or something.

So if i understand you right, there is an auxiliary slot on the fuse block that has constant power, even when the key is out of the ignition switch. If so its a simple matter to just find the wire going to the power point (aka cigarette lighter) and run the wire to the aux slot.

[mazilla]

I'd opt for a new socket hidden someplace(inside a center console for example) so you can leave your electronics in a hidden place to charge.

[sex]

If so its a simple matter to just find the wire going to the power point (aka cigarette lighter) and run the wire to the aux slot.

Yes. Don't forget the fuse. http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showpost.php?p=626917&postcount=2

[Altitude]

Pulled this image from another DIY from CTScott.

46297

[BennyLava]

Thanks guys that helps a lot! Im sure I can get this all rigged up now. It sure will be nice to be able to charge my phone when its dead, when Im not in the car.

[mazilla]

Your thread inspired me to finally knock this out...not being able to charge when the car is off sucked big time.

Like I mentioned above I hid mine in the center console to avoid tempting somebody into doing something stupid(hopefully).

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb230/mr-mazilla/3b0b137e.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb230/mr-mazilla/94dfdd6e.jpg

[Spidermandud]

^never noticed you had the armrest before. I actually went back and looked up some of your other threads to see it haha. Found a good view of it in the thread where you got new seats.


So what's to keep it from charging forever though? Could it drain your car if you accidentally left it in overnight?

[mazilla]

I guess I'd be the only thing stopping it(most likely my cell phone) from charging indefinitely but that's no different than leaving it plugged in at home. I have an Optima yellow top deep cycle so there's no way I'm going to drain that thing charging the cell phone overnight. It'd probably last a couple of weeks.

[matthewai]

yeah i hate how power is cut if the car is off i mean not like anyone regularly fully charges in their car but at least if you go to the store you could leave it to get a little juice