Hi, I have a 2008 Santa Fe SE that I really love. I love everything about it except for the way they have set up their 12v outlets. No key No power. I can't leave my cell phone in the car overnight to charge up. Are they worried that I will run down the battery? I am thinking of consulting an automotive electrician to see if I can get my lighter and power ports to run right off the battery. Has anybody done this out there? I don't want wires running all over under the dash, maybe creating a fire hazard. Just trying to make a great car even better. Thanks for the help.

Its the same way on the 2007 I own, perhaps so you wont accidentally drain your battery. Although it would take more then a cell phone to do that. Or it could be in case whatever you have plugged in exploded or caught fire, and burned your truck while your weren't there..worst case scenario of course.

Since it does have a port in the front it wouldn't be impossible to keep it hot at all times, you would just need to runs some wires and connect it to the battery. You'll have to dismantle a few things along the way and run a wire through the engine firewall also have a fuse in place for protection. Just off the top of my head, others may have some ideas.

Good luck and I'm glad your enjoying your truck, it is a nice vehicle speaking from experience. :clap:

This post has been edited by i360: Jul 31 2008, 09:15 PM

Thanks for the input 360. I'm thinking that I can probably modify that wiring myself without burning down the garage. It definitely will be fuseable. Will let you know how it turns out. Thanks again.