The cigarette lighter type power receptacles, one below the dash and one in the center console, in my 2010 Ford Edge are always live.

Is there a reasonably straightforward way to change one of them, preferably the one in the center console, so that it is only live when the ignition key is on?

You would have to get behind the dash and pull power from a switched circuit, easier said than done.

You may be able to find an unused “switched” location in the fuse box that you can pull a wire from. I did that on my wife’s Silverado to install a dash camera.

^^^^ this

or

(Probably easier to do the below)
Install a 20a relay in-line with the lighter outlet.
Ground it and pull a switched power lead (from the fuse box) to power the relay when the key is on.

I have had good luck installing a piggy back fuse for GPS. This is an example. I pull a ground from somewhere under the dash and run the wires behind dash panels. I pick a non-critical circuit (radio) that isn't energized when the ignition is off. I confirm with a multimeter.

If you want a high mount (dashcam) here is an option. Mirror Tap

Finally, I have used mounting options from Proclip. They work and do not require any alterations to the car. https://www.proclipusa.com/category/car-gps-holders

Is it possible that changing the fuse position will put it from always on to switch on. Some GM and Chrysler and I think some Fords can be done like this. Check your owners manual.

If the Edge is anything like the Flex then good luck getting to the fuse box... it takes some small then person less than 25 years old laying on their back under the steering column......

There may be a shortcut I don't know about, but barring that, the only way to make this work is to trace the "hot" wire from the socket (which will probably require taking apart the console or dash panel), clip it and reroute it to a wire or fuse that is only "hot" with the ignition on. Even that isn't as easy as it sounds. The under-dash fuse box is almost certainly a "smart" box, i.e., a body control module contained within. The circuit you think might not be critical to the operation of the rest of the electrical system might be. So if you (or your repair shop) tackle it, be careful.

Before you go digging into wiring check your manual. Some GM and Chrysler stuff are configured so you can simply move a fuse to change a power port from constant to ignition power.

Easiest least expensive way is to unplug whatever you have in the receptacle when you turn the key off... Or turn that device off.

quote:

Originally posted by HRK:

Easiest least expensive way is to unplug whatever you have in the receptacle when you turn the key off... Or turn that device off.

Of course. That is what I have been doing with the Garmin combination GPS / dash camera.

My wife has the same unit in her RAV4; her power outlet is controlled by the ignition switch so she does not have to fool around with the Garmin, it turns on and off as needed.

I have same issue with Eff Juan Fiddy, power ports stay live when the key is off, other than getting someone to wire it to a switched power that's the solution...

Basically you'd need to wire it to a switched power, cut the power from the harness, and use one of these fuse taps, insert into the fuse block replacing a switched power fuse and run the power from the port to this for the source, then it would run with the key on only.