I have a 1999 Bonneville SLE and I recently bought a portable GPS for use in it and other vehicles. The GPS is powered through the cigarette lighter. I like the portability of the GPS (I don't want to permanently install it), and my wife likes the cell-phone "hands-free" capability the GPS provides. My problem is that the cigarette lighter is always powered, so we must always remember to plug/unplug the GPS unit. Is there a way to change the cigarette lighter so that it is not powered when the ignition is off?

you could install a relay and find an igntion only circuit to run the remote wire to

I'm by no means an electronics expert, but could you just install a switch directly into one of the wires?

Edit - I forgot your looking to eliminate all manual requirements

Yes this is very possible. In fact, you could even use the car'* retained accessory power if you would like, so that the GPS stays on until you open the car door to get out. Like Hans said, You should get a 12V relay from Radio Shack or you local electronics store and use the Hot-in-Run or Retained Accessory Power wire going to the radio to switch the relay. Use an inline splice to tap into the radio wire. This would be maybe a 20-minute mod if you're not good with electronics. Someone with a 99 FSM can tell you which radio wire to splice into.

Here'* a pic from my FSM.

Starting from the right,it is the next to the last pin #9. It'* a yellow wire

Thanks for the prompt replies!!! I will try installing the relay. Doesn't sound too difficult. I'll reply with the results after I finish.

Thanks to all who replied to my original post. I installed a relay and now my lighter shuts off after I turn-off the ignition and open the door. This is a great forum!!!

indeed it is... glad you got what you needed!

Wow, that was quick!! Nice job and glad to hear it worked great!