Solar panel charger in Mazda 5.

[m5pa]

Our 08 Mazda 5 has been relegated to 3rd vehicle duty. I bought a 12v solar panel to keep the battery charged, but I think it might not work. After all, the Mazda, like typical Japanese cars, turns off the 12v ports when the key is off. Anybody with any experience with this?

 

[Davebert]

Our 08 Mazda 5 has been relegated to 3rd vehicle duty. I bought a 12v solar panel to keep the battery charged, but I think it might not work. After all, the Mazda, like typical Japanese cars, turns off the 12v ports when the key is off. Anybody with any experience with this?

The 12V ports are disconnected when you turned off the car. You have to wire the panel directly to the battery or find an circuit that is always on one of the interior fuse panels.

 

[m5pa]

I thought so. I was hoping not to have to connect to the battery directly. The panel came with battery leads though, so it's OK. Thanks for the reply.

 

[Swenny]

The lack of Retained Accessory Power has always been a caveat of mine

 

[New5Owner]

The panel came with battery leads though, so it's OK. Thanks for the reply.

Problem was solved before you even asked the question.