Why does it do that? How can I charge my cell phone when the key is off?

 

um...
so you don't accidently leave off something plugged into your car and drain the battery...

 

moved...

 

You'll have to rewire your lighter to a constant power source. I don't know of one without looking at a wiring diagram, but it is easy to run a wire from your battery through the firewall. I hear some dealerships will do it, for a price.

 

i believe all cars' cig lighters turn off; unless it's marked as a "power outlet"...then it's not supplied w/a cig lighter coil.

the best way to run a car charger (especially if you dont plan to take it out) is to hard wire it somewhere in your center console (same as i did with my radar detector);

otherwise, hardwire your cig lighter ( you can easily find a wire (20 amp +) in the fuse box under/to the side of the steering column)

~tesh

 

Not all cars do this, but it is pretty common.

 

does anyone know for sure if it completely cuts off all power? I am worried about using it as a power source for something that always has a small power draw.

 

if it cuts off the power, its complete...i don't understand how it could partly cut off power...

if its off...its off...no power what-so-ever....