12v outlets always on

[JKaechler]

on my 2011 Tahoe LT.
both of the 12v outlets on the dash are always on. I would like to have them switch off with the key.
is there a relatively easy way to make this happen?

 

[YukonRog]

Probably not "easy". Guess it would depend on your skill level. You'd have to remove the dash bezel(s) and moved the hot lead to a non energized source that only comes on with the key.

 

[Mean_Green]

Can't speak to that model year, but there should be three modes. On always, On with key on/engine running and On with key in Accessory position as well as engine running. You'll need to find a spot on the fuse block that's hot only in the mode you want and somehow move the power lead to the outlets accordingly.

I'd kind of like to do the same thing with mine, but I haven't dug into it yet. I have three outlets and I only use them for things like the cell phone and a mug heater, so there really is no reason for them all to be hit full time.

 

[B-train]

I'm not sure without a wiring diagram, but I know on other vehicles it's just a matter of what fuse the wire is landed at. Some even have a 3 way fuse connection that allows foe always on, or keyed power.

My 2017 only works with ignition on and I hate it. I much prefer my 2008 setup.

 

[Scott in AZ]

This is a first-world problem on GMT800s, for sure. Same on my 2001 GMC Yukon. Most 12V cigarette lighter USB chargers have a power on illumination light, so if you leave the charger inserted you will draw power off the battery. Not much, but that’s not ideal. I have to admit my solution was overkill. I installed a new Double-DIN head unit with a USB-C outlet included on the back, and I ran the extension wire around thru the dash at the charger panel. I’ve since decided to move it again and run it thru to the center console box.

 

[mikez71]

10 amps available on the mbec..

2007-2013 GM UPFITTER CHEVY GMC JUNCTION BLOCK MBEC CONNECTOR 13504592 20791502 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 2007-2013 GM UPFITTER CHEVY GMC JUNCTION BLOCK MBEC CONNECTOR 13504592 20791502 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

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[j91z28d1]

I've changed this in 2 cars now. one to make it constant and one to change to switched.

for your tahoe there's a switched aux power fuse in the fuse box, using fuse taps, I used that to power the wire in the first going to the cig lighter.. the right side one I believe it was.

been a while so I don't remember the numbers off the top of my head. but 2 of the fuse taps and it's simple in the under hood fuse box. just use one to take power off the switched fuse. crimp the wires together and use it to power the non powered side of the fuse you pulled from the cigarette lighter slot.

 

[Malii Denali]

on my 2011 Tahoe LT.
both of the 12v outlets on the dash are always on. I would like to have them switch off with the key.
is there a relatively easy way to make this happen?

Just curious why you wanted to turn off. I love being able to charge my phone without having all the electronics in the car on. I wish every car was like this.

 

[JKaechler]

Just curious why you wanted to turn off. I love being able to charge my phone without having all the electronics in the car on. I wish every car was like this.

I have a bluetooth adapter connected to my Aux jack. I would like it to go off, so that my Audible audiobooks dont keep playing silently as I walk away from the car... that has happened.

I had a bluetooth head unit in the old car, and I will be swapping to a newer head unit on this tahoe eventually... But I also like the idea of my magsafe mount not being powered up all the time, and i am way to forgetful to remember to unplug it each time. I would also use that key switched circuit to power my dash cam, I had one in the old car which used a capacitor instead of a LION batt. it was on switched power and just came on when i started the car.

There are sometimes stretches of 3 or 4 days where i work from home, and never go out and start the car. I dont want my accessories to be the reason why my battery is dead. that has totally happened to me in the not-so-distant past

somebody farther up the thread linked a power adapter that has a RAP circuit, and a battery power circuit. That combined with a simple relay would totally solve the problem. I just need to get it done.

 

[BG1988]

I have a bluetooth adapter connected to my Aux jack. I would like it to go off, so that my Audible audiobooks dont keep playing silently as I walk away from the car... that has happened.

I had a bluetooth head unit in the old car, and I will be swapping to a newer head unit on this tahoe eventually... But I also like the idea of my magsafe mount not being powered up all the time, and i am way to forgetful to remember to unplug it each time. I would also use that key switched circuit to power my dash cam, I had one in the old car which used a capacitor instead of a LION batt. it was on switched power and just came on when i started the car.

There are sometimes stretches of 3 or 4 days where i work from home, and never go out and start the car. I dont want my accessories to be the reason why my battery is dead. that has totally happened to me in the not-so-distant past

somebody farther up the thread linked a power adapter that has a RAP circuit, and a battery power circuit. That combined with a simple relay would totally solve the problem. I just need to get it done.

