The 12 volt power accessory (looks like cigarette lighter) in my 2016 Ford Escape SE is not switched with the ignition. Anything you plug into it, remains on when car is turned off. Is there any way to change this? I run a radar detector, that I would like to leave plugged in all the time, but since it won't shut off, it will drain my battery.

 

What happens if you use the regular cigarette lighter socket?

 

There isn't one. There are two 12V power outlets. One near the shift lever, and the other inside the storage compartment under the center arm rest. Both are hot all the time.

 

Sometimes the regular lighter is located in the ash tray.

 

Nope - they don't have ash trays in the new ones.

 

You could always run one of your power plugs thru a relay operated by a KO circuit. Just ensure that you use a relay that has a diode in it so that you don't hit your computers network with up to a 10,000+ volt power spike when the relay circuit collapses when it's powered down. Bosh relays normally have them along with the OEM relays.

 

You also need to be careful where you tap into a circuit. Today's cars with sophisticated electronics (modules) are very sensitive to addl loads and will shut down to prevent what they perceive as a possible overload condition. Fords particularly do not like add on accessories.

 

Yeh, not sure I want to risk doing any re-wiring! Sounds expensive if I screw up!

 

That info was not meant to confuse or frighten you, but there have been several instances where an accessory was added without making sure it didn't interfere with anything and a short time later developed into a no start condition. The better way to do this might be to have a dealership change that for you based on the info available to them. It doesn't hurt to inquire as to the best way to get it changed.

 

There is a 120 volt outlet on the back of the center console that the service dept says is switched. I am thinking I can plug in a 12 volt converter into that, and use that instead.