USB / Cigarette Lighter adapter question

[patomlin76]

Hi

I have just purchased a low-profile belkin USB charger that plugs into the cig lighter at the front. It is very low profile so the cover is able to close with it plugged in.

However I'd like to know whether I risk draining the battery this way, even when nothing is plugged in... there is a small red LED on top showing it is connected. How much power will this drain if it is left in overnight? I won't be charging anything on it overnight, just leaving it plugged in (and yes, these cigarette light sockets don't need keys in the ignition to work either!).

Thanks

[martin1810]

If it's a single red LED, the battery won't notice the current drain. It's possible but unlikely that it will stop the can-bus going to sleep. If it does that, the battery will go flat.

[rapport25]

I would say unplug it. I always unplug my sat nav. Same kinda thing. Has a small led on the plug. Dont really fancy risking a flat battery.

Also I think mine is the original battery 6yrs old.

[ToMBoY_C]

My sockets don't work with the key out!

[Guest 2]

I'd say leave it in, I leave my phone charger plugged in all the time and it doesn't seem to affect the battery.

Although if the car is sitting for a couple of days then I would take it out, just incase

[gingernut352000]

Mine still lights an LED even when key is out. 06 tdi sport

[Brydo666]

Same as Tomboy - when I pull the key out the power is cut to my front power socket.

[MikeM46]

Same here, ignition off, no power to the front (or rear) socket ... Dec 2008 140 tdi Estate.

Guess this is the safe option with canbus, not letting the possibility of something "meaty" being left "on charge" overnight etc. But frustrating in other ways!

[Stuart W2]

Mine still lights an LED even when key is out. 06 tdi sport

Not so sure about later models, but I was under the impression that ALL the power sockets (front, rear and boot, where fitted) in ALL Passats of that age were dead without the ignition on.

Not one of those LEDs that stays on for a while after the power is interrupted by any chance?

[NOSNI]

My sockets don't work with the key out!

Mine also goes off when the ignition is switched off .Very annoying when you have the sat nav plugged in and have to leave the car for a few minutes.