12v accessory plug = Auto power off?
 

Just wondering if anyone knows if the 12v accessory/cigarette charging port in the center console has an auto-off feature or something. Just bought a radar detector and noticed that it stayed on after I exited the vehicle. Came back an hour later and it was off. Turned car on and radar detector automatically turned on. The detect has a 4 hour auto shutdown feature only, and must be enabled to function, so it seems the stang is powering down the plug.

The mustang manual says not to leave anything plugged in for fear of discharging the battery, which wouldnt be possible if it's turning itself off, so I'm now thoroughly confused as to whats happening.

I've noticed the same thing. I don't think my radar detector (Passport Redline) turns itself off so the plug must cut power after a certain amount of time.

This is what the owner's manual says:


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


IMHO, I do not think the vehicle cuts power to the
auxiliary power points at any time after the power
is shut off.

Yes that's what you would think, but either the car is being smart and detecting drain and killing the port, or it just does so automatically. Radar detector continues to shut down until I start the ignition, but it's not immediate. I spent an hour washing my car the other day and it stayed on the whole time (keyfob was not in my pocket so no proximity detection). But when I head out to lunch and stuff on my lunchbreak it's usually off, so sometime betwee 1-4 hours and it shuts down.

check the radar detector settings.
 

all 3 of mine turn themselves off when not moving after awhile.

All THREE?

different cars.
 

sorry I wasn't clear. all 3 turn off in different cars.

plug a lighted plug into the socket and check the light after time.