To those with a Clubbie, there's a rear lighter socket next to the emergency release handle. I put my key in the ignition and switched the ignition on. Then, I put an adapter for my GPS and flipped the switch. Nothing. I tried my phone charger. Nothing. Is the lighter socket not wired? If it isn't, why is there no option on the build-your-own Mini section of Mini's website? Why put one there if they won't wire it or have the option to turn it on?

I did check previous posts but none of them answered my question and they're over 5 years old and some on this board take offense at renewing a post more than 2 years old.

 

I think I've seen it mentioned before. There was no conclusion but the speculation was that at some point MINI stopped wiring it for cost cutting reasons. 1st gen MINI and the R56 (at least earlier ones) do have a working rear power socket. The online 2009 Clubman Owner's Manual does mention it -- maybe you should ask your dealer.

 

r u guys saying the power socket in the trunk is not wired? Or is this something else?

 

I got my clubman April last year and use that rear socket to power a cooler - maybe the engine has to be running, not just the switch "on."

 

I'm confused: yours actually works, but only if the engine is running?

My BMW front socket is always on: I can plug in for power w/o keys even in ignition.

 

Both the front and rear 12 v socket only work with the car running(not just ignition on) I would guess to protect the battery from running down. My son plugs his game power adaptor in the read socket so that the cord does not have to run to the front. I kind of wish the sockets would be powered all the time that way you could use a phone charger with the car off but again it could run the battery down and I would hate to see what happens to the MINI if it's battery were to go totaly dead.

 

Yeah, it's kinda goofy that the aft socket is also dependent on the car running. Makes it tough to use for a portable vacuum.

 

Is that socket fused? That may be something to check.

 

Mine only runs when the car is running also. I put my air freshener in it.

 

I do not have a clubman, but in my 2005 MC you can use the sockets when the key is in and turned to the second click. You have the power on click then the car running click, but the actual engine does not need to be running. If your fans are running the socket works. At least on mine.

 

It is on when the car is running. My guess on the reasoning, so you don't forget and leave something plugged in... I use it for a DC ->AC converter and charge extra radio and camera batteries during runs..sometimes the cooler..

 

No key in the 2nd gen cars, so you're stuck with on and running. My guess is that it's Can-Bus controlled, rather than fused.

 

Ah doh! My father has a second gen. and I always forget about the different key.

 

According to electrical diagrams, it is on 20A fuse F42, and there is a relay in front of the fuse. I can't see what controls the relay. In front of the relay, it goes to a 125A fuse then direct to the battery.

 

Add me to list of former BMW owners who HATE the fact that you can't recharge a phone in your Mini when you're in a store for 10 minutes.

 

Is it on its own circuit? - If it is - I wonder if it would be possible to switch the wires in the fuse panel to a wired circuit?....

I too have wondered at the pointlessness of a lighter socket that won't work when the car is off. The whole point of that kind of accessory would be for camping/hoovering etc - not much fun w/the engine running

I understand the reasoning but come on BMW - MINI owners can be grown-ups too

 

I don't want to hijcack a thread, but I have never seen a rear socket in my car. I always assumed I didn't have one.
So, does anyone know if the 2005 MCc (convertible) has this rear socket? I have had my car for quite a while & never seen one, but I wouldn't be suprised to find out I don't know everything about my car...but I would like to
Thanx for reading & happy motoring.

 

Yes, look over the edge of the sill when the tailgate is open. It's near the left tailgate hinge. There is a drawing in the Owner's Manual.

In the 1st gen MINI, the cigarette lighter sockets get power with the key at the first click.

 

I have a working lighter socket in my boot (08 Clubman S). I actually really like it there.

I have the Harmon/Kadron Drive+Play system hooked up and I pulled some trickery to run the power cable under/around/through the seating to the front where the User Interface is. It only works when the car is running, and frees up the use of the front lighter outlet to be used for my radar detector .

If it doesn't work when the car is running, I'd consult your MA, and see what they can arrange for you.

 

It's there so your trunk monkey can have a smoke... :-)

I use it with a small invertor to power my Video Camera mounted to the roll bar hoop...

 

Sorry. I can be a bum. But I have to point out a little failure in logic of where ever you heard this.

Would they really not wire something to save money, but continue to waste money by installing a useless socket? LOL

Again sorry. I'm a bum

 

My 08 Mini and my 02 Jeep Liberty both have one in the boot and I love them especially for the powered ice chest.

 

ok, just tested mine today with an air compressor

1. If the key is not in the ignition - no power
2. If the key is in ignition, car not running, didn't touch the start button - no power
3. If the key is in ignition, car not running, pushed the start button and leave the driver door open - POWER
4. If the key is in ignition, car not running, pushed the start button and close the driver door - no power
5. Start the car - POWER

So either start the car, or just push the start button and leave driver door open to have juice in the rear lighter socket