VW cigarette lighter

I would be surprised if it could be changed by software. But it could definitely be changed by taking its feed from a permanently live point (fused as needed)

navigation thingy.

If you're planning on leaving the sat nav always on charge, be aware that you'll kill the battery within a year or so. I've got a Tomtom go 520 that I bought new, which still has a 2 hour battery life, because it only gets charged when the battery gets empty. Worth bearing in mind, especially when the thing you want to do will also involve work on your car ;-)

On Sun, 21 Aug 2011 22:53:44 +0200, krak dribbled:

On one of the cars I've had over the last 5 or so years, this could be changed by changing the position of a fuse or a switch in the fusebox. Might have been a Xantia or a Ford or a Citroen XM. I can't remember which!

It can't be changed by software configuration (from the VW techo)

As you mention, has to have a feed, from a permanent, fuse protected, supply source.

Run an extra wire from the fuse panel then you don't destroy the original wiring loom.

Perhaps it might suit the OP's needs to wire a separate "trailing" socket, that could sit on a shelf, or in the glove-box. Nothing of the original car's electrics would then need to be disturbed.

Chris

Thanks for the several useful suggestions. Of course I had hoped that it would be a simple switch somewhere. :-) But these are all good ideas and I will now work one of them out - thanks for the help.

Krak.