Rear cargo 12v outlet

[hrvstmn]

Hello All:

My 2013 Dodge Journey has four 12v outlets. Two in the console that are battery powered (always on) and one under dash that is key powered (ACC) as well as one in the rear which is also key (ACC). I would like to switch the rear cargo outlet to be battery power (always on). When I called the dealer, a tech told me to switch a relay in the under hood fuse compartment. However, it is not obvious which relays power what, and none looked like they could be moved over as he suggested. Gaining access to the interior (under glove box) fuse compartment cost me $20 in labor at a local Auto Electric shop to be told nothing was switchable or moveable there either (I could not physically worm my way into the correct position without proper equipment) They said it would cost over $200.00 to run a separate wire from the battery to the rear outlet. When I called the dealer back for further clarification on the relay under the hood, I was told that no-one should have given me that information and I should just "bring it in"...Argh!

Isn't there a relatively easy way to switch this outlet that is also safe? I am running a small fan off the outlet for one of my dogs and would like it to run even when I am not in the car. I compete in Field Trials and leave the dogs in their crates in the shade with the windows open and fans running while I am competing. The front two dogs are all set on the battery outlet in the console

Any ideas?

Thanks!

[jkeaton]

I'd like to know as well cause I want the rear outlet always hot. I'll have to look into this. I know on my Dakota, I could switch a fuse position to go from switched to always on.

[Neto]

If I were you, before I'd pay someone $200.00, I'd look into putting an additional battery back there someplace, charge it from the outlet (while the car is running), and run the fans off of that.

[Lobitz68]

I'd like this to be hot too... There have been many times I would have liked to have been able to use it quickly (camping, tailgating, etc) and was unable to. Keep us updated if anyone figures something out.

[B4ZINGA]

On my 300M, there was a fuse on the cigarette lighter circuit that just needed to be shifted in position to switch to always-on. I did that 5 years ago to run blue LED accent lighting under my dash and front seats.

I haven't looked it myself, but when you remove the PDC cover (power distribution center in the engine bay, beside the airbox) and flip it over, is there a diagram telling you the circuits associated with each fuse and relay? There is on my 300M. If there isn't, have you tried searching the internet for the FSM (factory service manual)? For the LH platform and LX platform cars I am able to get free PDF versions of that manual. I haven't looked for one for the Journey yet. They're separated by year, so any manuals for 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, or 2015 should have that information.

[jkeaton]

According to the manual, the rear outlet is only on in ACC or run. I did not see a mention of moving a fuse or anything about a relay. The rear outlet is on the same circuit as the dash lights and a few other things.

[Journeyman425]

I checked the TechConnect site for any additional information. There are no provisions in the underhood Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) or in the fuse panel behind the glovebox to switch the fuse orientation to keep the cargo area outlet hot with the key off. My 300M has that provision as B4ZINGA stated, but the Journey does not.

My suggestion would be to purchase a 10' extension cord (available on Amazon for about $10.00) and power the cargo area fan off of the hot outlet at the back of the center console and use the other hot outlet in the console as you have been. As long as the amperage draw for both fans falls under the 20A load limit for that circuit, that should work.