Constant 12v output port

[WildHorse]

I have a 2017, is there a constant 12v port anywhere? Reason being I have a dashcam with built in wi-fi and the 12v accessory outlet I have it in turns after 15 mins. Would like to run the dashcam 24/7. Thanks.

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[GT Pony]

According to what the OM says, sounds like there is a 12v port with constant power. Didn't say anything about timing out, but OMs are not always fully descriptive.

 

[DickR]

There is a time out circuit for the two "cigarette lighter" style power points in the console. Time-out seems to vary depending on battery age and who knows what else. Fortunately they are both on the same circuit which has no other loads. The circuit is supplied through a "latching power point relay" which is easy to jumper. Worked on my 2015 and currently works on my 2018.

 

[TexasRebel]

Nice!

Just a thought though... If you could change that jumper out for a 50A fuse there is just a little bit more circuit protection. I hate long unprotected hot wires... easy way to start a fire.

 

[DickR]

Nice!

Just a thought though... If you could change that jumper out for a 50A fuse there is just a little bit more circuit protection. I hate long unprotected hot wires... easy way to start a fire.

The jumper only replaces the relay. The circuits to the receptacles still have their 20 amp fuses # 53 and # 54 as shown in the schematic and identified in the junction box drawing. They are also visible in the picture. The 10 amp fuse only protects the relay coil and isn't in series with the power circuit.

FYI I'm a retired electrical product safety engineer so circuit projection is something I look for.

 

[TexasRebel]

The jumper only replaces the relay. The circuits to the receptacles still have their 20 amp fuses # 53 and # 54 as shown in the schematic and identified in the junction box drawing. They are also visible in the picture. The 10 amp fuse only protects the relay coil and isn't in series with the power circuit.

FYI I'm a retired electrical product safety engineer so circuit projection is something I look for.

How long is the grey/yellow wire in CDC17?

 

[DickR]

How long is the grey/yellow wire in CDC17?

Based on the info I posted maybe 2 - 3 inches inside the "underside" of the junction box assuming the route is relatively direct. You can see the relay and fuse locations using the drawings and the photo. The 20 amp fuses are the blue ones near the center of the junction box. If your goal is to ADD circuit protection between the relay contact terminal and the fuses that Ford didn't see the need for I'm not sure you could find space for a 50 amp fuse holder under the cover of the junction box so the wires to/from the new fuse holder might end up longer than the oem wire between those locations that is protected in the junction box.

I looked at the power distribution schematics and it appears that battery positive goes directly to a "buss" in the battery junction box. The power point latching relay contacts appear to be wired directly to the buss and then to the two 20 amp fuses in the junction box.

 

[TexasRebel]

Based on the info I posted maybe 2 - 3 inches inside the "underside" of the junction box assuming the route is relatively direct. You can see the relay and fuse locations using the drawings and the photo. The 20 amp fuses are the blue ones near the center of the junction box. If your goal is to ADD circuit protection between the relay contact terminal and the fuses that Ford didn't see the need for I'm not sure you could find space for a 50 amp fuse holder under the cover of the junction box so the wires to/from the new fuse holder might end up longer than the oem wire between those locations that is protected in the junction box.

I looked at the power distribution schematics and it appears that battery positive goes directly to a "buss" in the battery junction box. The power point latching relay contacts appear to be wired directly to the buss and then to the two 20 amp fuses in the junction box.

I was thinking just put the fuse directly into where you have the jumper wire... if you can find one with the blade orientation... but a few more inches of "always hot" wire inside the junction box isn't too bad.

 

[DickR]

Sounds reasonable if an appropriate fuse exists.

 

[decableguy2000]

I used a fuse tap to wire my dash cam to be on 24/7

 

[femtosecond]

I was planning on installing a dash cam that starts recording in case someone bumps into my car when parked. There seem to be dash cams that start recording when any motion is detected, so perfect. You do have to connect the cam to a constant 12V source though which got me worried about draining the battery. Have you thought of this? What cam are you planning on installing?

 

[swooshdave]

I was planning on installing a dash cam that starts recording in case someone bumps into my car when parked. There seem to be dash cams that start recording when any motion is detected, so perfect. You do have to connect the cam to a constant 12V source though which got me worried about draining the battery. Have you thought of this? What cam are you planning on installing?

Some cameras will have an onboard battery for those instances.

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