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Thread: Cigarette Lighter - Switched Power

  1. #1
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    Cigarette Lighter - Switched Power

    Hi all- looking to convert my cigarette lighter to switch power since I always leave the phone charger in. I previously had a thread on m3F before it imploded on some recommendations by so electrical pros.

    I know I should run a relay to a switched source like the radio, but can anyone give some guidance and recommendations?

    For example, should I add another fuse somewhere? what type of relay or gauge wiring should be used.

  2. #2
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    Cigarette Lighter - Switched Power

    I installed a dual USB socket in place of the cigarette lighter. Since there is constant power I then installed a small rocker switch in one of the blanks. The cigarette lighter is on a 30-amp fuse which I replaced with a 10-amp fuse. Look up how to wire a 12v switch. No relays or other fuses needed. The cigarette lighter is on its own fuse and circuit.

    Last edited by 82bmw633; 05-27-2020 at 02:26 PM.

  3. #3
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    that's a clean looking rocker switch. where did you get it and did you simply intersect the ground (brown) or hot (red) to it?

  4. #4
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    Cigarette Lighter - Switched Power

    I bought the USB and micro rocker switches from Amazon. The USB ground wire goes to ground directly. The power wire for the cigarette lighter goes to one side of the switch. The other terminal of the switch has the power wire from the switch to the USB. I used the existing ground and power wires for the cigarette lighter and added pieces to reach everything. The switch is not grounded.

    Last edited by 82bmw633; 05-27-2020 at 04:33 PM.

  5. #5
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    This would definitely be a slower charge, but for a cleaner look you could install a wireless charger.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LO8Qir7d1Ec

  6. #6
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    If your car came pre-wired for the carphone, you could splice into that set of wires, it's right under the centre console which makes it very convenient.

  7. #7
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    My cigarette lighter socket has no power. Does anyone have a wiring diagram to trace the problem. I need this as I use the lighter for charging my phone/

    steve

  8. #8
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  9. #9
    RRSperry's Avatar
    RRSperry is offline Senior Moment Member BMW E36 M3 Expert
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    You knew, you could take power from the glove box flashlight and wire in a 12v to USB running into a cup holder or ashtray.. but I like the dual USB...
    No matter where you go, there you are...

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by RRSperry View Post
    You knew, you could take power from the glove box flashlight and wire in a 12v to USB running into a cup holder or ashtray.. but I like the dual USB...
    I had intended to use the flashlight socket (since my flashlight was gone). But, even though the wiring diagram says it’s switched power, mine was hot with the ignition off.

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