12V Power Point "live"

[doug121041]

I recently purchased a 2014 MKZ hybrid.  My previous vehicle was a 2012 Ford Fusion hybrid.  On that vehicle the console 12V power point was always "live" but on my MKZ it appears that neither of the power points are "live" all the time -  only when the ignition is "On" or in "Acc" mode.  Am I missing something - - is there a way to make either of the 12V power points stay "live" all the time?

 

I need a "live" 12V power point to power my supplemental braking device that I use when I tow the MKZ behind my motorhome.

[drolds1]

They should be live all the time.  They are in my 2014 non-hybrid.

 

2014 MKZ Hybrid owner's manual:

 

 

Auxiliary Power Points



12 Volt DC Power Point

WARNING

  Do not plug optional electrical accessories into the cigar lighter socket (if equipped). Improper use of the lighter can cause damage not covered by your warranty, and can result in fire or serious injury.

Note:  If used when the vehicle is not running, the battery will discharge. There may be insufficient power to restart your vehicle.

Note:  Do not insert objects other than an accessory plug into the power point. This will damage the outlet and blow the fuse.

Note:  Do not hang any type of accessory or accessory bracket from the plug.

Note:  Do not use the power point over the vehicle capacity of 12 volt DC 180 watts or a fuse may blow.

Note:  Do not use the power point for operating a cigar lighter element.

Note:  Improper use of the power point can cause damage not covered by your warranty.

Note:  Always keep the power point caps closed when not in use.

Run the vehicle for full capacity use of the power point. To prevent the battery from discharging accidentally:

• Do not use the power point longer than necessary when the vehicle is not running.
• Do not leave devices plugged in overnight or when you park your vehicle for extended periods.

Locations

Power points may be in the following locations:

• In the front of the center console.
• Inside the center console storage bin.
• On the rear of the center console.

110 Volt AC Power Point

WARNING

  Do not keep electrical devices plugged in the power point whenever the device is not in use. Do not use any extension cord with the 110 volt AC power point, since it will defeat the safety protection design. Doing so my cause the power point to overload due to powering multiple devices that can reach beyond the 150 watt load limit and could result in fire or serious injury.

Note:  Keep the vehicle running to use the power point.

IDK why yours aren't working that way.  Maybe a Hybrid owner will weigh in.

Edited September 12, 2016 by drolds1

[CAPofMD]

My '15 Z hybrid does not have 12v power with the ignition "OFF".

Edited September 12, 2016 by CAPofMD

[drolds1]

My '15 Z hybrid does not have 12v power with the ignition "OFF".

Interesting.  The 2015 Hybrid OM is identical to the 2014 above in this regard. They may have made a running change and never updated the OM.  It wouldn't be the first time.

 

Bottom line: the power points aren't "live" when the ignition is off.

 

OP: if you are so inclined, you could probably re-wire one of the power points to stay "hot."  However, with these cars' complex electrical system, IDK if I'd do that,

 

You could buy a 12V accessory socket and connect it to an always-on circuit in the fuse panel with an Add-a-Circuit fuse (Micro2) tap.

 

 

[doug121041]

Thanks to all who replied.  I think that the reason Ford decided not to make the 12V outlets "live" on the hybrid is that the 12V batteries in the hybrids are considerable smaller (less amp hours) than in the non-hybrid models - - therefore will run down faster if something is left on to drain the battery.

 

I plan to buy an accessory 12V socket and wire it in.  I had to do that on a 2102 Focus that I towed.

[R2D2]

I know on mine if I have my charger plugged into the 12v point and the phone plugged into it charging then  the point remain live after I turn off the car. If I check it when the car is off then it does not come on by itself I must restart the car.

 

As far as the OPs situation, I would think it would be better to power it from a jump box that has an outlet for the cigarette type outlets thus he would not run down the car's battery.....something like this

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004EIAADG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004EIAADG&linkCode=as2&tag=tcb74-20

 

Besides it is a handy piece of equipment for jumping cars, fill tires, emergency light and many more uses. I have had one for years and it can be a godsend

[dfstarman]

The 2017 MKX Hybrid cigarette lighter sockets under the center console are live all the time but the USB ports are not