I have a 2013 2dr JK and an putting in a powered Phone holder like in my other vehicles. I have it plugged into the USB port inside the center console. The problem is that port is hot and has power all of the time. I don't want to run the battery down and need help figuring out how to make the Center consoled USB port shut down when the ignition is turned off. Any information would be greatly appreciated. I do have the Jeep OBD JScan and have used it before but cannot seem to find the right module to turn this off with the ignition.
Turning off the center console USB port
- Thread starter lomax
- Start date
It shouldn't drain your battery down unless you're leaving your phone in the holder for days at a time and not driving the Jeep.
i just ordered up a switched USB A to USB C cable so I can turn it on and off. Another thread suggested that I jumper the F14 and F15 terminals to which ever one is switched and then it will turn off with the key. I am a bit gun shy as my 2016 F150 will kill the battery if i don't drive it weekly. It will still die some times if I do. And of course Ford can find nothing wrong. i leave it on a charger when I don't drive it. I don't want the Jeep to have the same problem. Thanks for the suggestions.
Guess your charging system/battery have tested OK? Has anyone done an amp draw test on your F150 when everything's off and in sleep mode?
It has been into the dealer 4 times and three independent shops. Yes it does have a amp draw but all specs say it is normal as it does never go completely asleep. Batty and charging system are fine. I have other friends with electrified Fords that have the same issues. The Lighter to USB connector and the phone holder itself have small LED lights on them. I replaced the USB connector and got rid of that one but the holder still lights up all the time and I am afraid it will draw the battery down. I am stupid and don't drive much anyway (to many vehicles) so vehicles can sit for months.
This. If your phone isn't plugged in, there should be no drain on the battery. And, too, even if you're leaving your phone in the Jeep and plugged in, it'll take a LONG time before it drains the battery.
Get one of these and sit it on top of your Wrangler when not in use. (Amazon.ca price in C$, sorry)
https://www.amazon.ca/SUNER-POWER-Waterproof-Battery-Maintainer/dp/B07Y5TKMZ4?tag=tjforum-20
I got 2 of them, and they produce a little over 1 amp of power, via a built in charge controller.
I use one to keep my lawn tractor's battery up when not in regular use, and it's worked flawlessly.
https://www.amazon.ca/SUNER-POWER-Waterproof-Battery-Maintainer/dp/B07Y5TKMZ4?tag=tjforum-20
I got 2 of them, and they produce a little over 1 amp of power, via a built in charge controller.
I use one to keep my lawn tractor's battery up when not in regular use, and it's worked flawlessly.
WestCoastDan
JK Enthusiast
I read somewhere - but of course cannot find evidence of it now - that the center console USB will shut off after a period of time, like 30 or 60 minutes after the ignition is turned off.
That being said, even if it isn't correct, there's absolutely ZERO chance that leaving a cell phone plugged into it will drain the vehicle battery.
Simply put, the phone will be fully charged long before the car battery is dead.
That being said, even if it isn't correct, there's absolutely ZERO chance that leaving a cell phone plugged into it will drain the vehicle battery.
Simply put, the phone will be fully charged long before the car battery is dead.
"I am stupid and don't drive much anyway (to many vehicles) so vehicles can sit for months."
Without some sort of battery charging support, all batteries will discharge on their own, at different rates, depending on battery type, parasitic draws, ambient temperatures, and ??
A phone battery will also discharge while idle, but at a lower rate (1-2%) than lead acid (10-15%), and in a battery to battery symbiotic relationship with no other source of replenishment power, they will both drain.
The issue is how low can the OP's Wrangler battery go, before there aren't enough cranking amps left to get itself restarted to recharge?
Just my $0.02.
Without some sort of battery charging support, all batteries will discharge on their own, at different rates, depending on battery type, parasitic draws, ambient temperatures, and ??
A phone battery will also discharge while idle, but at a lower rate (1-2%) than lead acid (10-15%), and in a battery to battery symbiotic relationship with no other source of replenishment power, they will both drain.
The issue is how low can the OP's Wrangler battery go, before there aren't enough cranking amps left to get itself restarted to recharge?
Just my $0.02.
Tried one of those on my truck and it did not work. Too low of amperage for a large battery. They work OK for a ATV or motorcycle battery.
WestCoastDan
JK Enthusiast
The above is certainly true 'on paper'.
I can't imagine anyone leaving their phone (or other USB powered device) plugged into the car battery for more than a few days max.
It would take MANY, MANY charge cycles of a phone to drain a good car battery, which means it would have to remain connected for a really extended time period.
In short, the USB connection in the center console is not a battery drain concern.
I can't imagine anyone leaving their phone (or other USB powered device) plugged into the car battery for more than a few days max.
It would take MANY, MANY charge cycles of a phone to drain a good car battery, which means it would have to remain connected for a really extended time period.
In short, the USB connection in the center console is not a battery drain concern.
I use mine to keep my JKU battery up during longer periods of inactivity, and it's worked well, when called upon.
The JKU is my winter car, or my towed when travelling, my Stingray gets most of the summer drive time.
As always, YMMV.
The OP suggested his Wrangler sits for months at a time, and unless the battery is already beyond redemption, that length of self discharge time will kill it. Also, it's not necessarily the phone that's causing the rapid discharge, but whatever the "powered phone holder" draws while plugged into the "always hot" center console port, that is the mystery number...not knowing what it draws, but it's clearly enough to kill his battery.
Over to you.....
WestCoastDan
JK Enthusiast
I have to admit I’m a little confused. We have three JK’s at our house with the center USB port. Have never had an issue with them draining the battery. Nothing connected to it, there isn’t a drain. The toggle switch isn’t doing anything that unplugging whatever is connected to the USB will do. All the toggle switch is doing is moving the stop point further up the power supply.
Correct, That way I can just push a button and turn it off. I don't have to mess with cords and unplugging either end. You are absolutely correct.
Gotcha, guess I’d rather just unplug the device than install a switch / button somewhere. But that is me and we all have preferences.
I cannot imagine any circumstances which would lead to my leaving a phone plugged in long enough to have any impact on the car battery. Ignoring the phone, if you're leaving your vehicle parked long enough for the battery to discharge, the answer is to put a battery tender on it. If you do that, you could even leave your phone in the parked car for a year without affecting the battery. Although you're likely to have a lot of unanswered texts...
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If your phone's not plugged in on the holder, there's no power draw. It's just like leaving a USB cable hooked up. You're worrying needlessly.
