I plan on placing an Engel cooler in the rear cargo area but I noticed the power outlet back there is switched by the ignition. Is there a way to have it switched to power constantly or does anyone know if there is an easy way to pull a 10awg through the fire wall from the battery.

Thanks

 

According to the owners manual, dealers can switch it off the ignition switch so it stays live.

 

My driver side power outler unter the radio is always active. You do not need the ignition on for this power outlet to work. It is an 2005 Pacifica. Mayyou can use it until you figure something else out.

 

WOW, that's awfull nice of you Coma, letting Sierrasan use your outlet, do you think his cord will reach your car[sm=roll.gif]

Sorry Coma, I couldn't resist, the devil made me do it[sm=badbadbad.gif]

 

lol I just realized what I said. I guess I will have to stick to my word.

 

The power outlet in the rear cargo area is selectable. It can be switched by the ignition or it can be made a constant battery connection by moving the 20A fuse in position #24. If you open the cover and look at the fuse it can be inserted in two different directions. If you place it in the righthand position it is switched but in the lefthand position the power is directly from the battery.

This is a simple DIY fix. It does not change the front or passenger outlets only the cargo area.

Hope this will help others that may need a constant supply back in the cargo areafor coolers etc.

 

Just out of curiosity, how many amps does this cooler use. As known, these car do not have much battery reserve. I would imagine that if you left the cooler in over night (or for a few hours), you may have a dead battery.

Some have reported that if they leave the rear hatch or doors open to load the vehicle, near the 15 minute limit that they shut off, they can't start the car afterwards. Some can't start the car after playing the radio while washing the car. My wife forgets sometimes and lets the kids watch a DVD while she is waiting for a family memeber at the doctors.. car does not start and needs to be jumped. This is on the original stock battery.

 

The cooler draws 2.5A but I am also running an Optima deep cycle battery. The longest it has run without the battery charging is 6 hours and still maintaining temperatute of 28 deg. And yes the car did start after. The problem that I found with leaving doors or hatches open is the number of interior lights that come on for no reason in daylight.

 

Thanks for the update.. sounds like you are all set. Can you give me a model # for the battery as I would like to buy this one when I upgrade since you are having good luck with it.

Thanks
Fixit