cigarette lighter power

[wpatters1229]

I have a 2000 Expedition with two cigarette lighter ports. Both still have 12v power when the key is turned off. I want to hook up a dash camera and want to turn it on and off with the key so when I turn off the car the camera turns off and vice a versa. Is there a way to make one or both of these lighter ports switchable?

 

[tekrsq]

Short answer is it's not easy. You basically have to unplug the port from the factory wiring, then install a separate, key activated circuit and connect it to the port. I had this same issue with my 99 when I was trying to install a dash cam. I ended up just buying an install kit for the dash cam and hooked up the 2 wires to the fuse box with "add-a-circuits". It was a lot easier (and cheaper) than screwing with the power ports.

 

[wpatters1229]

Thank You for the reply. I found that there is a circuit that is controlled by the key on and off, the audio circuit that turns on the radio. If I can get to the circuit that powers the lighter and move it to the audio it will work. I just have to figure out how to drop the fuse board that is under the dash so I can get to those positions. I just do not want to have to take apart the dash panels...but I may have to.