C5 x7 cigar lighter 12v sockets

[Sebastian Tombs]

The 12v sockets on my C5 Tourer are disconnected when the ignition is off.
Is there a jumper or something that allows me to have them permanently connected, like in some Mercedes models?

I’d like to be able to connect a solar battery charger to the car when we leave it for long periods.

[GiveMeABreak]

No, it's for protection of the system and is BSI controlled to switch off.

You would need to wire it up directly to the battery I suspect, but make sure that the negative of the solar charger is connected to the Battery Charge Status Unit on the battery negative cable and not the terminal itself, otherwise it can affect the monitoring of the battery condition / health.

[Dormouse]

No, it's for protection of the system and is BSI controlled to switch off.

You would need to wire it up directly to the battery I suspect, but make sure that the negative of the solar charger is connected to the Battery Charge Status Unit on the battery negative cable and not the terminal itself, otherwise it can affect the monitoring of the battery condition / health.

Could you put an image up for what this looks like on the negative connector please. I want to do the same on Pint Pot. thanks

[GiveMeABreak]

I'll need to check if you have one on your Van - pop the VIN up for me.

[Dormouse]

Back to the old bogey Pint Pot is a Fiat - vin u/s! But if I use Diagbox as a Boxer and insert the vin manually, it works.
Some kind of generic image for the C5 would do and I could probably figure it out.

[GiveMeABreak]

What year / engine has it got?

[Dormouse]

It is a 2008 model Puma engine 100 Multijet and is the same basic spec as all the 3000kg base models

[GiveMeABreak]

Have a look at my post here:

viewtopic.php?p=645801#p645801

This is on a C5 X7 - they tend to be on cars from 2008 onwards, but may not be on your VAN.

[Dormouse]

cheers. will start ferreting.

[wheeler]

Some of the solar trickle chargers come with a 16 pin OBD socket connector & you can just plug it directly in there as there is a battery live & earth.
There are plenty of plugs available on ebay that you could use to make a lead up.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/262782690314 ... SwUKxYZEfL

[Dormouse]

Good thought. I already have a use planned of the obd so I would need some kind of piggy back or double obd plug. But it has set me thinking about "inventing" a connection via the obd as it can connect solar chargers correctly.

[Gregor]

Socket in the boot is always active in my tourer 2009... check yours.

[wheeler]

Again, no shortage of choice when it comes to Y cables for doubling up the OBD socket.
Just search for OBD Y cable on ebay.

[Dormouse]

The socket goes off with the ignition and Y splitters are an option if I can securely mount them so cables don't get strained. Currently hunting down OBD bulkhead fittings.
Will post up what I do in my camper thread