Get a solar panel to keep the battery topped off

 

[PatDTN]

I've been considering switching one of the outlets to switched power in my 2009 Tahoe. I think the smart way is to add a relay to switch the existing power feed. Then you just need something from the radio to trigger the relay.

 

[mikez71]

No need for relay, 10A run/crank source in your MBEC

Check this listing for pinouts

2007-2013 GM UPFITTER Chevy GMC Junction Block MBEC Connector | 13504592 | 20791502 | Aftermarket

MBEC Mid-Bussed Electrical Connector. Junction Block Connector. Chevy GMC Truck. (Retained Accessory Power). RedWire 12ga Battery Feed 30 Amp Position 5. Violet16ga Wire Run/Crank Feed 10 Amp Position 7.

www.ebay.com

Have heard you can modify one of the other MBEC plugs if you want to snag one from the junkyard.

 

[PatDTN]

No need for relay, 10A run/crank source in your MBEC

Check this listing for pinouts

2007-2013 GM UPFITTER Chevy GMC Junction Block MBEC Connector | 13504592 | 20791502 | Aftermarket

MBEC Mid-Bussed Electrical Connector. Junction Block Connector. Chevy GMC Truck. (Retained Accessory Power). RedWire 12ga Battery Feed 30 Amp Position 5. Violet16ga Wire Run/Crank Feed 10 Amp Position 7.

www.ebay.com

Have heard you can modify one of the other MBEC plugs if you want to snag one from the junkyard.

Interesting but I have a bunch of relays and if the power for the outlets fails I'll look for the right fuse.

 

[Malii Denali]

I have a bluetooth adapter connected to my Aux jack. I would like it to go off, so that my Audible audiobooks dont keep playing silently as I walk away from the car... that has happened.

I had a bluetooth head unit in the old car, and I will be swapping to a newer head unit on this tahoe eventually... But I also like the idea of my magsafe mount not being powered up all the time, and i am way to forgetful to remember to unplug it each time. I would also use that key switched circuit to power my dash cam, I had one in the old car which used a capacitor instead of a LION batt. it was on switched power and just came on when i started the car.

There are sometimes stretches of 3 or 4 days where i work from home, and never go out and start the car. I dont want my accessories to be the reason why my battery is dead. that has totally happened to me in the not-so-distant past

somebody farther up the thread linked a power adapter that has a RAP circuit, and a battery power circuit. That combined with a simple relay would totally solve the problem. I just need to get it done.

Makes sense

 

[swathdiver]

I just unplug whatever my wife left plugged in.

 

[BG1988]

I've been considering switching one of the outlets to switched power in my 2009 Tahoe. I think the smart way is to add a relay to switch the existing power feed. Then you just need something from the radio to trigger the relay.

just buy a switched cig plug no chopping wires

 

[hillstrubl]

Ah, just noticing this in my 2011, I wish they were switched. I have a dash cam that is designed to turn on and off with the ignition. - I was seeing on another board (from a later generation vehicle though) that a fuse can be moved from 1 position to another to change from constant on to switched, not sure if that's the case for my GMT900 though.

 

[j91z28d1]

Ah, just noticing this in my 2011, I wish they were switched. I have a dash cam that is designed to turn on and off with the ignition. - I was seeing on another board (from a later generation vehicle though) that a fuse can be moved from 1 position to another to change from constant on to switched, not sure if that's the case for my GMT900 though.

Yes, this works and is the easiest way, no wire cutting, no relays to buy and if you want to go back just remove 2 fuse taps in the under hood box.

it's very commonly done on the corvette boards, but somehow not used at all on other cars.

I did it one day out of boredom and slight annoyance of unplugging blue tooth adapters.

here's a write up to explain it, just look up the fuse locations for your truck, it's in the under hood box but same idea. you get one port switched and one constant.

C6 Ignition Controlled Power Outlet

 

[Geotrash]

Yes, this works and is the easiest way, no wire cutting, no relays to buy and if you want to go back just remove 2 fuse taps in the under hood box.

it's very commonly done on the corvette boards, but somehow not used at all on other cars.

I did it one day out of boredom and slight annoyance of unplugging blue tooth adapters.

here's a write up to explain it, just look up the fuse locations for your truck, it's in the under hood box but same idea. you get one port switched and one constant.

C6 Ignition Controlled Power Outlet

How did I not know this?!? Going to try it out because I have a dashcam that I'd like to have switched power for, too.

 

[hillstrubl]

Why not hijack the wiper tap to just trigger a relay installed nearby, then have the following taps.
(see pic) you could install the whole thing just alongside the fusebox and almost zero additional load goes on the wiper circuit and the original fuse size is retained for the cig lighter