Hey all, I'm new, but I've got a question I really need to figure out. I've got a 1991 Civic DX that I'm trying to hook a solar trickle charger up to. It plugs into the cigarette lighter. When it's working, it blinks a small LED on the plug to show that it's producing current. When I plug it into my other cars, the light keeps blinking, presumably because it's working correctly and sending a charge to the battery. But on the Civic, as soon as it's plugged in (with the key off), it stops blinking. It only blinks again when the key is turned to the ACC position, bringing on the clock and radio power as well.

My question: Does this Civic cut power to the lighter socket when the key is totally off? Thanks!

 

yep the key needs to be on accessory the first click

 

Yup, you will probably have to hard-wire an aux. socket to the battery

 

That's what I was thinking.

Would it be feasible to tap the always-connected power line to the clock or radio?