Charger works with engine off in big rig but not in car

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the functionality of cell phone chargers in different vehicles, specifically comparing a semi-truck and a car. Participants explore why a charger works with the engine off in a Freightliner Cascadia but not in a car, touching on vehicle power outlet behaviors and device compatibility.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that different vehicles have varying functionalities at their "cigarette lighter" power outlets, with some remaining powered when the ignition is off while others do not.
  • Another participant mentions that this behavior can serve as a safety factor, citing a portable oxygen generator that should not be used without the car running to avoid battery depletion.
  • One participant shares an anecdote about a personal experience with a melted lighter, questioning why the fuse did not blow in that situation.
  • There are claims regarding specific devices, with one participant stating that their wife's BlackBerry refuses to charge from the car, regardless of whether the engine is on or off, while their LG phone charges fine.
  • Some participants humorously comment on the quirks of device compatibility, suggesting that certain phones, like BlackBerrys, may be "picky" about the power source.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that vehicle power outlet behaviors differ, but there are multiple competing views regarding device compatibility and the implications of these differences. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific reasons for the charging discrepancies.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific vehicle models and personal experiences, indicating that the discussion may be limited by individual circumstances and device specifications.

bluemoonKY
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I am a trucker. I drive a Freightliner Cascadia semi-truck. My cell phone charger will charge my cellphone with the engine turned off on my semi-truck. But the same charger will not charge up my cellphone in my car when my car's engine is turned off.

Why will my charger charge up a cellphone with the engine off in my big rig but not in my car?
 
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bluemoonKY said:
I am a trucker. I drive a Freightliner Cascadia semi-truck. My cell phone charger will charge my cellphone with the engine turned off on my semi-truck. But the same charger will not charge up my cellphone in my car when my car's engine is turned off.

Why will my charger charge up a cellphone with the engine off in my big rig but not in my car?

Different vehicles have different functionality at their "cigarette lighter" power outlets. Some keep them on when the ignition is off, others turn them off. My Suburban keeps them on, but I know several other vehicles (Prius, a Subaru, etc.) that turn them off.
 
berkeman said:
I know several other vehicles (Prius, a Subaru, etc.) that turn them off.
That is actually a safety factor (although I don't know if that was the intent). My portable oxygen generator specifically says to not use it on "lighter socket" power without the car running, because it could deplete the battery enough to prevent starting.

Geez... that just brought something from my kidhood back to mind. I was once very tired and fell asleep (in the parking lot of a hospital waiting for my father) behind the wheel of our '66 Falcon. I awoke to a nagging pain in my right knee, and when I looked at it the lighter was melted into my pants because I had pressed it in and held it there with my leg when I nodded off. To this day, I can't figure out why the fuse didn't blow.
 
My wife's BlackBerry refuses to charge from the car at all - whether engine on or off. My LG is fine.

I think the BlackBerrys are picky about the flavour of juice.
 
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DaveC426913 said:
I think the BlackBerrys are picky about the flavour of juice.
:oldlaugh:
 
DaveC426913 said:
My wife's BlackBerry refuses to charge from the car at all - whether engine on or off. My LG is fine.

I think the BlackBerrys are picky about the flavour of juice.

Wow, talk about an anti-feature!
 
Yep. Extremely irritating, since about 50% of our need for phones is to keep in touch when we go out.

Nothin' like heading put on a shopping trip and discovering your phone is dead. Guess I'll be slouchin' about outside the fashion shops...
 
DaveC426913 said:
Guess I'll be slouchin' about outside the fashion shops...
:oldsurprised:
Oh! The humanity...! :oldcry:
 

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