ClubCJ - The CJ Lancer Club

So last night I was hard wiring my radar detector into my fuse box, and all the 15 amp fuses were constantly on, EVEN the radio one! The one that I finally got to work was the cigarette lighter fuse, that one is off when the engine is off. But how can it be that the radio fuse is getting power with the engine off? I can't turn the radio on or anything...

Next I wanted to install interior lights in my car, so I need power again, and I need power that turns off when the engine is off...and I'm going to have to go back to the cigarette lighter fuse...but that's too much isn't it? Running both of those items on the same fuse? But what else can I do since the other fuses seem to always have power?

I've searched all over for an answer to this and have come up with nothing.

I have a Lancer ES 2009 btw.

Thanks for any and all help!

you can always use an in-line fuse if you want to use the cig lighter, idk why they are always hot, did you have the car on accessory recently before you went to put in your radar detector? leds use very little power, so I wouldn't even worry about an in-line fuse

Well I'm not sure why it is the way it is, but I found another one that wasn't on all the time. The cigarette lighter was off when engine is off, and so is the fuse for the side mirrors. So that worked out I guess

Certain fuses will have power all the time. Ensure your ignition is off (key out), then test circuits again.
All additions should be protected by a fuse and have the correct wiring size to cope with the current.

Some things temporarily have power too... I don't know much about the fuses but eg you can use your power windows for a minute or so after you've taken the key out.