normanjp

I think it is the other way around:
Manual for my 2010 F-150 says on page 89: "Do not use the power point for operating the cigarette lighter element (if equipped).". This means that you may plug an accessory in the cigarette lighter socket; however, you should not plug the cigarette lighter in any of the power point sockets.

kostond

I wired an autozone "add-on" cigarette lighter adapter under the dash for my Garmin GPS. I installed an add-a-circuit to fuse #37 which is a spare in my fuse box.

I ran the power cable through my "A" pillar into the dash then across the back of the dash to the power point.

When I start the truck the Garmin comes on, and when I shut the truck off after a 30 sec delay the Garmin powers itself down.

Best part no unsightly wires on or across my dash.

Easy peasy

Abn150

For the 2010 you are correct. But the OP has the 2011, and in the 2011 manual it goes both ways: don't put the cigarette lighter in the power point and don't put an electrical device in the cigarette lighter receptacle.

kevinr7290

iTrader: (1)

What is the add-a-circuit? I've never heard of that.

zap

Basically a little thing that you plug in place of a fuse. On top it has two fuse slots, one for the fuse you pulled out when you put the add a circuit in it's place, and the other for the add a circuit. There is then a wire coming out of the AAC that you hook up to the power side of what ever electronic equipment your adding (CB, 12 volt socket, lights, switches, etc). The only thing to look out for: on the fuse panel you need a power when the ignition is "ON" fuse. If you find one that is constant power, just replace the original fuse and try a different fuse slot.

kevinr7290

iTrader: (1)

Got it Thanks do you think there would be a problem closing fuse cover with the added fuse sticking out?

zap

I'm not sure I just always would shovel wire in there and put the original fuse back in so it would wedge the wire into the block. The way I'd do it would generally bypass the fuse on the drawing wire so if that fuse blew I wouldn't loose my accessory or overdraw and blow the fuse on accident.

kostond

Zap is right on about the add a circuit. Make sure you get one for AGM (mini fuse). I cut a small notch on the cover passed the wire through it and then snapped the cover in place. On my '09 #37 is a keyed spare fuse. I used a 10 amp fuse. Don't imagine a Garmin Nuvi would challenge that.

11SCREWBall

I used my lighter as a power source for a gps and blew the fuse...Since fewer and fewer people are smoking cigarettes these days, I'm really not sure what the purpose of having it is if it cant be used as an alternate power supply

zap

Fewer and fewer people are also using the power ports these days. Most functions that you'd use one for is a function generally built into the radio now.