I've always wondered this, why doesn't the cigarette lighter work unless the key is in it and turned into the "run" position or actually running? Sometimes it would be nice to charge my cell phone w/o it running but you can't. Its not a real big deal, but just something I've wondered about. On the other hand, I like how you can play the radio/CD player without the key, that's pretty cool!

 

Another quirk:

First car I've owned that requires the car to be on in order to use the horn.

 

I am running a 12v power lead to the center console box.
I feel it needs a light in it and a 12v power plug to charge stuff out of sight.
It should be an easy job.

 

I travel alot and rent cars. I run into this all the time. Some GM cars, like Chevrolet still have the cigarette lighter hot when the key is out. I think most Chryslers I have rented, are key in and on.

 

I think it has something to do with the manufacturer not wanting to have the battery run down. Notice that the Jeep line used to have an under hood light on a mercury switch. Not any more. That light used to cause so many batteries to run down/warranty repairs/roadside assistance calls, that is was more cost effective to cut it out completely. Plus think how much they saved just on parts and installation labor alone.

However, the Jeep Grand Cherokee does have 2 plugs on the dashboard. One with a pic of a key, meaning that it was only on with the key and the other with a pic of the battery, meaning that it went directly to the battery.

I think that the X-fire needs an auxiliary plug on the passenger side of the console for cells and radar detectors. I have a splitter running all my toys. And as you said it would be nice to have my cell charge overnight.

This car needs a serious facelift, as far as the interior for ergonomics and user friendly features.

 

My wife's 300M could be set either way by moving a fuse.

Pete

 

All my cars are like that, '69 mercedes, '99 lexus, '04 crossfire. I have never had a car charger for my cell phone.

 

its not a typical chrysler, all the electronics and the way the car is built is more like a mercedes or other european auto manufacturers, i remember when the car was launched and they were teaching us about how things worked only when the car was on just like Mercedes', notice the seat adjusters or the horn doesn't work unless the key is turned. that in intentional, (why) i don't know but its set apart from other cars and I've explained that to many customers just to set this car apart from others...its all german engineering *shrug*.

 

Its funny you should mention that. I had always wondered why the wiper/washer/high-beam/turn signal stalk and the cruise control stalk were positioned where they were and yesterday I had an epiphany. I was driving back from Virginia Beach in kind of cloudy, misty conditions and realized that I could activate everything I needed to with my left hand, which allowed me to keep my right hand on the shifter. Pretty freakin' neat if you ask me. The more I know about this car, bet better I like it.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aero Blue

Sometimes it would be nice to charge my cell phone w/o it running but you can't.

A regular car battery has a capacity of 60-80 Ah. I think the one in our Crossfire is 74Ah. Good, so called power batteries for cell phones are around 1000mAh. I don't think it's the reason.
My only car that had power with removed key was a '88 Peugeot 205. I guess it's more a safety thing. You can't let electrical devices run unattended.

 

The Power receptacle in the Crossfire is for a cigar lighter. Not a power source. My PT Cruiser had both. Most SUV's have both.
The seats will adjust with the key off and one of the doors open or key on and doors closed.

 

There is no difference! It's a round slot with 12V 10A. The cigar lighter is just a device that works in there.
My PT even had 3 sources. 2 in the front and 1 in the trunk.

 

If you ever had a car with both you would find out that a cigar lighter will not work in a power socket. They are not the same.
My PT also had 3. The cigar lighter only worked in the lower front one and that one only had power when the key is on.

My cell phone charger doesn't stay in the cigar lighter socket very well.
It works great in cars with power sockets.

That is just the way they make them. Power sockets have the capacity for a bigger current draw.

 

Yeah, never tried whether all of them worked, I don't use the cigar lighter. But as far as I remember never had difficulties charging devices in the PT. I mostly removed the lighter and used that one. Worked fine.
Could be, that the plug with the cover that says 12V is deeper. So no lighter will fit in but other charger stay better.

Still, doesn't matter for the Crossfire. We only have one and my PDA charger is working properly.